Valerie Lavin Tampa Bay Defense Alliance Project Manager

St. Petersburg, FL – July 25, 2025 – Valerie Ellis Lavin, retired U.S. Army First Sergeant and Founder/CEO of Luminary Global, has been hired as Project Manager for the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance.

In this role, Ms. Lavin will lead efforts to map regional military support ecosystems, foster community connections, and enhance collaboration between defense stakeholders, local businesses, veterans, and government entities in the Tampa Bay area. Her appointment draws on her extensive military and civilian leadership experience to drive strategic initiatives that bolster economic and readiness impact for the region's defense community.

With 21 years of U.S. Army service—including key roles as First Sergeant for intelligence and operations units, US CENTCOM J2 Army Enlisted Leader, and deployments to Korea and Iraq—Ms. Lavin earned the Bronze Star Medal and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Post-retirement, she founded Luminary Global in 2016 (a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company providing medical solutions and tactical gear) and co-founded Action Zone (a nonprofit empowering veteran entrepreneurs), making her uniquely positioned to bridge military, business, and community needs.

This hire aligns with the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance's mission to position the region as a premier hub for defense innovation, workforce development, and veteran integration.

"I'm excited to bring my veteran perspective and operational expertise to the Tampa Bay Defense Alliance," said Valerie Ellis Lavin. "Mapping and strengthening these connections will create lasting opportunities for our military community, businesses, and the broader Tampa Bay region—continuing the service mindset that defines duty, discipline, and dependability."

Luminary Global remains independently operated and focused on its core mission of emergency preparedness.

For more on Valerie Lavin's work and Luminary Global, visit luminaryglobal.com.

Luminary Global is a veteran-owned emergency preparedness company founded in June 2016 by retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Valerie Ellis Lavin. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, the company provides high-quality emergency medical solutions, tactical gear, and customized kits to citizens, first responders, agencies, and military personnel. Committed to duty, discipline, and dependability, Luminary Global operates independently with no affiliations to other entities. Expect the Unexpected – Be Prepared. Learn more at luminaryglobal.com. Follow our AI Transparency statement for brand integrity details.