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 Finance Division handles everything from paying the bills and balancing budgets to making sure the Auxiliary is up-to-date on all government-mandated regulations.
Susan Stewart, Assistant Director of Finance
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, Senior Accounting Coordinator
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, National Treasurer and Director of Finance
sriegel@ALAforVeterans.org
Sara joined ALA NHQ in 2011 as a Compliance Accountant, which includes a variety of duties to support the Finance Division. 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, Staff Accountant
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. Originally from Colombia, Diana speaks Spanish and Portuguese, and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Franklin University of Ohio. When she’s not working, Diana enjoys doing yoga, discovering hidden attractions in Indianapolis with her friends, cooking, and traveling.
Erin Pierce Hoffmann, Accounting Coordinator
epierce@ALAforVeterans.org
Erin is a proud Hoosier, a graduate from Indiana University where she studied nonprofit management. As the granddaughter of two Korean War veterans, she understands the importance of the services and programs offered by the American Legion Auxiliary and was thrilled to find her own way to give back. Erin is a member of Indiana eUnit 438. When she’s not at work, Erin enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Erin joined National Headquarters in 2013.
Amanda Ginter, Accounting Coordinator
ahoffmann@ALAforVeterans.org
Prior to coming to ALA National Headquarters in 2012, Amanda had more than 15 years of customer service and financing experience. She worked for a major furniture company as their office manager for eight years in Fort Wayne, Ind. before moving to Indianapolis. Amanda takes the Auxiliary's mission to heart, supporting her husband, who is currently serving in the Army, cousin, who is active-duty Air Force, grandfather, who served in World War II in the Navy, and her great uncle who served in World War I in the Army. They all represent the very reason she joined the Auxiliary. Amanda has done years of volunteering for veterans, breast cancer awareness, Arthritis Foundation, The Pancreatic Foundation, and many other organizations. She has been a member of the Auxiliary since 2013 and serves as the webmaster and secretary of eUnit 438 in Indiana. A lover of nature, Amanda and her husband enjoy spending time camping and hiking in different areas and states. When she’s not at work, she plays softball as a hobby, works on her Jeep, and loves to spend time with her husband, dogs, friends, and family.
Michaellyn Greyeyes, Accounting Coordinator
mgreyeyes@ALAforVeterans.org
Prior to coming to ALA National Headquarters, Michaellyn had a medical background. She was an emergency medical technician on an ambulance in Indianapolis for six years before relocating to Oklahoma City. There, she worked for two nonprofit medical clinics. Before coming back to Indianapolis, Michaellyn was as an accountant with The Oklahoma Indian Clinic. Michaellyn has a bachelor's degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public health. Michaellyn is proud of her Native American heritage and believes that nonprofit organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary are the backbone of communities, foster legacies, and help future generations succeed. When she’s not at work, Michaellyn likes spending time with family, taking nature walks, and cuddling up with a good book.
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.
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 retired after nearly 30 years in the U.S. 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 has a master’s degree in human resource development. Angie also brings a variety of experience to the ALA from the areas of training and development, finance, IT, public relations, and nonprofit governance and management after serving on the board of directors for a nonprofit Christian film company, its chief operating officer, and co-producer of two film projects. Over the years, she has volunteered with her church and its school. She has three 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 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 resides in Indianapolis and has a passion for 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 was an officer in the Indiana Army National Guard for 20 years. 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 was made an even bigger priority for Stephanie, an American Legion Auxiliary member of Indiana eUnit 438. She has been with National Headquarters since 2007.
Sara Nahrwold, Communications Specialist
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 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, Senior Communications 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.
Jennifer Donovan, Communications Specialist
jdonovan@ALAforVeterans.org
Jennifer came to National Headquarters in 2018 with a background in television news. Jennifer has worked for television stations in Indianapolis, Ind., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Louisville, Ky. She has won awards for her work, and two Emmy nominations. She is a graduate of Franklin College with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. An Indiana native, Jennifer was glad to return to the Hoosier State after spending a few years in South Carolina. Jennifer hopes her career experience will help carry on the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary in serving veterans, the military, and their families. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, family, and friends. She loves to travel, cook, read, and craft.
Alexa Freeman, Communications Coordinator
afreeman@ALAforVeterans.org
Before joining National Headquarters in early 2019, Alexa graduated from Franklin College with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. In her four years at Franklin, she completed many internships, including reporting at the Indiana Statehouse, working for nonprofit organizations, and interning as a communications specialist for a large Indiana school corporation. Alexa looks forward to helping the ALA fulfill its mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, staying active, and spending time with friends and family.
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 American Legion Auxiliary 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.
Madison Maves, Development Manager
mmaves@ALAforVeterans.org
Madison joined the Auxiliary’s development team in 2012 to focus on a mission near and dear to her. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Indiana University and has worked in development and communications at the Lucy Daniels Center, Indiana Sports Corporation, and the United States Olympic Committee. She is a certified fundraising executive and has served as the National Philanthropy Day chair and marketing chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Triangle Chapter Board of Directors. Madison enjoys spending time with her daughters and husband, traveling the world, and eating good food.
Brad Oppenheim, Development 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 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.
Sydney DeLong, Development Coordinator
sdelong@ALAforVeterans.org
Sydney joined National Headquarters’ development team in March 2019. She graduated from Indiana University with degrees in journalism and political science. Throughout her education, Sydney worked with three Indiana nonprofit organizations in communications, social media, planning, and fundraising. Outside of the office, Sydney is a plant and outdoor enthusiast. She also loves to read and travel. Sydney hopes to use her gifts and experiences to further a cause greater than herself. She is honored and excited to work alongside a like-minded, talented team to bring hope and joy into the lives of veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
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 answering hundreds of questions daily and providing support to members nationwide, this division is charged with the national member database (ALAMIS) and assisting departments and units in IT utilization, 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 ALA National Headquarters.
Kelly Harrier, Membership Manager
kharrier@ALAforVeterans.org
Kelly returned to National Headquarters in 2019 to continue working toward a mission near and dear to her heart. She received her master’s in arts administration from Indiana University and has worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade. Kelly is a member of ALA eUnit 438 and enjoys participating in events that help our veterans, their families, and communities. When not working, Kelly enjoys traveling with her husband Mark and their dog Bella.
Mark Conyers, Information Technology
mconyers@ALAforVeterans.org
Mark came to the American Legion Auxiliary in early 2019 with 20 years of experience in technology consulting. He is a graduate of Ball State University. Mark has a son, Isaac, and daughter, Gabs. In his spare time, he likes to read, bake, and travel.
Elizabeth Chiavarini, Sr. 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
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.
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.
Marti Drake, Membership Coordinator
mdrake@ALAforVeterans.org
Marti joined National Headquarters in 2018. She has a heart for the military and their families -- with a unique perspective. Not only is she the daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran, but she’s also the wife of a retired U.S. Marine/Army officer and the mother of a son currently serving in the Army Reserves. Marti connects with members who, like her, are holding things down at home while their spouses are serving. She served as a volunteer and leader of her Family Readiness Group (FRG), church, and kids’ programs while her husband served in the military. So, it was easy to step into the American Legion Auxiliary after her husband’s retirement. Prior to joining the National Headquarters staff, Marti served as ALA department secretary for Indiana. When Marti isn’t reading, you can find her in the dojo working toward her black belt in karate. She and her husband Bruce are blessed with three sons.
Sara Hedding, Membership Coordinator
shedding@ALAforVeterans.org
Sara came to National Headquarters in 2018 with a background in emergency medical services and customer service management. Before becoming a staff member, Sara had already been involved with the Auxiliary for more than 20 years. She attended national events with her mom and appeared on the January/February 1995 and May/June 1996 covers of the national magazine. Both of her grandfathers were World War II veterans. She also has several other family members and friends who have served. Sara appreciates the opportunity to assist and work with members in support of the ALA’s mission to serve veterans and their families. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, music, watching movies, keeping abreast of current events, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Sara and her two daughters are members of Indiana Unit 64.
This division assists the national president, national vice president, national secretary, and national treasurer by addressing their communications and administrative needs.
Tamara Shumate, Executive Support Manager
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.
National Secretary/Executive Director | Position currently open
Linda Boone, ALA Interim National Secretary
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, Director of Programs and Events
cfike@ALAforVeterans.org
Colette was drawn to the Auxiliary because it promotes values very dear to her: God and country. As one of only a few staff members who have worked in all three National Headquarters buildings, Colette has witnessed the steady progress we’ve made toward our strategic goals. In her professional role, she works with the ALA’s national leaders to implement the annual objectives and strives to improve operational effectiveness in mission delivery. Colette developed her leadership skills at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Indiana State Museum, and other nonprofit organizations. Early in her career, she traveled around the country for the Harlem Globetrotters, Marlboro Country Music, and the 4-Wheel & Off-Road Jamboree. Outside of work, Colette loves to spend time sewing, writing reviews on Yelp, and riding her bicycle with her husband Bill. In addition to helping with projects for ALA eUnit 438, Colette volunteers at her local parish and serves on the Board of Advisers for Fatima Retreat House. You can follow her on Twitter at @pittsburghcoco.
Stephanie Abisi, Director of Operations Management
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 the national magazine with then-National President Helen Holcomb and is a former ALA Hoosier Girls State citizen and government counselor. Currently, Stephanie is the director of operations management at National Headquarters, coordinating the national strategic plan and overseeing major projects. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling with her husband, Nick, and daughter, Grace.
Nicole Chernish, Travel Logistics Planner
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 Travel Logistics Planner. 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.
Lauren Blakey, Logistics Planner
lblakey@ALAforVeterans.org
Lauren joined the National Headquarters staff in February 2019. She is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where she studied tourism and life event planning. She has worked in multiple hospitality industries, including zoos and aquariums, parks and recreation, sports, music, hotel, and resorts. Her grandfather was in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, her cousin was in the Army, and she was in the Army All-American Bowl color guard. The bowl game made such an impact on Lauren that she interned at All-American Games to give back to the organization. Lauren’s favorite holiday is Independence Day. The ALA mission statement, in the spirit of Service Not Self, is truly something Lauren tries to embody in her everyday life. In her free time, she enjoys painting, hiking, and playing with dogs.
Laura Casey, Events Manager
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.
Samantha Caudill, Events Team Support
scaudill@ALAforVeterans.org
Samantha has been part of ALA National Headquarters staff since August 2018. With a dad and uncle in the Army National Guard defending our country after 9/11, Samantha is proud to be working at the ALA National Headquarters. Graduating from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in December 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in tourism, conventions, and event management, Samantha has worked in different aspects of the event world since college. She loves to travel and really wants to travel to Europe and Ireland one day. When she isn’t working, she’s hanging out with family and friends.
Kristin Hinshaw, Senior 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 Manager
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.
Elizabeth Sendelweck, Program Manager
esendelweck@ALAforVeterans.org
Elizabeth came to the American Legion Auxiliary in 2018. She oversees the ALA Girls Nation program held in Washington, D.C. each summer. Elizabeth is a graduate of IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and doing CrossFit. Elizabeth is honored to be part of the American Legion Auxiliary mission and ALA Girls Nation
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.
Tyra Nelson, D.C Site Director
tnelson@ALAforVeterans.org
Tyra joined the National Headquarters staff as the Washington, D.C. site director in June 2019. Prior to working for the Auxiliary, she worked as a regional coordinator for Yellow Ribbon for more than eight years. Covering the 13 states of the Northeast region, Tyra organized pre and post events for soldiers and their families. Tyra’s exposure to the military occurred through stories she heard from her uncle who served in Vietnam, and her brother who served as a medical corpsman in the Army. She also observed close family friends and other members of her community struggle to acclimate back to civilian life after military service. However, it was during her time at Yellow Ribbon that her appreciation and passion for military service grew. She became passionate about connecting the men and women who served our country to the resources they, and their families, needed to build a quality life. Tyra has dedicated her career to helping empower individuals to become their best selves. For example, she served as the program director for a $2 million contracted program with the city of Philadelphia to provide services to returning citizens and homeless individuals. In addition, she is known for her high-impact, motivational events and dynamic workshops for women. In her spare time, Tyra enjoys spending time with family and watching her favorite sport, boxing.
American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters