Barbara Ward, BSN., M.P.A., U.S. Air Force served during the Vietnam War era, as an officer and staff nurse at Scott AFB Medical Center, Illinois. She is a licensed R.N. in the State of California with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida and a Masters Degree in Public Administration with a focus in Health Care Administration from Golden Gate University in California. Ms. Ward is a visiting professor at DeVry University.

She currently serves as the Deputy Secretary of Women and Minority Veteran Affairs in California and is responsible for outreach efforts, policy development of issues related to women and minority veterans, and identifying issues that require legislative solutions at the local level. Ms. Ward is a member of the Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities and the Mental Health Service Act Steering Committee, representing the interests of veterans.

She is a board member of various community service organizations and member of several veteran service organizations. She has been recognized by several community and veteran service organizations for her passion and commitment in serving the community and veterans.

Her background includes extensive experience in health care administration, workers’ compensation and the health insurance industry. She has held several executive level management positions in private and public health care facilities.

Ward was elected Secretary at the 2011 NASWVC 12th Annual conference, held in Madison, WI. Ward was elected to Second Vice President. Beginning August 1, 2011 Ward will assume the position of Second Vice President for the Executive Board years 2011 to 2013.