Julie Tomáška of Burn Pits 360 Named 2026 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program Scholar

Tomáška joins a network of 37 leaders serving our nation’s Veterans

Julie Tomáška, Chief Scientific Officer at Burn Pits 360 has been named to participate in the 2026 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program.  Stand-To targets dynamic leaders, including civilians, Veterans, and active military members, from various sectors nationwide who are dedicated to supporting our nation's Veterans and their families.

The 37 scholars hail from across the country and are gathered at the George W. Bush Presidential Center this month for module three. 

Over the course of the five modules, scholars will hear from a variety of distinguished professionals, educators, and experts in Veteran transition and leadership development, including Maj. Gen. Jeannie M. Leavitt; and Alex Gorsky, U.S. Army Veteran, April and Jay Graham Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute, and former Chairman and CEO of Johnson and Johnson; among others.

Tomáška serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Burn Pits 360, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for Veterans and military families affected by toxic exposure. In this role, she leads the scientific and research efforts that have supported legislative and policy advances — including the landmark PACT Act — while working directly with affected Veterans and families and driving public education on the health impacts of burn pit exposure.

"I am truly humbled and excited to be included in this program alongside such an accomplished group of leaders," said Tomáška. "The work we do at Burn Pits 360 is driven by the Veterans and families who have sacrificed so much, and being selected for this opportunity means I can grow as a leader in ways that will directly benefit the people we serve. I cannot wait to learn from my fellow scholars and bring those lessons back to our mission."

Each participant brings a personal leadership project to the program, enabling them to immediately apply what they learn to making a positive impact on Veterans and military families across the United States.

During the five-month program, she will develop her initiative focused on initiative focused on strengthening research and data efforts at Burn Pits 360. She hopes to expand the organization's burn pit registry and advance critical health research for the Veterans and military families it serves.

"We are deeply honored that Julie has been selected for this prestigious program," said Rosie Torres, executive director of Burn Pits 360. "The work of advocating for our Veterans and military families is too important to ever stop learning, and we are thrilled for the opportunity to grow alongside others who share that same commitment. The Veteran community deserves leaders who are constantly evolving, and this program is exactly the kind of investment that will help us do even more for the people we serve."

Scholars were carefully chosen following a comprehensive application and review process. They become part of a dynamic network comprising over 250 alumni from seven earlier classes, focused on enhancing Veteran outcomes across a range of issues. Many alumni occupy leadership positions in business, community initiatives, nonprofits that aid Veterans, government, and academia; numerous members are also active or reserve military personnel.

The program is one of many ways the Bush Institute supports our country’s Veterans and military families and builds on the organization’s extensive policy work in Veteran transition.

To learn more about the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program, please visit  bushcenter.org/veteranleadership.

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About the George W. Bush Institute

The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at www.bushcenter.org.