2 VA employees selected for George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program

Two U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel will be among 43 chosen scholars gathered in Dallas for the 2019 George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program aimed at individuals serving Veterans and those motivated to grow their skillsets, knowledge and influence across the nation.

Participants will gather for an opening session from June 18-21 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, where they will hear from former President George W. Bush; former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace; former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald; and former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

Throughout the five-month program, Elizabeth Jamison and Aimee Johnson will meet with distinguished professionals, educators and experts on post-9/11 Veteran transition issues and leadership development.

“Elizabeth’s and Aimee’s achievements complement VA’s organizational efforts to support rising stars who are dedicated to serving Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “Many people across VA often go above and beyond their day jobs to help Veterans. VA will continue to support diverse groups and individuals across the country dedicated to helping those who served.”

Jamison is an attorney-adviser for the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, whose leadership and advocacy are making a difference for Veterans across the nation, by way of both her external support of military spouses occupational licensing reform, as well as internal career and skills development at the Board.

Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker and program analyst for partnerships in VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. Johnson has made her mark by establishing partnerships that provide lifesaving resources directly to Veterans and their families and caregivers.

The George W. Bush Institute touts its commitment to developing and supporting effective leaders on Veteran transition issues. Each of the center’s program participant joins with a personal leadership project, where they can apply what they learn in the program in service of improving Veteran outcomes across the U.S. The 2019 class of the Stand-To Veteran Leadership program joins a growing network of 33 scholars from the 2018 inaugural class who are working to improve post-9/11 Veteran outcomes. All were selected after a rigorous application and review process.