LVMC CEO Yvette Cope Selected to Vandenberg Honorary Commander Program

Lompoc Valley Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Yvette Cope, MSN, has been named as an Honorary Commander of Vandenberg Space Force Base. 

Cope, who became CEO of the hospital district last September, began her two-year commitment to the program on Tuesday. She was selected to be paired as the Honorary Commander for Col. Joi Dozier, the 30th Medical Group commander. 

"I am thrilled and deeply honored to be appointed as an Honorary Commander at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This is an extraordinary opportunity and I look forward to exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and building lasting friendships with the incredible men and women of our Vandenberg military community. I am especially fortunate to be paired with Col. Joi Dozier, and I am excited to collaborate closely with her as we work together to support the mission and those who serve." 

During the event Tuesday, the new honorary commanders were inducted in a ceremony and given a tour of the base. 

The Honorary Commander program is a military  initiative to promote public awareness of the Air and Space Force missions, policies and programs.  

“The program establishes relationships between local community leaders and unit commanders,” according to the Space Force Base. “They are invited on base to build trust and provide operational transparency to the surrounding community.” 

During the two-year program, Honorary Commanders are given a series of tours, have volunteering engagements, shadow with program leaders and more. According to the military, the program aims to educate non-military members and local leaders by providing up-close exposure to Airmen and Guardian missions and military customs. 

Cope is a 2012 graduate of Leadership Lompoc Valley, and serves on the Board of Directors of the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County and Lompoc YMCA.