Anthony Woods, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, named Chief Influencer

 

The Communications Board names Anthony Woods, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs, as a Chief Influencer. 

Anthony Woods discusses with Chief Influencer’s Anthony Shop the importance of inclusivity and challenging misconceptions within the military. Woods highlights the responsibility of military leaders to create inclusive spaces and engage in uncomfortable conversations in order to make progress. Furthermore, he addresses the need for the military to adapt to the changing demographics and identities of younger generations, ensuring that all individuals can bring their whole selves to work.

Secretary Woods highlights the importance of telling a wider range of stories to reflect the diversity of the military and veteran population and emphasizes the challenge of reaching veterans from diverse backgrounds and communities. Woods discusses his advocacy work for the repeal of discriminatory policies in the military that prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from serving openly and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that these rights are not revoked.

Woods points out that women veterans often do not identify themselves as veterans, leading to them not taking advantage of benefits they have earned, such as GI Bill and VA home loan benefits. Woods emphasizes the need to reach veterans wherever they are and ensure they feel included by telling a broader range of stories and utilizing social media platforms to engage with them.

Secretary Woods also encourages leaders in nonprofit and government sectors to attract talent based on the opportunity to solve complex problems rather than focusing solely on monetary incentives. Overall, he believes in creating a mission-driven environment.

Host: Anthony Shop
Guest: Anthony Woods
Producer: The Communications Board
Sponsor: The George Washington University College of Professional Studies

 
 
The Communications Board