National Military Intelligence Association
Monthly Luncheon, Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 11:30am

Feature Speakers: Congressman Steve Austria from the 7th District of Ohio and Ms. Colleen Ryan, Vice President, Defense Programs, Dayton Development Collation

Topic: "Future of WPAFB Community and the Intelligence Community"

 Congressman Steve Austria is currently serving his first term in the United States House of Representatives and represents the 7th Congressional District of Ohio. The district is comprised of Clark, Fairfield, Greene, Fayette, Pickaway and Perry counties, as well as parts of Ross and Franklin counties. Austria is only the 35th person to represent this portion of Ohio.

Austria serves on both the House Budget and Homeland Security Committees. The House Budget Committee is primarily responsible for setting the overall spending and tax priorities for the federal government and will give Austria the opportunity to work on the important issues of creating jobs and restoring economic growth.

The House Homeland Security Committee was created in 2002 after the tragic events of September 11. Serving on the committee will allow him to address head-on issues such as global counterterrorism, intelligence, cyber security and immigration reform.

Upon his election to Congress, Austria was elected president of his incoming Congressional class by his Republican colleagues, where he is working with both Republican and Democrat freshmen to promote the legislative priorities of the new class.

Previous to serving in U.S. Congress, Austria served eight years in the Ohio Senate and two years in the Ohio House of Representatives. While in the Ohio Senate, Austria was elected to the post of majority whip, where he helped advance legislation such as tax reform and tort reform. He also championed legislation to protect Ohio’s children and families by introducing and passing into law Jessica’s Law and the Adam Walsh Child Protection Safety Act. Prior to his time in public service he was a small businessman and financial advisor.

The oldest of nine children, Austria grew up in Xenia, Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University. The Congressman has resided in Beavercreek for the past 20 years, where he currently lives with his wife, Eileen and their three sons Brian, Kevin and Eric.

Colleen Ryan - Vice President, Strategic Communications

26 years experience of executive management and leadership at all levels
Two years experience as an equivalent to a mayor of a medium sized city with an airport.  Directed emergency response, communications, healthcare, and logistical support for 24,000 people.
Led and supervised 5,100 people and had oversight of a $415M direct operating budget.
Oversaw initial planning and implementation of BRAC actions for over 1M sq ft of construction and logistical movements of more than 1,200 people and positions.
Led Presidential Advance Program, overseeing worldwide support to the President of the United States as he traveled.
Active in the Dayton Region as a board member of The Dayton Foundation, Children’s Medical Center of Dayton,  The Foundation for Community Blood Center/Community Tissue Services, the American Veteran’s Heritage Center and Antioch University McGregor Board of Trustees.

 Education:

1982  Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology, University of  New Hampshire, Durham N.H.
1987  Squadron Officer School (in residence), Maxwell AFB, Ala.
1994  Master of Science Degree in Aerospace Science Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Fla.
1997  Air Command and Staff College (in residence), Maxwell AFB, Ala.
2002  Air War College/Masters in Strategic Studies (in residence), Maxwell AFB, Ala.

Cost:  $17.00 for Members and $19.00 for non-Members