A Message from NACVSO President - April 2026
Greetings NACVSO Members and Partners,
As we move into May, I want to take a moment to introduce an important next step in the evolution of our profession that reflects where we are and where we are going.
Over the past year, NACVSO has worked closely with leaders in California to elevate the role of Governmental Veteran Service Officers beyond individual casework and into a more defined and professional continuum. The result of that effort is now an NACVSO-lead leadership in advocacy fellowship—a structured program designed to identify, develop, and support GVSOs as essential community and government leaders capable of large-scale systems thinking and impact.
This 18-month fellowship program is built with intent and direction. It is not designed for those just entering the field, nor for those nearing the end of their careers. It is designed for seasoned professionals who demonstrate initiative, capability, and a clear interest in growing their impact beyond claims representation. Fellows will be expected to continuously engage, think critically, and apply what they learn to making real-world changes within their communities and beyond while elevating social understanding of this profession as an essential component of veterans thriving wherever they live.
As members, I am asking you to begin thinking about who fits that profile. Who has shown strong leadership potential? Who is already stepping beyond their role? Who is innovating at the local level? In other words, who among you can change the game as we know it?
Simultaneously, this program depends on those willing to serve as mentors. If you are an established GVSO with a track record of leadership, collaboration, and innovation, we need you. Mentorship in this program is crucial and an active commitment to regular fellow engagement is required.
For too long, we have had to explain what a GVSO is to those reviewing our budgets and approving our timecards. For too long, veterans have sat across from us saying they would have come in sooner if they had only known. The time has come for us to raise the bar and build real professional continuity. This is how we ensure that no veteran receives lesser service based on where they live.
We will be sharing more details soon, including how to formally nominate Fellows and Mentors. For now, the most important step is your awareness and engagement.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to be in Reno, Nevada from May 31st through June 5th at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino for the 2026 NACVSO Annual Conference. If the Fellowship represents where we are going, the Annual Conference represents how we come together to get there, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you.
Very Respectfully,
Andrew Tangen
President, NACVSO