80th Annual PVA Convention Brings National Leadership Together in Las Vegas
By: Mark Murphy, Executive Director
Last week, representatives from our New England Chapter traveled to Las Vegas to attend the 80th Annual PVA Convention. I joined Chapter President and National Director Brad Carlson, along with Kathy Carlson, for several days of meetings, organizational business, and collaboration with PVA leaders from across the country. The Annual Convention remains one of the most important events on the PVA calendar, bringing together National Directors, Chapter leaders, staff, and members to help shape the future direction of the organization. Throughout the week, delegates participated in committee meetings, leadership discussions, elections, and policy conversations focused on the future of PVA and the veterans we serve.
For our New England Chapter, the Convention provided an important opportunity to connect directly with national leadership and fellow chapters while ensuring that the voices and perspectives of veterans from across New England continue to be represented at the national level. Discussions throughout the week focused on a wide range of issues impacting veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases, including healthcare access, benefits, advocacy priorities, membership engagement, adaptive sports, chapter operations, and the long-term structure and governance of the organization. In addition to attending Convention sessions and meetings, our Chapter was proud to place a full-page advertisement in the official Convention Journal, highlighting our Chapter’s ongoing work and outreach efforts throughout all 6 New England states. The ad showcased our commitment to advocacy, recreation, public awareness, and direct member engagement across the region.
One of the most valuable aspects of Convention each year is the opportunity to strengthen relationships with other chapters from around the country. Conversations that happen outside the formal meeting rooms often lead to new ideas, shared strategies, and collaborations that ultimately benefit veterans at the local level. As PVA continues to evolve and address new challenges facing veterans and nonprofit organizations alike, these relationships remain critically important.
The Convention also served as a reminder of the strength and history of PVA as the organization marks its 80th year of service and advocacy. Since its founding by injured World War II veterans in 1946, PVA has played a leading role nationally in advancing healthcare, accessibility, civil rights, and quality of life for veterans living with spinal cord injuries and diseases. That mission continues today through the work of chapters like the New England PVA and the leadership and involvement of members across the country.
We appreciated the opportunity to participate in this important annual gathering and look forward to continuing its work on behalf of veterans throughout the region in the months ahead.
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