Marshall Usher serves as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, where he provides strategic leadership and supports the agency’s mission to advance meaningful career opportunities for veterans, service members, and military spouses.

An accomplished executive, Mr. Usher brings extensive experience in supply chain operations, procurement, business development, and organizational transformation across the aerospace, aviation, and logistics sectors. Prior to joining VETS, he held leadership roles with Ascent Global Logistics, NetJets, and Rolls-Royce.

Throughout his career, Mr. Usher has led complex initiatives, strengthened operational performance, and guided cross-functional and international teams. He now brings that experience to public service, advancing the mission of VETS and supporting those who have served our nation.

Kristen Pennamon is the Financial Operations and Oversight Group Director within the Office for Program Operations and Local Engagement for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As a public health official for CMS’ field financial operations, she performs essential functions toward the Agency’s financial and debt management objectives./p>

Throughout her career, Kristen has performed essential functions for the Agency in the areas of healthcare accessibility, quality, claims payment and program oversight, and prior to that, a nurse consultant—contributing to the Agency’s key claims payment policy development.

Angela Haylock serves as the ADA Manager for Salt Lake City under Mayor Mendenhall, where she leads initiatives that advance accessibility, strengthen partnerships, and foster collaboration across departments and the community. She oversees the Salt Lake City Accessibility & Disability Commission and recently earned her ADA Coordinator (ADAC) Certification, reflecting her commitment to advancing accessibility through professional leadership. Angela also leads the Utah ADA Coordinators Network, bringing together accessibility professionals from across the state to share best practices, collaborate on solutions, and strengthen disability inclusion efforts. She co-leads Salt Lake City's annual ADA Day celebration, uniting City leaders, community organizations, advocates, and residents to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act and promote accessibility for all.

Through collaboration, strategic problem-solving, and relationship building, Angela has helped break down silos, connect partners, and turn ideas into meaningful action. She is honored to receive the Next Gen Connector of the Year Award, recognizing her dedication to fostering partnerships, aligning stakeholders, and creating lasting connections that make Salt Lake City and Utah more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Mr. Charles Riley is an Anti-Harassment Program Manager for 78th Air Base Wing, Robins AFB, Georgia. As a Program Manager, Mr. Riley advocates for employee anti-harassment allegations for the Equal Employment Opportunity Strategy and Integration Directorate (EEOSI) Office. Mr. Riley advises unit Directors and Commanders on issues relating to unit culture, climate assessments, and focus areas while providing employees with awareness through training.

After graduating from Warner Robins High School in 1998, Mr. Riley joined the United States Air Force (USAF). Mr. Riley's military career came full circle as he completed 20 years of service. During his career, Mr. Riley served in a multitude of roles, starting out as an Aircraft Fuel Systems Apprentice, Journeyman, Craftsman, to Quality Assurance Inspector, Expeditor, Commander Support Staff Superintendent, and lastly Production Superintendent. In 2019, Mr. Riley retired from the USAF at Robins AFB, then became an Aircraft Paint Supervisor before becoming an Anti-Harassment Program Manager.

Ms. Wray serves as Acting Deputy Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Service, where she also serves as Public Liaison, Training Director, and Supervisor. She provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Department’s FOIA program while supporting the broader federal FOIA community through collaboration, resource sharing, and the advancement of government-wide best practices. She is committed to making FOIA more transparent, accessible, and easier for requesters to navigate while improving consistency and efficiency across federal agencies.

Previously, Ms. Wray served as the VA FOIA Service Supervisor, overseeing the Privacy/FOIA Officer Program, Records Management, and Release of Information programs. Before joining VA, she completed a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, serving in supervisory and management positions in Protocol, Aerospace Science, Occupational Health, Education, and Training.

Ms. Wray holds master’s degrees in Healthcare Administration and Emergency Management and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is a graduate of the VA Leadership Development Institute and VA Supervisory Course and holds certifications in Professional Management, the Inspector General’s Course, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. Her leadership reflects a continued commitment to public service, professional development, effective government operations, and accountability.

Josh Egeland started his career as an Ohio Licensed Social Worker working with local nonprofit organizations. After nearly a decade serving in various clinical roles—including direct practice, management, and program development—he transitioned to a public service role with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County, where he now serves as the Planning & Innovation Manager. In this role, he conducts work including Reaccreditation, Strategic Planning, Workforce Development, Informatics, Performance Management, and Quality Improvement.

Mr. Egeland's professional focus entails leveraging ethical and systemic approaches for data modernization and decision-making, driving better health outcomes for the region he serves and generating feedback loops for programmatic innovation. He has lived in Dayton for 20-plus years, and he takes pride in representing the city as a dedicated civil servant.

Andréa Lawson is a dedicated leader working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the Section Chief and Team Operations Coordinator (SCTOC) with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Serving in this role since 2020 and with the VA/VCL since 2012, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting veterans and leading diverse teams. Andréa holds a master’s degree in social work, which enhances her ability to lead with empathy and a holistic approach. Recognized for exceptional leadership, she fosters an environment of support, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She manages performance standards, oversees staff evaluations, and advocates for team needs to ensure they have the resources, support, and environment necessary to succeed.

Andréa leads with a servant leadership approach, actively listening to her team’s ideas and concerns, translating them into actionable improvements. She supervises 8 direct reports and supports 60-80 indirect team members, building a cohesive and motivated staff. Her dedication to team development includes prioritizing clear communication, setting well-defined expectations, providing access to training, and monitoring team members’ well-being and engagement. She encourages peer collaboration and cross-team projects to promote camaraderie and shared knowledge. Known for proactive decision-making and genuine care, Andréa strives to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in serving veterans, their families, and fellow staff.

Ron Lucey is the Executive Director of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), which advises the Governor and Texas Legislature on policies and issues affecting Texans with disabilities. He brings more than 35 years of public service experience supporting people with disabilities at the state and local levels, with a professional background spanning special education, vocational rehabilitation, healthcare, digital accessibility, and disability public policy.

Prior to his current role, Lucey served as manager of the Accessibility and Web Support Unit for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). During his career with DARS and its legacy agency, the Texas Commission for the Blind, he held a variety of leadership and program positions, including helping establish a statewide information and referral system and creating a blindness prevention program.

Lucey has also served his community as an Austin city commissioner and chair of the Austin Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities, providing accessibility and disability policy recommendations to the Austin City Council and five Austin mayors. That experience continues to inform his work with GCPD in supporting local mayors’ and county committees and collaborating with disability organizations and advocates throughout Texas.

As a person with a vision disability, Lucey brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work advancing accessibility, opportunity, and the full inclusion of people with disabilities. In 2010, he received the Governor’s Trophy, the highest honor presented through the State of Texas Lex Frieden Employment Awards, in recognition of his commitment to the inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities.

Lucey is a graduate of the University of Texas, with degrees in government and communications.

Andréa Lawson is a dedicated leader working for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as the Section Chief and Team Operations Coordinator (SCTOC) with the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL). Serving in this role since 2020 and with the VA/VCL since 2012, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting veterans and leading diverse teams. Andréa holds a master’s degree in social work, which enhances her ability to lead with empathy and a holistic approach. Recognized for exceptional leadership, she fosters an environment of support, collaboration, and continuous improvement. She manages performance standards, oversees staff evaluations, and advocates for team needs to ensure they have the resources, support, and environment necessary to succeed.

Andréa leads with a servant leadership approach, actively listening to her team’s ideas and concerns, translating them into actionable improvements. She supervises 8 direct reports and supports 60-80 indirect team members, building a cohesive and motivated staff. Her dedication to team development includes prioritizing clear communication, setting well-defined expectations, providing access to training, and monitoring team members’ well-being and engagement. She encourages peer collaboration and cross-team projects to promote camaraderie and shared knowledge. Known for proactive decision-making and genuine care, Andréa strives to create an environment where every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference in serving veterans, their families, and fellow staff.

Khadija Jones is a native Washingtonian and public-service operations leader with more than a decade of experience strengthening systems that support children, families, and communities across the District. Through her work with the DC Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, she helps manage the operational infrastructure that supports more than 100 funded organizations providing programming to thousands of DC youth.

Her expertise includes office operations, procurement, compliance, background checks, hiring and onboarding, vendor management, event coordination, and cross-agency collaboration. Khadija is recognized for developing a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures guidebook that improves consistency, preserves institutional knowledge, and provides staff with a reliable resource for onboarding and daily operations. She has also supported the processing of more than 2,000 criminal background checks, helping reduce the turnaround time for routine clearances from approximately 60–90 days to fewer than 30 days. In addition, she has supported hiring and onboarding initiatives, coordinated public meetings and major events, and supervised seven interns.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Khadija serves as Vice President of the Executive Board for Jessey’s Closet, Inc., where she contributes to the organization’s leadership and mission of supporting individuals and families in foster care.

Khadija’s commitment to public service is deeply personal. Having grown up in foster care, she understands the importance of safe, supportive community spaces. Out-of-school-time programs once provided her with a vital third space where she could feel connected, supported, and exposed to new opportunities. Today, helping ensure that similar programs have the funding, systems, and operational support they need represents a meaningful full-circle moment.

Khadija is proud to serve the city that raised her and remains committed to making District government and community organizations more efficient, responsive, and compassionate, especially for young people and the families who support them.