Promoting research partnerships to improve veterans’ health

Non Profit Association Seeks Broader Impact

(Washington, D.C.) - The Board of Directors of the National Association of Veterans' Research and Education Foundations announces the appointment of Stephen R. Conafay to the NAVREF Board as a Class B Director. Mr. Conafay is the sole principal at The Conafay Group, a government relations and management consulting firm that specializes in representing biomedical companies.

“We are thrilled to have Steve join our board,” said Board Chair Priscilla West. “His experience, expertise, and passion for supporting veterans will be tremendous assets to the board and the 80 VA-affiliated nonprofit research and education foundations that comprise our membership.” Mr. Conafay is a veteran Washington, D.C. government affairs executive with decades of experience in non-dilutive funding, federal affairs and public policy. Mr. Conafay is a lawyer and a decorated Vietnam veteran. He served as an infantry platoon leader and was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal, among others.

Mr. Conafay has a deep association with the US military. His father served in World War I and then worked for the Veterans Administration for almost 30 years. His son John served honorably in the Air Force. “My emotional attachment to the military is one thing, but I believe my perspective as a lawyer, pharmaceutical executive, Washington lobbyist, public relations executive, and small business owner who has close ties to the biotechnology industry will provide some seasoned and imaginative viewpoints to achieving NAVREF’s mission.”