Karen Holt was elected president of the Association of Defense Communities in an ADC member meeting at the Defense Communities National Summit in Arlington, Virginia.

“It’s an honor to represent such a dynamic group of members committed to the success of our nation’s defense communities and to lead an organization approaching 50 years of education, partnership and resiliency – both inside and outside the gates – to become ‘one community,’” said Holt, who is also the director for the Harford County Office of Economic Development in Maryland. “It is my commitment as president to emulate the continued mission of ADC in its ability to positively affect military communities big and small across our great nation and serve as the preeminent defense organization supporting all branches of our armed services.”

Holt takes over for Bob Ross, who is executive director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs.

Tom Ford, previously the association’s treasurer, was elected vice president. Ford is director of administration for Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Scott Norton, executive director and CEO of TexAmericas Center, was elected treasurer.

Members also elected Brian Garrett to the ADC board of directors. Garrett is deputy director for military affairs at the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs.

ADC photo by Will Noonan