Women In Defense-Capital Chapter Welcomes Van Eperen Public Relations CEO to Board of Directors

Women In Defense-Capital Chapter Welcomes Van Eperen Public Relations CEO to Board of Directors

Laura Van Eperen to Serve as 2008-2009 Programs Director for WID-Capital Chapter

BETHESDA, Md. –Laura Van Eperen, chief executive officer of Van Eperen Public Relations (VE PR), has been voted onto the 2008-2009 Board of Directors of the Capital Chapter of Women in Defense (WID-DC). The new Board was announced at the WID-DC annual meeting at the Army-Navy Club in Washington, D.C.

“It is an honor for me to serve in an organization of women who are committed to supporting and serving those working in the defense industry,” said Laura Van Eperen, chief executive officer of Van Eperen Public Relations. “Protecting and advancing the United States is paramount in the times we live in and I couldn’t be more proud to do my part through the Capital Chapter of Women in Defense.”

Van Eperen will serve as Programs Director for WID-DC under the leadership of Chairwoman Candace Vessella of BAE Systems. Van Eperen succeeds Maggie O’Neil Figueras of Orbital Sciences Corporation.

Susan Ebner (behind podium), WID national president, installed the 2008-2009 Board of Directors for Women in Defense – Capital Chapter (WID-DC). Laura Van Eperen of Van Eperen Public Relations (second from right), joins (L to R) fellow Board members, Communications Director Kristen Veldhuis of Lockheed Martin Corp., Chapter Secretary Vickie Plunkett of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Chapter Treasurer Susan Davies of WBB Consulting, Inc., Chapter President Candace Vessella of BAE Systems (fourth from left), Membership Director Laura O’Neal of Robbins-Gioia’s Intelligence Division, and Mentorship Director Nicole Rizzolo of Lockheed Martin Corp. Not pictured: Sponsorship Director Melissa Koloszar of The PMA Group.

WID-DC, formed in 2003, is the largest chapter of Women in Defense, with more than 450 members in the greater Washington area, and serves as a resource for networking, professional development and mentoring of other women leaders, specifically those working in defense-related industries.

Women in Defense (WID) is a National Security Organization affiliated with NDIA (National Defense Industry Association). The organization cultivates the advancement and recognition of female leaders in government and industry professions. Other newly inducted board members of WID-DC include Secretary Vickie Plunkett of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Treasurer Susan Davies of WBB Consulting, Inc., Membership Director Laura O’Neal of Robbins-Giola’s Intelligence Division, Sponsorship Director Melissa Koloszar of The PMA Group, Mentorship Director Nicole Rizzolo of Lockheed Martin Corporation, Communications Director  Kristen Dedinsky Veldhuis of Lockheed Martin Corporation and Past President Ann Elise Sauer of Lockheed Martin Corporation.