“Change happens at the speed of trust”
The White Oak Mission
Address the challenges faced by military- and veteran-connected communities through data-driven, cross-sector partnerships among its members for direct service and/or policy-level solutions — while applying a whole-of-family lens.
About the Collaborative
For more than 15 years, the White Oak network has served as the nation’s premier cross-sector forum for advancing whole-family solutions for service members, veterans, caregivers, survivors, and their families. Stewarded by Blue Star Families as secretariat, today’s White Oak Collaborative unites leaders across government, nonprofit, philanthropic, academic, and private sectors to drive coordinated action, especially in moments of national urgency.
With more than 140 organizational members, White Oak has seeded some of the most impactful initiatives in the military support ecosystem, driving measurable improvements in employment, stability, readiness, and quality of life, and solidifying its role as a premier entry point for sector-level leadership and collaboration.
Participation is by nomination and invitation. For more information, please contact [email protected].
Governance
The White Oak Collaborative is made possible by the generosity and leadership of its Board of Oversight. These distinguished leaders serve as the Collaborative’s governing body — setting vision, approving new members, and guiding the strategic direction that Blue Star Families brings to life. Their commitment makes this work possible, and their leadership strengthens our community.
Current Board of Oversight Members are:
- AARP
Juanita Jimenez-Soto, National Veterans & Military Families Advisor - American Red Cross
Randy Bagwell, Vice President, Service to the Armed Forces - Armed Forces Mutual
Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael J. Meese, PhD, President - Blue Star Families
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO - Booz Allen
Brendon Gehrke-Salazar, Senior Advisor, Government Affairs - Camp Corral
Sheri Oberhelman, Vice President of Development and Outreach
- Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Engagement - Hiring Our Heroes
Eric Eversole, President - Soldiers’ Angels
Vicki Sarracino, Vice President of Programs - TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Donna Hoffmeier, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications and Advocacy - Wounded Warrior Project
Jose Ramos, Vice President, Government & Community Relations
Steering Committee
To inform programming and stay closely attuned to the evolving issues facing Collaborative members, Blue Star Families is guided by a rotating six-month Steering Committee. We are deeply grateful for the expertise, networks, and lived insight these leaders bring—helping ensure our work remains timely, responsive, and grounded in real-world impact and concerns.
Current Steering Committee Members are:
- Army Emergency Relief
Brandon Robbins, Chief Operating Officer - Camp Corral
Sheri Oberhelman, Vice President of Development and Outreach
Board of Oversight Representative - Cohen Veterans Network
Brigadier General (Ret.) Mike Fleming, Sr. Manager of Community Relations - D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Stacey Hawkins, Managing Director of Research and Evaluation
- HireHeroes USA
Robert Lançon, Government and Community Relations Manager - Hope For The Warriors
Jordan Huffman, Senior Director of Strategic Alliances - Reserve Organization of America
Major General (Ret.) Peggy Wilmoth, President - Student Veterans of America
Faisal Sulman, Legal Fellow
Member Organizations
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Observer Organizations
- The American Legion
- American Psychological Association
- American Veterans Center
- Avalon Action Alliance
- FourBlock
- Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation
- Homefront Military Network
- Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area
- Marine Corps Association
- No One Left Behind
- SEALKIDS, Inc
- Swords to Plowshares [logo file here]
- VetJobs
- WWII Foundation
The White Oak Evolution
2010 | Breaking Down Silos
Blue Star Families convenes the first White Oak Retreat in response to findings from the inaugural Military Family Lifestyle Survey.
2010–2019 | Foundation & Trust-Building
Blue Star Families convenes topical White Oak Retreats for cross-sector leaders.
Participants build lasting relationships, establish credibility, and refine a trust-based collaboration model.
2020 | Rapid Crisis Response
Blue Star Families and the Association of Defense Communities, with support from prior White Oak Retreat participants, launches the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative within 24 hours of the DoD Stop Movement order. The initiative delivers real-time data, trusted communications, and streamlined national solutions.
2021–2024 | Strategic Scaling
White Oak expands into a national platform that unifies leaders across sectors around whole-family solutions. Membership grows to more than 140 organizations.
2025 | Proving the Model
Blue Star Families strengthens White Oak’s infrastructure — then puts it to the test. During the government shutdown, White Oak launches a rapid three-phase response to protect military pay, counter misinformation, and connect families to direct assistance.
Looking for information about the White Oak Retreat? Click here.