WASHINGTON – Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth swore in Kristen McBride of Huntsville as a civilian aid to the Secretary of the Army during an investiture ceremony at the Annual AUSA Conference on Oct. 10.

McBride is a retired corporate executive with more than 30 years in the defense industry. She is currently a part-time senior business counselor for the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s APEX Accelerator, where she advises small businesses interested in doing business with the government at the federal, state and local levels.

McBride spends most of her time volunteering for organizations that support soldiers, young people, education and economic development in greater Huntsville. She has been an active leader in the Association of the United States Army for 20 years, working her way from chapter secretary to third region president. She is the immediate past chair of the board of directors for the Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau. McBride holds a BA in computer science and mathematics (double major) from the University of Tennessee and an MS in computer science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.

“I’m honored to serve as CASA in our patriotic North Alabama community,” said McBride. “While this is an Army community, often only those with direct connection to the Army see what our all-volunteer force does for us, the values it promotes and the opportunities it provides for those who choose to be part of it. I look forward to helping tell the Army story, supporting our Soldiers as they ‘Be All They Can Be,’ and strengthening the connection Americans feel to our Army.”

CASAs promote good relations between the Army and the public, advise the secretary about regional issues, support the total Army workforce and assist with recruiting and helping Soldiers as they transition out of the military.

Each state, the District of Columbia and the five U.S. territories have one or more CASAs to provide a vital link 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.

Also added as civian aid was Ronald “Ron” Corsetti, from New Hampshire, a retired colonel with 34 years of service in the Army.

“It’s an honor to welcome our newest CASAs to the Army team,” said Wormuth. “As CASAs they will be great advocates for the Army in their local communities. I have asked them to help share the Army story to help young people see how the Army can give them a sense of purpose and provide a fulfilling career.”