2025 JETC Keynote Address
Opening General Session featuring Robert Irvine
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 8:30 AM
Robert Irvine
Robert Irvine is a world-class chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, who, over the course of 22 seasons and over 300 episodes, gave struggling restaurateurs a second chance to turn their lives and businesses around in the hit show Restaurant: Impossible on Food Network. He would know a thing or two about running a successful business.
In addition to his restaurant—Fresh Kitchen By Robert Irvine within the Pentagon—he also developed FitCrunch, whose protein bars, powders, and snacks are available nationwide; Robert Irvine Foods, which makes prepared, restaurant-quality dishes available in grocery stores and provides food service to military bases worldwide; and the Lansdale, PA-based Boardroom Spirits, creators of handcrafted vodka, rum, whiskey, and more. His new business leadership book, Overcoming Impossible, is available wherever books are sold. A portion of the proceeds from all of Robert’s endeavors benefit the Robert Irvine Foundation. Created in 2014, the foundation gives back to our servicemen and women and first responders.
***JUST ADDED***
Join us Tuesday, May 13, from 10:30-11:30 am in the exhibit hall for an exclusive book signing of his bestseller, Overcoming Impossible! Don't miss your chance to get a signed copy and connect with the inspiring author.
Jo Bass
Jo Bass served in the U.S. Air Force for over 31 years. In August 2020, she was selected as the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and the first woman to become the highest senior enlisted leader in any military service, making her a unique trailblazer and role model to hundreds of thousands of men and women. She retired from that position in March 2024 and continues to champion national security and policies that impact veterans and their families using her influence and platform.
Jo has vast whole-of-society leadership experience from cutting-edge technology to our nation's most sensitive relationships. She has written and spoken extensively on leadership, national security, innovation, risk management, international affairs, workforce strategy, and the understanding of generational diversity.
Jo is the founder and president of The Bass Group LLC, developing the leaders our nation needs and fostering a leadership style that breaks barriers, challenges convention, and ignites innovation. She is also a Strategic Advisor to the President of Columbia Southern University, an Ambassador for Hiring Our Heroes, an Honorary Board Co-Chair for the Military Women’s Memorial, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Mighty Hero Homes, the Robert Irvine Foundation, and the Air & Space Forces Association.
Jo was raised as an Army dependent, living in several overseas and stateside locations, and calls Hawaii home. She graduated with honors from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and now shares her time between Texas and Washington, DC.
