Keynote Speakers

Dr. William (Bill) H. Thomas is an international authority on geriatric medicine and eldercare. He currently serves as president of The Center for Growing and Becoming, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing constructive, holistic approaches to aging and the care of our elders.

Dr. Thomas has published a half a dozen books, the most recent of which is What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World which was named “Book of the Year” in 2005 by the American Medical Writers Association. He has been interviewed by a broad range of television, radio and print media including CNN, 48 Hours, All Things Considered, Morning Edition, The New York Times, Washington Post and Newsweek Magazine, The CBS Early Show, and was chosen by US News & World Report Magazine as one of “America’s best leaders.”

Dr. Thomas graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1986 and holds the position of Professor of Aging Studies at UMBC’s Erickson School of Aging in Baltimore, MD.

 Dr. Robert Post is the Deputy Director of USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) where, as the Department’s spokesperson, he directs USDA’s programs to set national nutrition policy, and design and implement innovative and effective science-based national nutrition promotion and outreach programs, to improve the health of all Americans.  Dr. Post is responsible for the development and implementation of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and supporting programs, including the Healthy Eating Index and the USDA Food Plans.  He provides oversight for the design and implementation of USDA’s new MyPlate food icon, the new ChoseMyPlate.gov website, and the associated multi-modal, multi-year Dietary Guidelines consumer communications campaign.  Under the MyPlate public-private partnerships initiative, he is leading a challenge to corporate America, youth and research organizations, and public sector partners, to help magnify the reach of Dietary Guidelines nutrition messages by creatively working in ways that promote healthy eating practices and increase physical activity.

Dr. Post has 30 years of experience in food and agriculture public policy, food production and processing, nutritional science, labeling, food marketing, and public health communications and education.  He is also an adjunct professor in the Nutrition and Food Science Department of the University of Maryland. 

Cherry Blossom Riverboat

Boat Cruise on the Potomac – Wednesday, August 22, 2012
7:30p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Join us after the Opening Reception and board the Cherry Blossom Riverboat to see Washington by night from the water. Meet new friends and reconnect with longtime colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere from the deck of a picturesque riverboat.
Registration is free for Members, but pre-registration is required.

Cruise Highlights
MOWAA Members will depart on the Cherry Blossom from the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and sail north toward Washington, DC Sightseeing highlights will include Old Town Alexandria, Virginia; the Naval Research Laboratory; the U.S Capitol Building; the Washington Monument; National War College and Joint Base Anacostia-Boling.

History
The Cherry Blossom is one of only six Coast Guard certified working sternwheelers in the country. Named after the Cotton Blossom in the musical Showboat, the Cherry Blossom was built in 1984 in Palatka, Florida. The authentic split sternwheeler is a recreation of a 19th century Victorian riverboat and her features include ornate iron rails with a plush interior of brass and mahogany.