CT Office of Military Affairs Executive Director Bob Ross to Speak at La Grua Center August 16

Stonington, CT – As part of our Military Matters Lecture Series, on Wednesday, August 16, at 6 p.m., La Grua Center will present a talk with CT Office of Military Affairs Executive Director Bob Ross, who will give an overview of Connecticut’s partnerships, programs and investments to support the state’s defense industries, prepare for the next round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and enhance quality of life for service members and their families. Q&A to follow.

This new lecture series launched in January of 2017. “With the military being such a vital part of life past and present in Southeastern Connecticut, it makes sense for us to take a deeper look at its role in our local history and economy. Clearly, with the significant presence of the Navy, Coast Guard and National Guard, as well as Electric Boat and dozens of defense industry contractors, there are plenty of interesting stories to tell, with so many people who can tell them,” said Executive Director Lori Robishaw.
 
Planned future speakers will include Capt. Wes Pulver (USCG, Ret.), executive director of the new National Coast Guard Museum, and Capt. Paul Whitescarver, commanding officer of Naval Submarine Base New London.
 
Bob Ross serves as an advisor to the Governor and legislature on defense industry issues and is the primary liaison to the Connecticut congressional delegation on military and defense matters. He is responsible for coordinating state-wide efforts to protect and promote Connecticut military bases and defense industries. He also represents the state in efforts to enhance the quality of life for service members and military families residing in or deploying from Connecticut.
 
Ross is a retired naval officer who piloted aircraft carriers and guided missile cruisers before directing public affairs for the United States Sixth Fleet, encompassing naval operations ashore and at sea in the Mediterranean, European and North African areas of responsibility. He also served as a spokesman at the Pentagon and was director of community and media relations for the United States Atlantic Fleet, coordinating public affairs for over 250 ships homeported at 13 major naval bases.
 
He holds an M.A. in national security and strategy from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, and an M.A. in public policy and administration from the University of Connecticut. As a former city administrator for the City of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and former first selectman of Salem, CT, he has decades of experience in federal, state and municipal government. He is a board member of the National Association of Defense Communities, trustee of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and former commissioner on the Connecticut Maritime Commission. He is a former adjunct professor of public policy in the UCONN Graduate School and recipient of the UCONN Distinguished Alumni award for continued commitment and excellence in public administration.
 
La Grua Center lectures consist of a 45-minute talk followed by a question and answer session. This lecture will also be followed by a wine reception. The talk is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5. Free parking is available in the Stonington Commons parking lot at 32 Water Street in Stonington Borough.

Founded in 2007, La Grua Center is a nonprofit cultural center offering a wide range of programming located in Stonington Borough. Our concerts, lectures, art exhibits, and classes create opportunities for connection, expression, and learning. www.lagruacenter.org.