Vanguard Veteran LLC has named three Arizona women as its 2026 Civilian Veteran Champions for their work expanding opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members, and military families.
The award was presented at the Women Who Lead Summit in Tempe on May 28.
Each honoree made a distinct and measurable impact.
- Cindy Casaus of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors built one of Arizona state government’s most veteran-focused workplaces. She also launched hiring and apprenticeship events in the skilled trades sector.
- Jessica Pierce of Career Connectors spent 15 years helping civilian employers hire veterans. She has also served tens of thousands of job seekers across Arizona.
Laura Roman of Roman Realty Group has returned hundreds of thou
sands of dollars to military families, secured scholarships for transitioning service members, and co-leads an effort to build housing for homeless veterans in Glendale.
“The veteran community succeeds when civilians choose to engage, advocate, and lead,” said Kathy Gallowitz, retired Air Force lieutenant colonel and founder of Vanguard Veteran. “These women have turned commitment into impact.”
They join eight previous honorees recognized over the past two years.
- 2025 Civilian Veteran Champions: Patty Demers, Christine Gannon, Linda Luman, Sherri Smith
- 2024 Civilian Veteran Champions: Tera Calhoun, Stacey M. Gordon, Denise Gredler, Priti Sadler
Nominations for the 2027 award will open soon. Community members and employers are should nominate civilian women whose leadership has created a measurable impact for veterans.
Contact Gallowitz at [email protected].
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