Each of our divisions oversees an important component of mission-related work. Click on the links below or scroll down the page for more information about what we do and for a list of team members. View Employment Opportunities
Keeping a close watch on all things financial, the Accounting Division handles everything from paying the bills and balancing budgets to making sure the Auxiliary is up-to-date on all government-mandated regulations.
Tim Bresnahan, Controller
tbresnahan@ALAforVeterans.org
As the Auxiliary's controller, Tim works to ensure that the organization discharges its financial stewardship responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner. Tim has been a Certified Public Accountant for nearly 20 years and has worked in the nonprofit accounting field for almost as long. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Tim believes our greatest mission is our troops--past and present--and that we should maintain the values our country was founded upon. He and his wife, Christine, have been married for 21 years and adopted a daughter from Ethiopia. Tim’s hobbies include reading and sports, and he volunteers at his church's food pantry.
Susan Stewart, Accounting Manager
sstewart@ALAforVeterans.org
After graduating from an Indiana college in the accounting field, Susan joined National Headquarters in 1978, initially working with new and existing unit charter files. After a few months, Susan became secretary to the national secretary, and in 1980, secretary to the national president. In the mid-1980s, an opening became available in the Finance Division, so Susan was able to use her accounting education for the benefit of the organization. Susan felt privileged to be one of the Auxiliary’s national representatives at the first Americanism Youth Conference at Freedoms Foundation, which was truly a rewarding experience. Susan is a member of Auxiliary Unit 500 in Speedway, Ind. She enjoys science fiction movies, is a Star Trek fan, likes various types of music and loves animals.
Cindy Radcliff, Accounting Coordinator-Accounts Payable
cradcliff@ALAforVeterans.org
Before coming to work at National Headquarters in October 2007, Cindy worked in the hospitality industry. That experience led her to become customer service oriented. Cindy always makes sure that every customer/client she encounters gets great service, treating each person as she would like to be treated. The Auxiliary’s mission is what led Cindy to want to work at National Headquarters. Her responsibilities consist of various accounts payable issues, such as timely and accurate vendor payment, and she oversees the 1099 process. On her days off, Cindy enjoys the company of her husband, family and close friends. She also enjoys shopping, attending church and doing crafts and home projects. In 2008, Cindy helped her hometown’s medical mission that was held in the Philippines, her country of birth.
Sara Riegel, Compliance Accountant
sriegel@ALAforVeterans.org
Sara joined ALA NHQ in 2011 as a Compliance Accountant, which includes a variety of duties to support the Accounting Department. She brings to National Headquarters a diverse background in non-for-profit, for profit and prior ownership of a small business. She has served on school commissions and neighborhood development organizations, and is thankful for the guidance of her parents in setting the example of giving of one’s time and talent in service to their church and community. Sara has also implemented the same character building values in the rearing of her four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading and socializing.
Diana Giraldo, Accounting Coordinator, Accounts Receivable
dgiraldo@alaforveterans.org
Diana came to National Headquarters in October 2014 with a background in accounting in both the private and nonprofit sectors. She believes accounting positions at nonprofits like the American Legion Auxiliary are crucial to the organization in that they make every penny count for the benefit of those being served. Diana, a married mother of one, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Franklin University of Ohio and volunteers with the Multiple Sclerosis Society in her free time. She also enjoys cooking and traveling.
Carmela Garcia, Accounting Coordinator – Donations/Grants
cgarcia@alaforveterans.org
Carmela joined the National Headquarters Accounting Division in the summer of 2015. She is responsible for the processing of donations and the designation of gifts to the various funds under the American Legion Auxiliary and ALA Foundation. As a member of the ALA Call to Service Corps grants management team, Carmela assists the compliance accountant in the requesting, dispersal and auditing of federal grant funds for the national AmeriCorps project. She provides support to the project’s grants coordinators on matters of member enrollment and consortium member entry into the project. Prior to joining the Auxiliary, Carmela held positions at Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County, managing the staff, marketing, and finances of its fundraising arm, the ReStore. Carmela earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University Bloomington in 2011. She was eager to join the ALA and return to her hometown of Indianapolis after serving the Bloomington community for several years. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, and cuddling with her cat, Fatty.
Erin Pierce, Grants Management Coordinator
epierce@ALAforVeterans.org
Erin graduated from Indiana University where she studied Non-Profit Management. She was very excited to join the team at National Headquarters, which, incidentally, is less than a mile from her childhood home. As the granddaughter of two Korean War veterans, Erin understands the importance of these services and was thrilled to find her own way to give back. When Erin is not at work, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and young son.
The Administrative Services/Human Resources Division manages both the people side and the customer service side of the organization. The staff processes orders, answers questions, and makes sure staff needs are addressed.
Donna Parrott, Administrative Services/Human Resources Director
dparrott@ALAforVeterans.org
Donna was born and raised in Missouri but has lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, North Carolina and Indiana. Because she has moved so often, she is frequently asked if her husband is in the service. She just smiles and says, “The Lord's service—he's a minister.” No matter where his ministry has taken them throughout the country, Donna and Mike have always been blessed to have veterans and current military personnel as part of their congregations. The Parrotts moved back to Indiana in May 2008 after living in North Carolina for three years. While living in Morehead City, her husband said they were living in the safest place in the world because they were just an hour from Camp Lejeune, 15 minutes from Cherry Point Marine Air Station, a mile from a Coast Guard station, and just 10 blocks was the port that always had a military vessel or two anchored there—not to mention that the town was full of retired military personnel. When not volunteering in many capacities at the church as a pastor’s wife, Donna enjoys reading, gardening and being with her family.
Anita McCoy, Member Services Coordinator
amccoy@ALAforVeterans.org
Anita has always been an advocate for our men and women veterans and wanted to do as much as she could to support them. In October 2007, she felt she had a wonderful opportunity to do just that by accepting a position at National Headquarters. Her experience working with nonprofits and her customer service skills were a perfect fit with the National Headquarters staff. Anita offers support and information to assist Auxiliary members and veterans and is part of a team that strives every day to make a difference in the lives of these veterans and volunteer heroes. When away from the office, Anita likes to read and spend time with her family and those in her community.
Angela Graham, Member Services Coordinator
agraham@ALAforVeterans.org
As a military spouse, Angela is thankful to be working on behalf of veterans. Her husband Rick recently retired after almost 30 years in the Army and multiple combat deployments. Angie has great compassion and empathy for the left behind spouse who must be both mother and father to children during the spouse’s deployment and for the post-deployment veteran transitioning back to family life. Angie brings a variety of experience to the ALA from the areas of training and development, finance, IT, public relations, and most recently non-profit governance and management after serving on the board of directors for a non-profit Christian film company, its chief operating officer, and co-producer of two film projects. Among her responsibilities with the ALA are Impact reporting, managing the NHQ learning management system, and fulfilling department brochure requests. Angie has a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Development and many years’ experience volunteering and working at her church and its school. She has three nearly grown children, a foster miniature Australian Shepherd Mad-Eye Moody and a cat named Logan.
Providing our members with tools that present the best information in the best possible way is the Communication Division's responsibility. They produce resources like Auxiliary magazine, ALA eNews, ALA In the Know eBulletin, the Auxiliary website, brochures, and news release templates, among others. These print and electronic media communication vehicles not only help our members successfully do their work, but they also keep the general public up-to-date on the mission activity of the Auxiliary.
Michael Butt, Communications and Business Development Director
mbutt@ALAforVeterans.org
Charged with directing internal and external communications and business development, Mike draws upon more than 30 years of leadership experience in print and electronic media and publishing. Areas of focus include advertising, sales, commercial printing, events, business development and management. He has presided over the Indiana Newspaper Advertising Executives Association, serving in roles from secretary to president, and has also served on several committees of the International Newspaper Advertising and Marketing Executives (now NAA). Throughout his career, Mike has worked closely with various merchant and real estate associations, has served on several local chambers of commerce committees and has lectured journalism classes at alma mater, Franklin College of Indiana. As an Eagle Scout, Mike strongly believes in God and Country and is pleased to be part of an organization that demonstrates the same principles. He enjoys sharing how the Auxiliary is strengthening its position to better serve veterans, military and their families now and for the next generation. Mike and his wife reside in Indianapolis and share a passion for their miniature long-haired dachshunds, reading, photography, writing and travel.
Aaron Meyer, Communications Manager
ameyer@ALAforVeterans.org
Aaron takes to heart the Auxiliary’s mission statement that we honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military and their families. Since joining National Headquarters staff in June 2010, Aaron manages the production of Auxiliary magazine and many other communications projects. Having worked in marketing and communications in the financial industry as well as having a background in publishing and printing, Aaron brings that experience to assist in serving America’s best. He is also a member of the Sons of The American Legion Squadron 79 in Zionsville, Ind.
Stephanie L. Holloway, Managing Editor
sholloway@ALAforVeterans.org
Veterans have long been a part of Stephanie’s life -- most closely with several family members’ military service in the Korean War, Vietnam, and OIF -- and the small but fiercely patriotic southern Indiana community she grew up in. Stephanie’s husband is an officer in the Indiana Army National Guard. When he returned home in 2007 from a 15-month deployment overseas, Stephanie made it her personal mission to help women in the same situation as her: alone and unaware of resources and assistance for families of deployed servicemembers. Since becoming a mother, support for veterans and their families is an even bigger priority for Stephanie, an American Legion Auxiliary member of Indiana eUnit 438. She has been with National Headquarters since 2007.
Kristen Baker-Geczy, Creative Communications Specialist
kgeczy@alaforveterans.org
Kristen was eager to become a part of the National Headquarters staff because she is passionate about the ALA mission and enjoys working with nonprofit organizations. After graduating college with an associate’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in communication arts-public relations, Kristen deployed to the largest military installation in Southwest Asia as a Department of Defense contractor. She was fortunate enough to serve as a marketing assistant while overseas, where she gained extensive knowledge of the military and developed a deep respect for those who serve. Upon returning to the U.S., Kristen worked at an Army installation in California as a marketing coordinator, and later worked at a nonprofit in Los Angeles where her love of nonprofits was born. She is the daughter of a captain of the Air Force, granddaughter of a Vietnam veteran and chief master sergeant of the Air Force, and wife of an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and petty officer first class in the Navy. When she’s not working, Kristen enjoys running, hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and their two fur babies (cats), Neville and Crookshanks.
Sara Nahrwold, Communications Coordinator
snahrwold@ALAforVeterans.org
Sara joined National Headquarters in December 2017 after two years in the newspaper industry and is passionate about the military, veterans, and their families. She is an ALA Girls State Indiana alumna and thoroughly enjoyed being involved in that experience after her junior year in high school. At Ball State University while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in journalism, telecommunications, and history, Sara had two internships with the military -- one at Fort Knox, Ky., and the other at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. These internships led Sara to an interest in writing for an organization focused on the military and veterans. Sara’s interest was further solidified while earning her master’s degree in journalism, also at BSU. There, she wrote an extensive creative project on what it’s like for student veterans returning home after war. These experiences gave way to Sara’s enthusiasm for the Armed Forces. She is eager to spread the story of the Auxiliary and its mission as communications coordinator for the organization. Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and his daughter, her family and friends, and staying active as a Beachbody coach, running, reading, and traveling (hopefully to Europe again soon where she spent a year studying abroad in England during college).
Landa Bagley, Communications Senior Writer
lbagley@ALAforVeterans.org
Landa joined ALA National Headquarters staff with about 25 years of professional writing experience, including many years as a newspaper journalist and a few years in public relations/marketing. Her work also includes being published in the Chicago Sun Times plus several Gannett newspapers, and contributing to an article published in the Washington Post. She has an undying appreciation and affinity for veterans, military, and their families, and a passion for telling their stories to the world. In her spare time, Landa enjoys creative writing, photography, sports, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Travis Perkins, Webmaster
tperkins@ALAforVeterans.org
Travis joined National Headquarters staff in late 2010. As a Kentucky Boys State alumnus, Travis believes strongly in the Auxiliary’s mission and program goals and was delighted to join the Communications Division. His role includes managing and maintaining the ALA website and assisting in the planning, design and layout of ALA marketing materials. Travis has a strong background developing web communications and marketing strategies for large nonprofit organizations. In previous roles, he developed marketing and web strategies for Families First, Community Action, the YMCA and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority where he managed website communications for the Georgia Dome, Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia World Congress Convention Center. Travis and his wife Heather share a passion for traveling, volunteering, reading and University of Kentucky Men's Basketball.
For nearly a century, the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization has been dedicated to the needs of veterans, servicemembers and their families. The mission outreach provided by nearly three-quarters of a million volunteers requires substantial financial backing and this cannot be sustained by membership dues alone. Additional support is made possible through donor contributions to both the American Legion Auxiliary and its associated Foundation. Generous donations from Auxiliary members and supporters in our wider community help make these services possible at local, state and national levels. Services include scholarships and youth mentoring, support for our wounded troops and disabled veterans, and emergency funds for unexpected tragedies. In 2012-2013, more than 8 million Auxiliary volunteer hours were linked to more than $35 million either raised or spent on veterans and military families. Most recently, the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation established the Veteran Projects Fund to support emergent needs.
As we prepare to celebrate our centennial in 2019, one can also leave a legacy through a bequest, ensuring that the work of the Auxiliary will continue to serve those responding to our nation’s highest call for the next 100 years.
It is a unique balancing act, melding the passion of our social mission with the discipline, innovation, and determination found in any well-run business. The Business Development Division is charged with this task. It focuses the American Legion Auxiliary on employing the best business practices in pursuit of our mission. The overall goal of this division has three parts:
The benefits realized from this division’s work include a more accurate understanding of community and national needs; a higher quality of service by focusing on what we do best as an organization; more effective and efficient operations within the Auxiliary; and additional financial resources, especially through increased mission-related income.
Brad Oppenheim, Development Outreach Coordinator
boppenheim@ALAforVeterans.org
A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Brad came to National Headquarters in November 2017 with a background in broadcast journalism. He earned his bachelor's degree in journalism and graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2015. Prior to his role as Development Outreach Coordinator, Brad served as a television news reporter and broadcast journalist in West Lafayette, Ind., working in social media, public relations, and content development. Brad's talent as a strong communicator will help share everything the ALA is doing to build strategic alliances and donations. In his spare time, Brad has a passion for learning new things and traveling whenever he can. Brad is excited to come on board at National Headquarters and use his talents to help the ALA influence a positive outcome for veterans, military, and their families for many generations to come.
Promoting Service Not Self and assisting the national membership committee with retention and recruitment strategies are key priorities of the Membership/IT division. In addition to daily answering hundreds of questions and providing support to members nationwide, the division is charged with managing the member benefit and discount program, the national member database and membership processing, annual renewal notices and membership cards, membership statistics, paid up for life (PUFL) memberships, unit and district/county charters, and all IT services for national headquarters. Further, the division collects and maintains EIN/TIN information for departments, districts/counties and units, and files the annual report to the IRS.
Marta Hedding, National Treasurer/Deputy Executive Director
mhedding@ALAforVeterans.org
Marta was appointed to the position of national treasurer in July 1994. Her eligibility in the Auxiliary comes from her father, who was in the Navy during World War II, and her grandfather, who was in the Army during World War I. Prior to becoming national treasurer, Marta operated a consulting business offering marketing, organizational development, and accounting services to small businesses. Previously, she helped birth a nonprofit charged with long-range economic development planning for the State of Indiana, where she served as vice president of Business & Public Affairs, corporate secretary, and assistant treasurer. Marta has served in numerous leadership positions with her neighborhood association and at her church, where she served on the Children’s Ministry team, Finance Committee, Executive Planning Committee, and as the Administrative Board chairman. Marta and her husband have two children and reside in an Indianapolis community listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tammy Wiggins, IT Systems Administrator
twiggins@ALAforVeterans.org
Tammy joined National Headquarters in February of 2011, and is happy to join an organization that truly helps others. She is responsible for managing IT systems, including ALAMIS. Tammy has more than a decade of experience in IT, working at both universities and for not-for-profit agencies. In her free time she enjoys volunteering at Morning Dove therapeutic riding center, which has programs for both handicapped adults and children, as well as the Horses for Heroes program that assists veterans. She has a Masters degree from Indiana State University, in CIMT.
Elizabeth Chiavarini, IT Coordinator
echiavarini@ALAforVeterans.org
Elizabeth brings with her more than 15 years’ experience in accounting, with more than 10 years at a private nonprofit organization. Elizabeth was born and raised in upstate New York where she met and married her husband, Rick, in 1995. Soon after, they moved to North Carolina. Elizabeth and Rick, with their fur-babies, have been calling Indianapolis home since 2004. During her off time, Elizabeth likes to crochet and read.
Bonnie Vest, IT Coordinator
bvest@ALAforVeterans.org
Bonnie moved to Indianapolis to join National Headquarters staff in October 2015. She brings with her a unique perspective as the former ALA department secretary of Maryland. Bonnie is delighted to be working directly with departments, units and members in order to further the mission of the organization. Bonnie joined the American Legion Auxiliary under the service of her now deceased father, a Navy veteran in Vietnam. Bonnie has four children: two boys and two girls. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, crocheting and chasing after her granddaughter, Charleigh.
Cathi Taylor, Archivist and Data Projects Coordinator
ctaylor@ALAforVeterans.org
One of Cathi’s favorite hymns begins “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform” and knows this is how she has become a part of the National Headquarters. Coming from a long line of veterans and with a nephew presently in the Navy, the Auxiliary provides the perfect opportunity for her to thank and support all those who serve. Cathi’s focus is on the recruitment of AmeriCorps volunteers and special projects. Because of her passion for American history and preservation, she is presently pursuing a master’s degree in library science with a focus in archiving. When not working, Cathi enjoys reading (generally American history), genealogy research, restoring pioneer cemeteries, crocheting and spending time with family.
Amanda Ginter, Membership Coordinator
ahoffmann@ALAforVeterans.org
Amanda joined National Headquarters staff in 2012 as a membership coordinator. She takes the Auxiliary's mission to heart — her grandfather is a veteran who served in World War II in the Navy. Amanda has more than 15 years of customer service experience and knows the value of volunteering in her community. She has done years of volunteering for breast cancer awareness and walks for cancer. In her spare time, Amanda spends time in the great outdoors by camping and hiking, and she enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her dog, Lucy.
Karin Romani, Membership Coordinator
kromani@alaforveterans.org
Prior to coming onboard at National Headquarters in early 2015, Karin was the convention/program coordinator for National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts in Carmel, an international membership organization. Before that, she worked for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program through Indiana University Health’s Homeless Initiative Program, sold textbooks for Pearson Education, and taught middle school. Karin volunteers for many education and youth development programs such as Destination Imagination and science camp. Her father was in the U.S. Air Force, her brother was in the Navy, and her grandmother was a WAAC drill sergeant. Karin, a member of Indiana eUnit 438, is fluent in Italian, German, and American Sign Language. In her free time, she plays volleyball, explores new restaurants, spends time with her teen daughter, and loves to travel.
This division assists the national president, national vice president, national secretary, and national treasurer by addressing their communications and administrative needs.
Tamara Shumate, Executive Assistant to the National President
tshumate@ALAforVeterans.org
On Veterans Day in the not so distant past, John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Joining National Headquarters staff was the perfect way for Tamara to express her gratitude not only through words but through the work she accomplishes every day. The volunteers Tamara has worked alongside have shown her what passion, dedication and hard work can achieve. In fact, the Auxiliary was the inspiration behind her decision to return to school and begin working on a master's degree in philanthropic and nonprofit studies. It is Tamara’s hope that the daily knowledge she gains from school and work will allow her to serve our veterans just as they have so honorably served us.
Julie Schafer, Executive Assistant to the National Secretary
jschafer@ALAforVeterans.org
Julie holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and spent several years as a case manager for children with behavioral issues. In addition to social service experience, she has a background in office management and sales. Julie first started working at National Headquarters in 2007. After spending three years in her role as meeting planner, Julie left NHQ to focus on raising her family. When she returned to the workforce, she came back to National Headquarters in her current part-time position. Julie is honored to be back and playing a role in serving our veterans. Outside of work, Julie likes spending time with her three young children, attending Indy Eleven soccer games with her husband, and playing softball and soccer.
Mary “Dubbie” Buckler, National Secretary/Executive Director
Mary "Dubbie" Buckler is a lifelong resident of the greater Indianapolis area where she has earned a reputation as a caring leader in business, public service, elective office, and civic service. She is an accomplished business executive with an impressive background in management, finance, and issue advocacy. Her career path reveals a strong commitment to serving where she can make a difference in people’s lives by giving back to the community. Dubbie is also proud to have served as the Federalist Party chair at Hoosier Girls State during high school, and while in college, as one of only five full colonels in the United States in Angel Flight, an honorary to the Air Force ROTC. View full bio
The Programs & Event Planning Division manages two huge components of the American Legion Auxiliary's mission work. They oversee the organization's goals and action steps at the national, state, and local levels, and they orchestrate the Auxiliary's major events and meetings to inspire, update, and move the Auxiliary membership forward in service to our veterans.
Colette Fike, Programs and Events Director
cfike@ALAforVeterans.org
Colette was drawn to her job at the Auxiliary because it promotes values that are very dear to her: God and country. Since joining National Headquarters staff in November 2007, Colette has been helping implement the vision of Auxiliary leaders through coaching and support of our programs and event logistics teams. Having worked in the nonprofit world most of her career, Colette’s experience in program development, marketing and event planning was developed through her work at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and the Indiana State Museum. Early in her career, she traveled around the country for the Harlem Globetrotters, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Marlboro Country Music, and the 4-Wheel & Off-Road Jamboree. She also had the privilege of serving as the account executive for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. Outside of work, Colette loves to spend time riding bikes with her husband Bill. She is a member of Indiana e-Unit 438.
Stephanie Abisi, Events Manager
sabisi@ALAforVeterans.org
Stephanie’s relationship with The American Legion Family actually came long before her June 2000 start date at National Headquarters. With a grandfather who is a past department commander for Indiana and a father who is a past department adjutant for Indiana, Stephanie has never been far from The Legion Family and its mission at the grassroots level. In fact, Stephanie appeared on the January/February 1994 issue of National News with Helen Holcomb and is a former Hoosier Girls State citizen and government counselor. Currently, Stephanie is the events manager at National Headquarters, coordinating the National Convention and Washington DC Conference, and oversees the process for all other meetings and events. In her spare time, she enjoys being with her husband, Nick, their puggle, Sadie, and baking and cooking.
Nicole Chernish, Meeting Logistics and Travel Coordinator
nchernish@ALAforVeterans.org
Nicole joined the Auxiliary events team in May 2011 after working inside sales for six years with a German manufacturing company. She has a deep respect and appreciation for those in the military because her grandfathers were both WWII Navy veterans, and she has several close friends and family members who currently serve. She brings her passion for people and travel into her role as Meeting Logistics and Travel Coordinator. Nicole is a Purdue Boilermaker, speaks German, and hopes to visit all 50 states and 7 continents in her lifetime. When she isn’t working or traveling with her husband Brian, she is a wine steward, plays the Irish field sport camogie, and loves watching movies.
Laura Casey, Logistics Planner
lcasey@ALAforVeterans.org
Laura joined National Headquarters staff in October 2012. A year prior to that, she was a part of the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps as the Children & Youth Specialist AmeriCorps VISTA at National Headquarters. Having several friends and family members serving in the military, Laura is glad she can honor them in her work at ALA National Headquarters. Laura graduated from college in May 2011 and holds a bachelor of social work from Ball State University. Laura tries to live her life by one of Ghandi’s famous quotes: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” She has done this by participating in community service with the Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, traveling to northern Ireland to work with youth, and giving a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA. In her spare time, Laura enjoys watching movies, reading in a hammock, and loves to be outside enjoying any warm Indiana weather by hiking or kayaking. Her goals in life are to get her master’s degree in not-for-profit management, travel around the world, go to all 50 states, and to keep making a difference in the lives of others.
Laura Peterson, Event Coordinator
lpeterson@ALAforVeterans.org
Laura joined National Headquarters in July 2017 after almost nine years working in higher education, most recently in Student Activities. Laura received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and a master's degree in College Student Personnel Administration from Illinois State University. She brings her passion for logistics and hospitality to the role of Event Coordinator, Registration & Logistics, at National Headquarters. Laura has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices those in the military and their families make every day and is glad she is able to honor them in her work at ALA. Laura's connection to the military is through both of her grandfathers and family members who have served and are currently serving. In her free time, Laura enjoys baking, binging on Netflix, and volunteering with her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega.
Kristin Hinshaw, Program Coordinator
khinshaw@ALAforVeterans.org
Kristin had a diverse background before joining National Headquarters. A graduate of Butler University, she has worked for a recording studio, for a video production company, in advertising, and for one of the top radio stations in Indianapolis. The American Legion Auxiliary and its mission are near and dear to Kristin’s heart. Her father is an Air Force veteran, her grandfather was in the Army Air Force during WWI, and her mother is a past unit president. Kristin has been an Auxiliary member since 1996. She and her daughters are members of Speedway Unit 500. Kristin and her husband Jeff are active volunteers at their daughters’ school. In her spare time, Kristin enjoys IndyCar racing, Butler Bulldogs basketball, and spoiling her daughters and dog.
Chrystal Daulton, Program Coordinator
cdaulton@alaforveterans.org
Chrystal joined National Headquarters in July 2015. She brings firsthand military family experience as an Army spouse who has called many different duty stations around the country “home” during her married life. Chrystal has volunteered with multiple Family Readiness Groups (both pre- and post 9/11) at different Army installations around the continental United States. She has also volunteered with the Chemical Corps Regimental Association Gift Shop in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Chrystal holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in public administration/computer resources and information management from Webster University in St. Louis. Her family includes her husband of 19 years, two teenage daughters, and two dogs. They moved to Indianapolis from Honolulu when her husband received orders for the Indianapolis Recruiting Battalion. Chrystal has spent her entire life around the military and veterans. Her father was a Korean War veteran who served in the Navy.
Promoting collaboration with organizations in our nation’s capital is the primary role of this division. Additional responsibility includes oversight of the American Legion Auxiliary Call to Service Corps VISTA Project.
Carol Lindamood Harlow, Washington DC Office Director
charlow@ALAforVeterans.org
Carol Lindamood Harlow serves as the Washington DC Office director for the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters. She is also president and CEO of Harlow Solutions, a firm she founded after her service as the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s inaugural executive director. Carol has a 20-year fundraising and executive management career specializing in raising awareness and financial resources for military and veteran causes and institutions of higher education. Past projects include the National Museum of the United States Army Capital Campaign and the National WWII Memorial Capital Campaign, where she raised more than $16 million. In addition to Carol’s leadership role with the American Legion Auxiliary, she currently volunteers as an advisor to the Honor Flight Network Board of Directors and serves as a member of the National Military Leadership Council for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Prior to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Carol most recently served as assistant vice chancellor for Pepperdine University School of Law and previously managed two simultaneous regional campaigns as part of a $1.5 billion capital campaign for Washington University in St. Louis. She also served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (IL-11) where she staffed him as a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Sharon Riegsecker, D.C. Operations & AmeriCorps Grant Specialist
sriegsecker@ALAforVeterans.org
Sharon officially joined the Auxiliary's Washington, D.C. Office team as a staff member in May 2012, but served with National Headquarters through the ALA Call to Service Corps as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2009-2010 and as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader in 2011-2012. In her current role, she is helping to administer the ALA Call to Service Corps by working with its members before, during and after their service term. Sharon grew up in The American Legion Family and is most proud that her membership stems from her mother’s service in the Army. Since then, she has been an active member at her unit, attended the former Americanism Youth Conference, and both participated as a Citizen and served as a City Advisor of ALA Florida Girls State. Currently, Sharon is a member of Unit 57 in Fairbanks, Alaska. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing crafts and baking. Sharon has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla.
American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters