10/26/2026
Effective advocacy starts with understanding who holds influence, how decisions get made, and how relationships drive change.
Tomorrow, October 27, the IAVA Zach McIlwain Leadership Program (ZMLP) cohort will explore the strategy behind effective advocacy and leadership with IAVA Board Member Jeremy Butler, former IAVA CEO and Navy veteran.
From 2019 to 2023, Jeremy led IAVA as CEO, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, national security, and military affairs. With more than 20 years of experience advising leaders across government, the private sector, and the nonprofit world, he brings a wealth of strategic insight to the next generation of veteran advocates.
During the session, the cohort will dive into:
- takeholder identification
- Power analysis
- Influence networks
- Relationship management
Building a stronger veteran community takes more than knowing what needs to change. It takes knowing who to engage, how to build trust, and how to turn relationships into results.
Through ZMLP, IAVA equips post-9/11 veterans with the skills, knowledge, and strategic perspective to become effective leaders and advocates for their communities.