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Through Military Affairs Council socials, sporting events, networking opportunities and other events, we bridge the gap and keep our lines of communication open between the business and military community. MAC members also receive exclusive invitations to military events on Fort Liberty.

The MAC Advisory Council meets every month.  MAC members are always welcome to listen in and share ideas of how to make MAC more effective.

Your involvement makes a real difference in the lives of our service members and their families. We can’t wait to work together to strengthen the bonds between the military and our community.

2025 MAC Advisory Council

Chairman BG Ferdinand “Ferd” Irizarry (USA, Retired)
BG Ferdinand “Ferd” Irizarry (USA, Retired) brings over 36 years of distinguished service in joint, interagency, and multinational civil-military operations to his role as Chairman of the Military Advisory Council of the Fayetteville and Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. As a retired U.S. Army officer and entrepreneur, he now serves as Principal and Senior Advisor with the JMH Group, a DC-based consulting firm specializing in business development and government relations for the defense industrial base. A dedicated mentor and trainer for senior military staff in theater-level Command Post Exercises, Ferd also serves as Chairman of the Patriot Foundation, dispersing millions in scholarships to severely wounded service members and their dependents. His military career includes leadership roles such as Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, where he secured its designation as a Center of Excellence. Beyond his military and consulting endeavors, Ferd actively contributes to the community
through memberships in organizations such as the North Carolina Veterans Business Association and the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Board. He resides in Fayetteville with his wife Karen.

Vice Chairman Rob Patton, FDEDC
Seth Benalt, Crown Center
George Breece, Director Emeritus
Greg Dudak, Mercedes Benz of Fayetteville
James Grimes, 82nd Airborne Association
Eva Houston-Henderson, Houston Henderson Real Estate Consultants, LLC
Renee Lane, Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation
COL Chad Mixon, Fort Liberty
Jimmy Plater, Extension Enterprise Group
CSM Daniel Scott, Fort Liberty
Nicole Winget, Campbell University

Chamber Staff Liaison Jami McLaughlin

ABOUT US

Every day military personnel and civilian employees provide the talent needed to train, sustain and deploy the combat forces to America’s Crisis Response Contingency Corps and Special Operations Forces. In the time of crisis, Fort Liberty serves as the major nexus for massive troop deployment.

Becoming a Partner with the Military Affairs Council is not only a tremendous opportunity for members to meet personally with leaders from Fort Liberty, but it also serves as a networking opportunity for our military and their families. MAC continues to participate in other programs throughout the year to provide support and assistance, and works with other charitable groups supporting the military.

WHY BECOME A MAC MEMBER?
You benefit greatly when you become a MAC member:

As a member of MAC, you’re joining a vibrant network that connects our local community with around 57,000 military personnel and over 11,000 civilian employees at Fort Liberty, home to the Airborne and Special Operations Forces.

Here are just a few of the wonderful opportunities you can look forward to:

• Networking: Build personal connections with leaders from Fort Liberty.
• Community Relations: Join us at events and socials to strengthen ties with military families.
• Command Briefings: Get valuable insights into local military missions and their community impact.
• Advocacy: Help us advocate for policies that support active-duty military and their families.
• Newcomer Information: Assist military families in acclimating to our community.
• Programs and Resources: Access information on local business, recreational, and social benefits for the military population.
• Recognition and Sponsorship: Enjoy chances for recognition in Chamber newsletters and sponsorship opportunities.
• Special Invitations: Receive invites to exclusive events at Fort Liberty.