The U.S. Office of the Secretary of Defense has selected Kerry E. Evers, Ph.D., Director at Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc. as one of 50 leaders from across the country to participate in the 76th Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) September 19 to 26th. The oldest existing Pentagon outreach program, JCOC has been held 75 times since its inception in 1948. This prestigious conference seeks to increase public understanding of national defense through a forum of free exchange among influential citizens, Department of Defense officials, and military leadership.
The program immerses civilian leaders in military activity for seven days and allows them to observe and participate in U.S. military life around the globe to better understand the full-scope of U.S. military efforts.
JCOC 76 will showcase the United States European Command (EUCOM), which maintains responsibility for all of Europe, most of Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Dr. Evers will visit at least five countries over the 7-day period; exact locations of this year’s conference are not known until participants are briefed in Washington, DC. on September 19th.
Selection for JCOC is competitive as over 400 names are typically submitted each year. Each conference looks for a geographical, occupational, and cultural cross-section of influential Americans who are leaders in their fields. Dr. Evers was nominated by the Department of the Navy on behalf of the Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC), currently located at Navy Station Newport, RI.
At Pro-Change, Dr. Evers develops and disseminates health behavior change programs with areas of interest including health promotion, international health, and the use of technology in healthcare. She hopes to relate her expertise in health care to improving the lives of U.S. troops.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will give me a unique perspective on the troops and their health-related issues. I’m excited for the opportunity and I look forward to returning and sharing the amazing experience that I know I’ll have,” says Dr. Evers.