As assistant secretary of defense for economic security, Josh Gotbaum played a pivotal role during the BRAC era, advancing policies and programs that supported communities navigating base closures and economic transition. 

Gotbaum served as assistant secretary of defense for economic security from 1994 to 1995 and assistant secretary of treasury from 1995 to 1997. During this time, Gotbaum coordinated base closure recommendations during the 1995 round of BRAC. 

“BRAC was at the same time both terrifying and thrilling,” Gotbaum recently told ADC. “The military, knowing that politics kept open many more facilities than they could afford, was supportive but still worried. Communities all across the country that loved, supported and felt part of America because they were helping our national defense were worried that it all would end.” 

Gotbaum made sure that communities with bases wouldn’t be left behind after their installations were closed. His work helped establish the Office of Economic Adjustment (now the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation) and support communities with resources to recover after closure. 

“The BRAC process undeniably helped our defense, but what was thrilling was how communities, OEA and other feds, and state and local governments all pitched in to make sure that communities weren’t left high and dry,” he said. 

This profile is a part of the ADC50 Changemakers series, where we highlight members of our community who have supported defense communities and ADC over its history.