Seton Hill University alumna Veronica (Ronne) Zasadni Froman, of San Diego, Calif., was recognized on October 21 by Governor Edward G. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania.

“Ronne’s exemplary military career, followed by equally successful careers in public service and private industry, signals honor and respect to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As the result of Ronne’s leadership, cities, communities and schools are stronger, disaster relief and emergency preparedness plans are more focused, and United States Navy bases and stations around the world are operating more efficiently. Ronne displays for women and men what is possible when a solid work ethic, integrity, and optimism serve as one’s guiding life principles,” said JoAnne Boyle, president, Seton Hill University, who nominated Froman.

Froman, who was born in Uniontown, Pa., graduated in 1969 from Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Following graduation, Froman served in the United States Navy for 31 years and retired in 2001 with the rank of rear admiral. During her tour in San Diego, Calif., she served as commander of Navy Region Southwest, managing a $40 million budget. As director of ashore readiness for the chief of naval operations from 2000 to 2001, she was responsible for planning a $7 billion budget.

In February, 1995, Froman became the 16th female naval officer selected for the rank of rear admiral. She was recognized as the first female United States Navy admiral to be in charge of naval bases and stations around the world. In 1997, she made history again when she was sworn in as the first female commander of Navy bases in California and Nevada.

Froman’s military awards are numerous and include the U.S. Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medal. Ronne has also received numerous prestigious civilian honors.

Upon her retirement from the Navy, Froman joined the American Red Cross and through her leadership quickly and decisively developed “The New American Red Cross in San Diego” by refocusing the organization on its core mission of disaster relief and emergency preparedness. She was instrumental in restoring confidence in floundering local chapters after the southern California wildfires of 2003. During her tenure she also oversaw relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina victims who relocated to San Diego.

Froman was named the first chief operating officer for the City of San Diego in 2005 and was part of the city’s first experiment with a strong-mayor form of government. She was responsible for streamlining city operations, making city government more accountable, and ensuring that ethics and customer service became the foundation of the City Hall culture. Froman resigned from her post as the San Diego’s chief operating officer in 2007.

Froman then accepted the position of senior vice president for the energy group of General Atomics in San Diego, Calif. Froman’s naval career and strong administrative and managerial skills guide her work in helping General Atomics find business partners for its nuclear projects. General Atomics (GA) is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems ranging from nuclear fuel cycle to electromagnetic systems, remotely operated by surveillance aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electronic, wireless and laser technologies. For over 50 years, GA and its affiliates have been qualified by United States government organizations, including the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation, as a government contractor and facilities operator. GA and its affiliates also have operations in Berlin, Dresden, Moscow, Tokyo, Adelaide, Washington, D.C., Denver, Los Alamos, Oklahoma City, Tupelo and Ogden.

The Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania awards began in 1949 as a way to recognize influential women for their leadership, distinguished service, and contributions to the state through their professional and/or volunteer service. To be selected as a Distinguished Daughter, women must be nominated by organizations within the state for accomplishments of statewide or national importance. To date, 450 women have received the award and recognition.