ADC Recognizes 16 Local Defense Community Champions

November 21, 2023

Sixteen defense community leaders have been named 2023-2024 Defense Community Champions by ADC and its partner Navy Federal Credit Union.

The champions are “leaders on base, in communities and across local governments and industry who improve the lives of those in their defense communities,” ADC said in its announcement of the honorees:

  • Bill Adamson, Program Manager, South Sound Military Communities Partnership
  • Paul Albright, Chief Military Officer, City of El Paso
  • Gray Bridwell, Vice President, Abilene Military Affairs
  • Brian Dicken, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce
  • James Dignan, Principal, AMK Professional Services, LLC
  • Jana Evans, San Antonio Area Manager, Soldiers’ Angels
  • Marian Galbraith, Former President, Thames River Heritage Park; Former Mayor, City of Groton
  • Tom Hammond, Director, Plumas Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative
  • Elizabeth Hartman, Commander, American Legion Post 539
  • Mary Jane Jernigan, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army; President, Freestate ChalleNGe Foundation; President, Maryland State AUSA
  • Nick Lacey, Former Co-Chair, South Georgia Military Affairs Council
  • Laura Mathis, Executive Director, Middle Georga Regional Commission
  • Sherman McCorkle, Founding Director, Kirtland Partnership Committee
  • Barbara Proffitt, Greater Fort Knox Region
  • Barbara Riddle, President & CEO, ChamberWest Chamber of Commerce
  • Ron Sites, Executive Director & President, Fighter Country Foundation

Read more about the champions.

November 21, 2023

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