COO & Senior VP
Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation

Girls Nation was one of the most powerful, formative leadership development experiences of my teenage years. Working together with other young women leaders on prospective legislation sparked in me a keen interest in patriotism. When I returned from these events, Auxiliary leaders in my hometown cultivated my desire for public service, which helped to determine my decision to attend West Point and become an Army officer.

My seven year tour of duty in the Army took me all over the world, where countless military leaders taught me about professionalism and selfless service. I finished my service as a company commander at the rank of Captain before attending Harvard Business School and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. I then enjoyed a career in the private sector working in financial services in New York City. I volunteered with the West Point Society of New York, where I served as Vice President of the Board and campaign volunteer for the 2004 and 2008 election cycles. Recently, the West Point Association of Graduates asked me to serve on the Finance and Operations Committee for the military academy, which affords me a great way to giveback to an institution that provided me with an unparalleled education.

Since leaving the private sector, my professional life is once again focused full-time on patriotism and public service. In my role as Chief Operating Officer for the non-profit, PenFed Foundation, I am overseeing grant awards for disabled veterans, fundraising and promoting the building a new multi-million dollar lodge for wounded warriors. This innovative and ambitious program, Defenders Lodge, will be a home-away-from-home for wounded veterans as they receive outpatient care at Veterans Administration Hospitals. I am committed to making the Defenders Lodge a reality.

I am thankful that my family and community taught me early on the values of hard work, patriotism and public service. As a result, I have attended some of our country’s best educational institutions, been trained by our nation’s best leaders in the military, and had tremendous private sector experience. I credit Girls State and Girls Nation as a key start to this incredible journey.