Colleagues,
The year 2024 has been a beacon of encouragement for our association. Our financial growth through December 7 stands at an impressive 11.9%. Top of the Hill revenue has not only met but exceeded our expectations, soaring from $475K last year to $634K through August—a remarkable 33% increase.
We steadfastly pursue an ambitious legislative agenda, and it was a privilege to meet with congressional offices such as House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (AL), Senate Armed Services Committee member Markwayne Mullin (OK), and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray (WA).
In June, we conducted a transformative legislative advocacy day for the Public Health Service, where over 40 advocates engaged with congressional offices to discuss vital funding for the Ready Reserve Corps. The outcomes of these discussions filled us with hope for positive developments on the horizon.
This month, Maj. Gen. Peggy Wilmoth, USA (Retired), and I had the honor of having lunch at the Pentagon with Maj. Gen. Vanessa Dornhoefer, USAF, and SGM Stuart Coupe from the Reserve Forces Policy Board (RFPB). Our Legislation and Military Policy Director, Matthew Schwartzman, has been invited to speak to the board next month. Gen. Dornhoefer has graciously accepted an invitation to discuss further collaborations at the March Executive Committee (ExCom) meeting. She will highlight the importance of ROA’s leadership role within CIOR, CIOMR, and UPORFA, as well as our partnership with the RFPB.
Moreover, our annual meeting in October saw the approval of ballot voting for conducting business and elections, paving the way for transformative decision-making. The ExCom has decided to hold elections and association business via national ballot at the 2025 annual meeting. Our leaders’ gathering is set for March 15-17, 2025, in person, followed by the annual meeting, October 17-19, 2025. Both meetings will be held at the ROA Minute Man Memorial Building in Washington, D.C.
Maj. Gen. Wilmoth has been chosen as the 84th National President, and since her election, we have been collaborating closely. Together, we are forging an ambitious agenda for the final nine months of my presidency, preparing for her transition. Dr. Wilmoth, Executive Dean and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of North Carolina School of Nursing, made history as the first nurse and first woman to command a medical brigade as a general officer. Her exceptional capabilities enrich our association, and I am privileged to work alongside her.
The National ExCom has been diligently meeting quarterly, dedicating 4 hours at each gathering to discussing our five-year strategic plan, Vision29. Strategic planning is essential as we define, create, and measure value for our association. We will continue to execute this plan with vigor, measuring our progress and adapting as needed. I am excited to release its logo and encourage you to visit our website and learn more.
I have also established the Governance Reform and Optimization Workgroup (GROW), comprised of influential leaders nationwide. Chaired by Lt. Col. Susan Lukas, USAF (Retired), this workgroup evaluates five core principles: corporate simplification, association expansion, leadership continuity, membership redefinition, and process implementation. This initiative represents a transformative shift in our governance structure and value proposition.
GROW has strict timelines and will present its recommendations at the leaders’ meeting in March. I hope these proposals will empower the association to thrive in a transformative era for member organizations.
As I conclude this update, I am mindful of how important YOU, our members, are to our association. Thank you for your unwavering commitment. Please reach out to me anytime via call or email. On behalf of Brooke, Sophia, Zachary, and Zoey, may you look back on 2024 as one of your finest years and move forward into 2025 with even greater success.
Layne (ROBO) R. Wroblewski
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.)
83rd National President
Reserve Organization of America