Sessions
Welcome Message

Rear Admiral Brad Rosen
Commander
Navy Region Southwest
A native of Randolph, New Jersey, Rear Adm. Brad Rosen is a 1995 graduate of the United States Naval Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science (with Honors). He also received a master’s degree in Public Administration in 2005 from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Rosen commanded Naval Station Norfolk, the largest base in the United States Navy. While in command, the Naval Station Norfolk Team earned the Commander in Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence. He also commanded VP-16, a P-3C squadron based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Rosen assumed command of Navy Region Southwest in May 2022.
He is entitled to wear the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, as well as several other personal, unit, and campaign awards. Read full bio
Keynote

Phil Blair
Executive Officer
Manpower
Job Won!
Human potential will be the next major agent of economic growth. But what does this mean to you? As the Human Age evolves, we will see talent and human potential replace capital as the new dominant resource.
Phil Blair will share strategies on how to be better equipped to go after the job you want by applying his proven methods. And you will be the one who gets to say "Job Won".
Phil's presentation will include but not limited to:
- Employers are now hiring for attitude and training for skills
- 85% of jobs are found through some level of networking
- First impressions are key to moving forward
Importance of Networking and How to Do It (Virtual and Live)
Building relationships through networking is critical to your next job! The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics concludes that “85 percent of jobs are filled by networking” due to many jobs never being posted publicly. Since 2020 virtual networking has become even more important. Know the benefits and differences between networking in person and virtually.
Takeaways:
- Setting Networking Goals
- Establishing and Expanding Networks – both in person and virtually
- Building and Maintaining Relationships of Value
- Networking for Introverts
Panelists:
- Chakri Bokka, President - Project Management Institute San Diego
- Phil Kendro, President & CEO - Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
- Virginia Morrison, CEO - Second Chance Beer Company
- Marina Rabinek, Founder & President - Military Women's Collective
- MODERATOR - Leah Sicat, Head of US Communications - ASML
Translating Military Skills to Civilian Workforce
A key step in securing employment after service is figuring out how to communicate your military experience with the civilian workforce. This panel will focus on helping you translate your skillset to facilitate a successful transition to civilian employment.
Takeaways:
- Where to Start - Learning Industry-Specific Jargon
- How to Tailor Your Resume to the Job You Want
- Translating Your Experience to Their Needs
- Available Resources to Help Along the Way
Panelists:
- Laura Bashore, Career Coach/Founder - Anew Resume and Career Services
- Tim Brison, Retired Sony Executive
- Janis Whitaker, President - VetCTAP
- Todd Yates, California Area Manager - Hire Heroes USA
- MODERATOR - Mike Ragsdale, Board Member - Gary Sinise Foundation San Diego Chapter
Finance 101: Utilizing Your VA Benefits & Planning for the Future
One of the many challenges that service members face during the transition from active-duty life to civilian life is the financial health of that servicemember and their families. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of various financial literacy resources to ensure a successful adjustment from military to civilian life for Veterans and their families.
Takeaways:
- Overview of services/benefits provided by the VBA
- Understanding Family Benefits - Education & Healthcare
- Specific California Veteran & Tax Benefits
- Budgeting for Post-Military Life
- Financial Literacy - Retirement Funds, Life Insurance, Investments
Panelists:
- Nelson Chase, Director, Military and Veterans Program - University of San Diego
- David Dearie, President - Enlisted Leadership Foundation
- Beth Juachon, Military Service Coordinator (MSC) - U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs, San Diego Regional Office
- David Yankaskas, Financial Representative - Western & Southern Life
- MODERATOR - Tim Mathues, Veteran Outreach Coordinator - County of San Diego
Your Future Roadmap
Leaving the military and entering the civilian workforce can be daunting and scary. There are a lot of questions and thoughts associated with these big decisions and one of the biggest is, where do I start. What are my priorities, needs, and wants? Today's panel will shed some light on where to begin and questions you should ask yourself as you either transition out of the military or just want to change jobs.
Takeaways:
- Steps for Taking the Giant Leap
- Selecting a Path - Education or Work?
- Creating a 5-Year Plan
- Value of Volunteer Opportunities
- Importance of Building Relationships
Panelists:
- Manisha Dhawan, Founder & CEO - MPath Coaching
- Melinda Gomez, Regional Program Manager - Hiring our Heroes, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Tony Teravainen, CEO & Co-Founder - Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)
- Laura Torres, Sr. Manager of Workforce Development - Blue Star Families
- MODERATOR - Chris Thorne, President - Gary Sinise Foundation San Diego Chapter
Insights Into How a Company Hires
Your resume made it through an organization’s resume filtering software, and they called you to schedule an interview, now what? This panel will break down what to expect during the interview/hiring process so you can put yourself in a position to succeed.
Takeaways:
- Hiring Process Expectations
- Resumes Don't Get You Jobs - Utilize Your Network
- How and Why to Research the Company
- How to Identify Companies with Veteran Hiring Programs
- Interview Protocols and What to Expect
Panelists:
- Josh DeBan, Talent Acquisition Leader - ASML
- Garry Garretson, Retired
- Irene Leal, Talent Acquisition Manager - The Arc of San Diego
- Evan Wahl, Director, Project Management and Site Strategy - Catalent Pharma Solutions
- MODERATOR - Chris Thorne, President - Gary Sinise Foundation San Diego Chapter
Sessions
San Diego Military Summit features 8 different sessions for attendees.
Admission & Parking
Military - $10
(Active Duty, Veteran, Spouse/Family)
Non-Military - $40
Parking - Free
MASK POLICY
All events will follow the current CDPH Guidance for Use of Face Coverings