NACVSO Member Monthly Spotlight - Dec
Name: Anthony Lewis
Role: NACVSO Operations Manager
Location: Washington D.C.
Branch of service (if applicable): U.S. Navy
What attracted you to applying for a role at NACVSO?
I’m dedicated to ensuring veterans and their family members obtain the benefits and services they've earned through service to our country. I’ve seen firsthand how much there is still left to accomplish for veterans. Before joining NACVSO, I was a National Service Officer with Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and then served as their Assistant Legislative Director. My background with veteran service organizations has always been rooted in advocacy and support for veterans. Unfortunately, not enough people know about the important work NACVSO does, and I’m excited to help change that.
What are some of the duties of your role as NACVSO Operations Manager?
As Operations Manager, I will oversee NACVSO’s day-to-day programs and operations. This means ensuring that our finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems are working together and running smoothly. I will also support the Executive Board and committees, which will allow me to stay in touch with the broader strategic goals of the organization. As the main point of contact for member and partner inquiries, I’ll be working directly with our membership to make sure they have the information and resources they need.
What is your experience with nonprofit operations management?
I’ve had the privilege of working in operations management for three different nonprofit organizations, both in Washington, D.C., and Ann Arbor, Michigan. My work has always been focused on ensuring that the day-to-day administrative, logistical, and financial tasks are handled effectively so the organization can focus on the mission. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in nonprofit management. In this role, I see an opportunity to bring my skills in operations management and veterans advocacy together.
What’s your experience with veterans and veteran advocacy?
For two years, I worked as a National Service Officer with DAV, assisting veterans in obtaining benefits. Later, as DAV’s Assistant Legislative Director, I advocated for critical improvements in veterans’ healthcare and benefits on Capitol Hill, working on issues like family caregiver support, VA healthcare access, and prosthetics. One area that stood out to me was our work with homeless veterans, especially during the challenges of COVID-19.
Each role has deepened my respect for the veteran community. Helping Vietnam veterans, for example. So many faced challenges when they returned home, and I’ve seen how hesitant some are to seek help, even after all these years. It’s incredibly rewarding when you can help change their perception and make a positive impact in their lives and for their families.
If you had one request for your legislators to impact the lives of veterans or CVSOs, what would it be?
The veteran suicide rate is one area where I believe we must do more to understand and address the underlying causes. There are not enough people actively asking why this is happening at such a startling level. Additionally, I would urge lawmakers, policymakers, and VA leaders to consult the CVSO community more often. The CVSO community has insights that could be invaluable in shaping policies, especially for issues that require a boots-on-the-ground perspective. Advocates like CVSOs can offer a real understanding of veterans' needs, helping legislators make informed decisions that will truly make a difference.
What else would you like members to know about you as NACVSO Operations Manager?
My primary goal is to support NACVSO members across the country by ensuring they have the tools they need to most effectively serve veterans and their families. Also, I believe that raising awareness of NACVSO’s work nationwide is essential to our growth, in both membership and national prominence. I believe that having NACVSO members in every state is within reach, and I’m excited to get to work and make that a reality.