Department of the Air Force Civic Leader Annual Conference wraps up Published Jan. 31, 2020 By Master Sgt. Amaani Lyle Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- Key communicators and advocates for the Department of the Air Force gathered at the Gen. Jacob E. Smart Center on Joint Base Andrews Jan. 30, the final day of the three-day Department of the Air Force Civic Leader Annual Conference. As senior host, Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett welcomed the powerhouse roster of civic leaders, which comprises principals from a cross section of industries -- including healthcare, financial, automotive, real estate, and government entities. Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp was also on site to interact with the civic leaders while sharing with them issues pertaining to the well-being of Airmen and their families. The Air Staff-level program members are selected by Air and Space Forces major commands, National Guard Bureau, and the Department of the Air Force. The conference empowers civic leaders with a strategic perspective on key Air and Space Forces issues and helps create avenues to share best practices as partners and advisors with the service's senior leaders. This year, conference topics ranged from talent management strategies, acquisition, and budget to the Joint Fight and Space Force updates. On Jan. 28, the 48-member civic leader group visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling for an 11th Operations Group immersion that included engagement with The United States Air Force Band, the United States Air Force Honor Guard, and members of the Air Force Chaplain Corps. The conference is part of the Air and Space Forces' overall commitment to collaboration and communication with civic leaders who can offer valuable insight and community and congressional inroads.