During an investiture ceremony on October 27, 2020, at the Pentagon, Secretary of the Army Ryan D. McCarthy appointed Shawn Olds ’94, from Falls Church, Virginia, as new Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.
“These are unprecedented times, and the Army is fortunate to have you in the community interacting with civic leaders, educators and businesses,” Secretary of the Army McCarthy said at the ceremony. “We have found that there is a dramatic correlation with CASAs and an increase in recruitment. CASAs are a valuable asset in the community and help make a difference.”
CASAs, a vital part of the Army, promote good relations between the Army and the public and advise the secretary on regional issues.
Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide vital links between the Army and the communities they serve. CASAs are usually business or civic leaders who possess a keen interest in the welfare of the Army and their communities.
“I am honored and excited that the Secretary selected me for this important position,” said Olds, a former U.S. Army Officer who currently serves as the co-founder and CEO of boodleAI and on the Board of the Code of Support Foundation, which help veterans in need. “This is an important opportunity and I look forward to working with the Secretary and other Civilian Aides to support and strengthen the bonds between the military and civilian communities in the northern Virginia region.”
CASAs serve a two-year term without compensation. Terms maybe extended to a total of 10 years of service. The secretary may recognize a civilian aide as a CASA Emeritus after 10 years of distinguished service. Read more.