Military Affairs Forum

Date and Time

Tuesday Nov 4, 2025
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM PST

Military Affairs Forum works to enhance communication and opportunities between the civilian community and defense installations. Over breakfast guests will listen to featured speakers update followed by community updates and networking.

Forum Speakers:

Listed in order of appearance

Ryan Spence Program Director, Manufacturing Industrial Council (MIC)

Over 25 years of experience providing unique design, fabrication and project management solutions. Spence's career path is fueled by passion and a commitment to community development, and innovation through thoughtful design, effective management and efficient execution of ambitious projects.

Maria Tobin Program Manager, South Sound Military & Communities Partnership (SSMCP)

An experienced innovator in bringing military and civilians together to address regional military-community-affiliated issues. Tobin possesses high-level experience working with military and government administration, requiring top-notch military cultural competency, team building, management, leadership, social media, and public speaking skills.

Colonel Joseph M. Vanoni Commander, 446th Airlift Wing Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington (JBLM)

Colonel Vanoni and his team ensure the readiness of approximately 1,600 Traditional Reservists, Air Reserve Technicians and Civilians to execute and support worldwide airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation operations. The 446th Airlift Wing operates and maintains the C-17A Globemaster III. Partnering with active-duty, Guard and civilian agencies, the 446th Airlift Wing provides support to Operation Deep Freeze, the National Science Foundation’s U.S. Antarctic Program. To learn more about Colonel Vanoni CLICK HERE.

Andre Elmaleh Senior Manager, Business Development, Non-Container Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA)

Andre Elmaleh is Senior Manager of Business Development, Non-Container at the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), where he leads strategies to grow automobile, ro-ro, military, and breakbulk cargo volumes across the gateway. Based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, he brings more than 28 years of automobile logistics experience, having worked with automobile processors, a global manufacturer, and a third-party logistics provider.

Location

La Quinta Inn & Suites
1425 E 27th St
Tacoma, WA 98421

Fees/Admission

$35.00 Pre-Paid Member
$45.00 Pre-Paid Non-Members
$40.00 Members Walk-Ins
$50 Non-Member Walk-Ins

Complimentary admission for Military Uniformed Personnel.
Please call or email Janice for your registration; 253.627.2175 janiceh@tacomachamber.org

Contact Information

Janice Hutchins, 253.627.2175
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