A Message from NACVSO President - March 2026
Greetings NACVSO Members and Strategic Partners,
March has been yet another defining month for NACVSO and our profession.
Just days ago, we concluded the 2026 NACVSO Leadership Summit in Washington DC. The event was a resounding success by every measure. Our members showed up in force, engaging directly with VA leadership, congressional staff, and national partners in the very rooms where decisions are made—and that presence made an impact.
On March 27, Ranking Member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, announced the introduction of the Veterans Benefits Information Protection Act—legislation aimed at limiting so-called “claim sharks” from using spam lines and other deceptive practices to collect veterans’ personal information thereby exploiting the veteran’s benefits.
NACVSO was proud to be included in the official press release, and our inclusion did not happen by accident. It is the direct result of face-to-face engagement, showing up, having conversations, building trust, and reinforcing that GVSOs are not just participants in the system—we are essential to its success and sustained integrity. When NACVSO is in the room, the GVSO perspective turns heads.
Lately, we have been repeating the phrase “Gone are the days of warm handoffs.” The same is true for advocacy. Zoom or Teams calls have their place, but they do not replace the power of in-person connection. When we engage directly, we shape outcomes.
Now, we must carry that momentum forward.
I am asking each of you to join us face-to-face at the 2026 NACVSO Annual Conference, taking place May 31 through June 5 in Reno, Nevada at the Peppermill Reno Resort Spa. This year’s conference will feature another exciting lineup of speakers, partners, and stakeholders who need to hear directly from you. When you are in the room, the reality of your impact becomes clear.
The NACVSO Annual Conference is a continuation of our collective effort to elevate the GVSO profession by learning from one another, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that the voises of veterans are heard through your expertise.
We concluded in Washington with momentum so let’s keep it going in Reno.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Very Respectfully,
Andrew Tangen
President, NACVSO