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Katy Whalen posted an articleCongratulations to Amy B. Kretkowski, who received the Kenneth M. Carpenter Award for Excellence... see more
Congratulations to Amy B. Kretkowski, who received the Kenneth M. Carpenter Award for Excellence at NOVA’s 2026 Spring Conference!
This award is given to an outstanding NOVA member whose exemplary advocacy on behalf of veterans is admired by all. Amy started her veterans law career as a law clerk to Judge Mary Schoelen on the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims from 2009 to 2011. In addition to her private practice, she nationally trains VSOs and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Iowa College of Law.
Amy was a driving force behind establishing NOVA’s mentorship program and has been instrumental in providing feedback for our written and oral testimonies. She was previously awarded NOVA’s Pro Bono Advocate of the Year Award in 2022 and served on the NOVA Board of Directors from 2019 to 2025.
NOVA members say, “she has made an indelible impact on Veterans law by her determined approach in representing her clients, by her dedication to assist and educate interested representatives in VA law nationwide and her sound commitment to NOVA.”
And, “she wholeheartedly embodies what The Kenneth M. Carpenter advocacy award represents.”
We deeply appreciate her many years of dedicated service to NOVA.
Congratulations Amy!!
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Katy Whalen posted an articleCongratulations to Katy Whalen, NOVA's Director of Operations, who was presented the... see more
Congratulations to Katy Whalen, NOVA's Director of Operations, who was presented the President’s Award by NOVA Board President Christine Clemens at NOVA’s 2026 Spring Conference!
This award recognizes a NOVA member or employee for distinguished service and extraordinary contributions above and beyond normal expectations, as well as long-standing commitment to the association.
For more than a decade, Katy has played a central role in strengthening NOVA’s programs and operations. Over the past 13 years, she has worked closely with board members, committee leaders, and the broader membership to expand the organization’s impact and reach.
Her contributions span many areas of NOVA’s work, including managing continuing legal education (CLE) for hundreds of participants, coordinating conferences and webinars, maintaining the organization’s website, and serving as a key point of contact for members, non-members, and veterans seeking assistance. She has also been instrumental in developing and supporting NOVA’s mentorship program from the ground up.
Known to many conference attendees for her signature presence keeping sessions on track, Katy brings consistency, care, and attention to detail to everything she does.
Her dedication, compassion, and behind-the-scenes leadership have helped enhance NOVA’s operations and elevate service to both its members and the veterans it serves—making her contributions truly foundational to the organization’s success.
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Katy Whalen posted an articleCongratulations to Yelena Duterte, who received the NOVA Pro Bono Advocate of the Year Award at... see more
Congratulations to Yelena Duterte, who received the NOVA Pro Bono Advocate of the Year Award at NOVA’s Spring 2026 Conference! The Pro Bono Advocate award is presented to recognize achievements and a continuing pattern of excellence in providing pro bono assistance to veterans and their families.
Yelena has directed law school veterans' clinics for 10 years, at Syracuse University and now at University of Illinois Chicago. This past year, she obtained the first ever settlement from VA that included certification of a class, in Gladney-Chase v. Collins.
NOVA members say, “she is extraordinarily humble, generous, and kind…she has been a brilliant leader in our field. She has represented many veterans at all levels, inspired countless students to stay and excel in our field, published many articles in law reviews and other publications addressing cutting-edge issues.”
Congratulations Yelena!
- Wayne taylor likes this.
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Wayne taylor Good job 👏15 days ago
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Katy Whalen posted an articleCongratulations to the Stetson University Veterans Law Institute! see more
Congratulations to the Stetson University Veterans Law Institute, which received the Veterans Community Service Award at NOVA's 2026 Spring Conference! This award is presented to a person or organization that has provided outstanding service to America’s veterans.
The Veterans Law Institute has assisted hundreds of veterans across the country in obtaining their disability benefits for free while training law students, many of whom go on to work in veterans law after graduation. They have drafted numerous amici briefs to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court and has published several comments to proposed regulations, advocating for the entire veteran community. In the last ten years, they have assisted veterans in achieving a new projected lifetime disability compensation total of over $100 million.
Congratulations!!
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