New Board Members Enhance Easterseals’ Military Insights and Advocacy

Three notable figures in defense and government relations have joined the Easterseals DC MD VA Board of Directors.

“I am delighted that Judson Johnson, Jessica Killin, and Alex Ware have been elected to our Board of Directors,” says Jon Horowitch, President and CEO of Easterseals DC MD VA. “Their collective insights into and commitment to the government and military sectors will enhance the organization’s ability to serve and advocate for the families who rely on Easterseals services.”

Judson Johnson is a Partner in McKinsey & Company’s Washington, DC office and leads the firm’s client development efforts across the U.S. Public Sector Defense portfolio. Johnson has over 20 years of experience within the federal government services and aerospace sectors. Prior to joining McKinsey in 2012, he was Vice President for Intercom Federal Systems. He has also led business development organizations for Fortune 500 organizations. Prior to his career in the private sector, Johnson served as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Navy.

“Easterseals serves the needs of communities I care deeply about: children and their families in support of childhood development and military veterans,” says Johnson. “Through my father‘s military silver service over 80 years ago, to my wife’s and my journey as parents of a child with special needs, I am humbled by both the need and opportunity I’ve been placed in to help make a difference that endures.”

Jessica Killin most recently served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff to the Second Gentleman of the United States during the Biden Administration. She had previously served as Chief of Staff in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as Assistant Vice President of Federal Government Relations at USAA. She has also been a Teaching Fellow at the Georgetown University Law Center. Killin served for eight years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of Captain.

Killin notes: “After working in the public and private sectors for 30 years in varying positions of leadership and management, I am excited to give back to my community and utilize my skills in the non-profit sector. I am especially drawn to Easterseals because of its expansive and varied services and its focus on the local community’s needs. I hope to help our organization be nimble and responsive to changes in funding and support and grow services where needed.”

Alexander Ware is currently Director of External Affairs at Humana Military, where he is responsible for interfacing with military and veteran service organizations and preparing the firm’s leaders for Congressional meetings and policy briefings. He also serves as policy adviser to Humana Military’s executive council and as liaison for 350 Congressional offices and professional staff on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, as well as the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees. Previously, Ware was a Congressional Relations Officer in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. He has served in the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy, where he served as Public Affairs Officer.

“The work Easterseals does is personally important to me,” Ware explains. “As a veteran, I recognize the support they give through their mental health programs and how much they give back to military families. As a son whose father is battling Parkinson's, I see Easterseals’ importance to people across a spectrum of disabilities and their families. These missions are powerful support tools for community and I want to be a part of it.”

Each of the new members begins their service on the Board of Directors immediately.