Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) Today, Mayor Bowser announces the appointment of Ely S. Ross as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs effective September 19, 2016. Director Ross, a third-generation veteran, previously served as the Attorney-Advisor for the Office of Proceedings & the Office of Government and Public Affairs at the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.   

“With 17 years of strong leadership experience and having served our country during Operation Iraqi Freedom, I have no doubt that Ely S. Ross will be an asset at the helm of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “He has served in advisory positions with both the General Services Administration as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – experience that well-equips him to serve veterans in all eight wards of the District.” 

The Ward 6 resident was designated as an Aviation Crew Chief on the CH-53D Sea Stallion after completing basic training with the United States Marine Corps. He was permanently stationed with the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, better known as the “Ugly Angels,” located on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Originally from Eagle River, Alaska, Ross has held management positions in flight operations, maintenance, and quality assurance while stationed with Squadron 362.  

Ross has received six performance awards, an Air Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, a Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and many more awards and recognitions. His volunteer work includes serving as the co-president of the Penn State Law D.C. alumni chapter, and a career coach and mentor for Penn State University. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Hawaii Pacific University and his Juris Doctorate from Penn State University School of Law.

The incoming Director will be joined in the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs, now located at the John A. Wilson Building, by two native Washingtonians, Carole McDowney, Ward 7 resident and veteran of the Army National Guard, and Ward 8 resident Tynisha Owens, each serving as Community Outreach Specialists to engage District veterans.