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2024 VETSports Gala - Special Guests below

VA Deputy Secretary

The Honorable Tanya Bradsher was nominated by President Biden to serve as the 10th Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Ms. Bradsher’s nomination was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 14, 2023, and she was sworn in on September 20, 2023. In this role, Deputy Secretary Bradsher helps lead the Department of Veterans Affairs as it continues to deliver more care and more benefits to more Veterans than ever before in the nation’s history.

Upon her confirmation, Ms. Bradsher said, “As deputy secretary, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure that every Veteran gets the world-class care and benefits they deserve. This is the honor of a lifetime, and I am forever grateful to President Biden and Secretary McDonough for this opportunity to serve our nation’s heroes.”

Ms. Bradsher is a combat Veteran who served for 20 years in the United States Army. She enlisted in 1993 and was commissioned in 1994 from the Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Her major assignments included Spokesperson on the White House National Security Council for the Department of Defense, Asia, Africa, Western Hemisphere, counter-terrorism, and detainee policies; Defense Press Officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs at the Pentagon; Brigade Public Affairs Officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Deputy Public Affairs officer, 8th U.S. Army; Commander, Delta Company 516th Battalion, and Executive Officer, 1st Replacement Company, 8th Personnel Support Command.

In March 2021, Ms. Tanya Bradsher was selected by Secretary McDonough to serve as the Chief of Staff for Veterans Affairs. Prior to being named VA’s Chief of Staff, Ms. Bradsher served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Partnerships and Global Engagement on the National Security Staff in the Executive Office of the President. She previously served as the Chief of Staff to Congressman Don Beyer in Virginia’s 8th District. Before working on the Hill, Ms. Bradsher was the Chief of Communications for the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Prior to joining APA, she served at the Defense Health Agency as the Chief for Communications Plans and Operation in the Office of Public Affairs.

During the Obama Administration, Ms. Bradsher served as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security where she oversaw public outreach, media, and incident communications efforts and served as the principal communications advisor to the Secretary. Prior to joining DHS, she served at the White House as the Assistant Director, Office of Public Engagement, where she led Veteran, Wounded Warrior, and Military Family Outreach initiatives. Ms. Bradsher earned her M.A. in Strategic Communications from George Washington University and her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She received numerous military awards, including the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star. She and her husband, Colonel (Retired) John Bradsher, have three children.

Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for Automated Benefits Delivery

Paul is currently the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary for the Office of Automated Benefits Delivery for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role, he is responsible for VBA’s digital transformation strategy, including the delivery of automation capabilities to modernize the claims process, evolving the use of data to streamline operations, and expanding the adoption of digital self-service products to improve Veterans’ experience.

Prior to his current assignment, Paul served as the Director of Benefits Automation for the Veterans Benefits Administration. He was responsible for the development and implementation of automation capabilities to improve customer experience and benefit delivery for Veterans. While serving in this role he led the development of Automated Decision Support functionality that automates administrative tasks and workflows assisting claims processors in making fast, accurate, consistent, and equitable claim decisions for Veterans.

He’s also improved the digital experience for Veterans and Service members by creating self-service claim products on VA.gov.

Paul began his career with VA in 2008 at the St. Paul Regional Office, serving as a Veterans Service Representative and Rating Veterans Service Representative. He’s also a senior fellow of the Excellence in Government program with the Partnership for Public Service and was a finalist for a 2019 Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medal in the category of management excellence.

Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Office of Strategic Sourcing in the Office of Information and Technology (OIT)

Luwanda F. Jones currently holds the role of Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) for the Office of Strategic Sourcing within the Office of Information and Technology (OIT). In this capacity, she provides vital executive oversight and leadership in developing strategies to manage and optimize IT acquisition actions worth over $4 billion annually across the Department. Her responsibilities extend to ensuring compliance with the Federal IT Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) and implementing policies and guidelines for IT acquisitions.

Before assuming her current position, Jones served as the Executive Director for IT Acquisition Strategic and IT Space/Facilities Management in OIT. During this tenure, she played a pivotal role as the OIT representative in the VA Strategic Capital Investment Planning (SCIP) process, overseeing major and minor construction projects to address IT infrastructure needs across the VA enterprise. Managing a vast portfolio of facilities and projects valued at approximately $68 million, she demonstrated her expertise in strategic planning and resource management.

Jones brings a wealth of experience from her 28-year career in the U.S. Army, where she held various senior acquisition and information technology roles. A graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and certified in Program Management and Information Technology, she continues to leverage her extensive knowledge and skills to drive impactful strategies and initiatives in IT acquisition and management within the federal government.

2024 VETSPORTSGALA’S EMCEE

Jonathan Elias is one of the most decorated local Anchor / Reporters in the Country. For more than 30 years he has covered some of the biggest stories including the L.A. Riots, Oklahoma City bombing, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and was the only reporter to be standing on the finish line at the Boston Marathon bombing. He is the recipient of five National awards - 3 George Foster Peabody Awards, A National Emmy Award, and an Alfred I. DuPont.

His work has also earned him more than 36 Regional Emmy Awards. In addition, he has served the United States Military as an Instructor at the U.S. Army War College. His boot camp style approach to teaching Senior Commanders has gone a long way in preparing these men and women to be comfortable in every setting. He has since started his own company called Critical Communications LLC, and works to give media training to not just military members, but also civilians.

Elias has also just published his first book entitled 'Burn'. A novel, where a squad of retired special operators go around the Country eliminating those criminals who gamed the justice system to remain free.

Olympic Gold Medalist

Dominique Dawes, renowned as an Olympic Gold Medalist and three-time Olympian, has left an indelible mark as a brand ambassador and motivational speaker. Notably, she is the sole American gymnast to have medaled in the team competition across three separate Olympic Games, achieving the groundbreaking feat of being the first African-American gymnast to secure an Olympic Gold medal. Her triumphs at the 1996 Atlanta Games, where she clinched an individual bronze medal with a remarkable floor exercise, further solidified her legacy in the annals of gymnastic history, earning her a well-deserved place in the USOC Hall of Fame.

In addition to her stellar athletic career, Dominique Dawes has dedicated herself to fostering a healthy and supportive environment within the gymnastics community through her ownership of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies. Dawes launched her first academy in July 2020, with plans underway for a second location. Dawes' influence extends beyond gymnastics; she holds minority ownership in the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League and has played a prominent role in promoting fitness and sports during her tenure as co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition under the Obama administration, alongside NFL Quarterback Drew Brees.

Recently, Dawes showcased her talent as an Executive Producer in the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, offering an intimate look at the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts leading up to the Tokyo Olympics. Her remarkable achievements have been recognized by her alma mater, the University of Maryland, where she was inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. Montgomery County, Maryland, is set to honor her enduring legacy with a life-sized statue, a testament to her ongoing inspiration for the next generation across sports, culture, and beyond.

Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy

Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient

Kyle White's journey of dedication and valor began with his enlistment in the U.S. Army, where he honed his skills through rigorous military education and training. His exceptional service led to his heroic actions in Afghanistan, earning him the prestigious Medal of Honor for bravery and leadership under fire. Transitioning into civilian life, Kyle now serves as the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Eleven09, channeling his expertise into operations, strategic planning, and consultation to deliver impactful solutions.

Beyond his professional role, Kyle remains deeply committed to advocating for service members and veterans. He plays a pivotal role in honoring Medal of Honor recipients as the Treasurer and Washington DC agent for the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Additionally, he serves as an ambassador for the COHEN Veterans Network, championing initiatives in employment, education, and mental healthcare for veterans.

Kyle's dedication extends to active involvement in organizations like VETSports, promoting veteran engagement, community service, and responsible citizenship. Through his ongoing efforts, Kyle exemplifies a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact and advocating for the well-being and advancement of the veteran community.

Director of the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA), Colonel (retired)

Colonel (retired) Charlette K. Woodard, Director of the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs (MOVA), hails from Washington, D.C., and her role allows her to continue her dedicated service to the veteran community. With 30 years of experience in the Department of the Army, specializing in Human Resources Management, Strategic Planning, and Operation Management, she brings a wealth of expertise to her position. She is known for her strategic leadership in personnel management, including recruitment, compensation policy, and career development, and for fostering strong relationships with stakeholders for effective collaboration.

Throughout her career, Colonel Woodard has undertaken various assignments globally, including her role as the Assistant Director of Reserve Compensation at the Pentagon, where she significantly influenced personnel management and compensation policies for the Reserve Component (RC) workforce. Her leadership also extends to commanding a base in Devens, MA, and holding key positions such as Personnel Officer Branch Chief at the Pentagon and Director of Human Resources for the 377th Theater Sustainment Command in Belle Chasse, LA.

Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal, highlighting her commitment to excellence and service to the nation.

USAID’s Chief Information Officer

Jason Gray currently serves as USAID's Chief Information Officer. He has more than two decades of leadership in management, operations, and handling of large information technology (IT) portfolios.

Mr. Gray’s career began at Lockheed Martin, where he worked first as a Systems Engineer and Analyst, and later in a management role for more than a decade. He has also spent time in the healthcare field as CIO of the Miami VA Healthcare System and as Chief Technology Officer of the National Naval Medical Center. He later applied these skills in his role as the Associate CIO at the Department of Transportation (DOT) where he managed DOT’s $3.5 billion IT portfolio and led on IT policy and oversight for information governance, compliance, and departmental policy. Most recently, he has served as the CIO for the Department of Education (Ed), where he oversaw $844 million in annual IT investments, and an annual Office of the CIO operating budget of $121 million.

In addition to serving as CIO, Mr. Gray will be the Authorizing Official for all USAID IT systems, the Senior Accountable Official for Supply Chain Risk Management (SAO SCRM), and the Co-Chair of the IT Steering Subcommittee.

Deputy Federal Chief Information Officer, Office of Management and Budget

Drew Myklegard serves as the Deputy Federal CIO within the White House tech policy office, overseeing technology modernization and mission delivery with responsibility for managing over $120B in Federal IT spending. Prior to this role, he held positions of significant impact, including Executive Director of Product Engineering at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). During his tenure at the VA, Myklegard led the implementation of the Lighthouse Application Programming Interface (API) Platform, a groundbreaking initiative that empowered over 6 million veterans to securely share their health and benefits data, transforming how veterans engage with their healthcare.

In addition to his public service achievements, Myklegard is an active member of the Army Reserves and has completed a tour in Iraq. His experience and leadership were recognized when he joined the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as the associate deputy federal CIO in January 2022, bringing his extensive knowledge in software engineering, data analytics, and veteran experience to the federal IT landscape.

As Deputy Federal CIO, Myklegard has played a pivotal role in supporting the execution of key initiatives such as the President’s Management Agenda, executive orders on cybersecurity and customer experience, and IT modernization efforts across government. His focus on implementing DevSecOps strategies has enabled OMB to deploy secure and timely capabilities while fostering a culture of innovation and trust within the organization. Martorana, Federal CIO, expressed confidence in Myklegard's ability to drive secure, modern solutions and deliver a better government experience through technology.

Assistant Chief Information Officer for Rural Development.

Tim McCrosson currently serves as the Assistant Chief Information Officer for Rural Development, focusing on enhancing IT capabilities to support mission delivery and operations within the Mission Area. His extensive career includes remarkable achievements and contributions to the federal IT landscape.

Previously, Tim held pivotal roles such as the Associate CIO for the Client Experience Center (CEC) and the Deputy Branch Chief for Cybersecurity Performance Management at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within the Department of Homeland Security. During his tenure, Tim spearheaded initiatives to refine data collection methods, pioneered quantitative risk analysis approaches, and contributed significantly to policy changes impacting IT budgeting, agile development, accessibility, and portfolio management.

Tim's federal career began at Housing and Urban Development, where he started as a Web Manager and later became the project manager for re-engineering the largest grant system in the Department. He has also supported legislative efforts and oversight hearings while serving with the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee in the Senate.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tim is a dedicated family man and enjoys engaging in various outdoor activities. He is passionate about soccer, both as a player and coach, and also loves trail running, kayaking, and biking, especially with his kids.

Federal Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Management and Budget

Chris DeRusha serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst in the Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). In this crucial role, he oversees cybersecurity programs and initiatives for the Federal Government while providing strategic guidance to White House leadership on cybersecurity investment and policy decisions.

Prior to his current position, DeRusha held key roles in cybersecurity across various sectors. Notably, he served as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Biden for President campaign and previously as the Chief Security Officer for the State of Michigan. His extensive experience also includes a significant tenure at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where he contributed as an Advisor to the Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity and held roles as a Cybersecurity Strategist and Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary.

With a diverse background that includes advising senior executives in strategic advisory firms and leading cybersecurity programs at Ford Motor Company, DeRusha brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work. He holds a Master’s in Security Studies from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from James Madison University, underscoring his commitment to excellence and continuous learning in the cybersecurity domain.