board Members
Steve bubnes
Chairman of the Board
Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for J.W. Bubnes and Associates, Steve brings 17 years of marketing experience to the FWSF. Steve faithfully volunteered for the FWSF and other non-profits for several years before being invited to offer his experience and new ideas as a Board Member. “I find it very rewarding to give back to the veterans that gave so much to protect our freedom.”
chris cornelius
board member
A veteran and cofounder of the FWSF, Chris recognized that the long wait times our vets were experiencing in receiving benefits that they earned were creating financial hardships. Chris took action by forming the FWSF. He is proud to support veterans and their families, and appreciates the support that the FWSF gets from the community.
robert grimaldi
president
An asset management professional, Rob has been a Board member for seven years and now serves as President of the FWSF. Rob is proud to help bring the talent, passion and energy of the all-volunteer members of the FWSF to our heroes in need.
jim hoen
board member
An Air Force veteran and Executive with Kelly Services, Jim has been an FWSF board member since 2011. He is heavily involved with the annual FWSF Golf Outing and a former lead of the distribution committee. "I am so honored to be a part of the FWSF, and help support its mission.”
lynn phillips, Ph.d.
executive director
A mental health professional since 1990, Lynn has been a Board member for eight years - raising millions of dollars as well overseeing the disbursement of funds to Michigan's OEF/OIF veterans as Chair of the Distribution Committee. Her goal of expanding the range and scope of FWSF's assistance capabilities has been met with the 2020 opening of a transitional housing program for homeless veterans. More expansion is planned. Lynn considers it a privilege and honor to give back to those who sacrifice so much for our freedoms.
herb scott
distribution committee
Herb is the Executive Vice President of Major Pharmaceuticals, a generic drug company. He is one of the Charter members on the Board of Directors. Although he is active with a number of non-profits in Michigan, his real passion is helping out those who have served our country. He sits on the Distribution Committee and is always ready to reach out with the FWSF story and seek assistance.
DOUG WAITE
BOARD MEMBER
A retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer with a combined 29 years of active duty and reserve service. Twice recalled to active duty since 9/11 including a tour in the Middle East Doug is keenly aware of the sacrifices veterans and their families make and the challenges they face reintegrating into their civilian lives. Doug has long been active assisting veterans transitioning out of the military, finding employment, seeking help with PTSD and raising money for veterans causes.
todd waller
secretary
A real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Todd uses his marketing expertise to promote the FWSF to veterans and supporters alike. He offers PR support for the official FWSF events and is also the recording secretary. "Supporting our vets, and their families, is important. Even if it's simply saying thanks by buying lunch for a group of vets."
Advisory board
BG Roger B. Burrows (Ret.)
BG Burrows is a Business Development professional with over 40 years of experience. He has supported The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund and other charities that support veterans for years. We are grateful for his continued support and service to our country.
SHARAFAT (SHAZ) KHAN
Shaz Khan is a Senior Partner with Deloitte LLP specializing in Strategy and General Management with a proven ability to anticipate, innovate, and accelerate across a spectrum of disciplines to enhance business performance. With more than 30 years of executive experience in the high-tech, manufacturing, distribution/logistics, healthcare, and telecommunications industries, along with significant government agency engagements, Shaz brings a multi- dimensional perspective and wealth of experience to a Board role.
JEFF STYERS
Jeff is a Marine Veteran who is involved with multiple charities. He is the owner and founder of Arrow Strategies, a staffing firm, where he serves as CEO. He is proud to continue supporting those who serve our country by supporting his fellow veterans.
NICHOLE CHRISTIANS
christopher VANSLAGER
Steven hernandez
board member
A combat veteran and member of a Southeast Michigan law enforcement agency, having served in the Infantry while in the United States Army. Steve is also a pioneer and entrepreneur with experience working in security and intelligence spaces. He has spent the last 10 years protecting others from various threats and is dedicated to helping his fellow veterans. Steve brings an understanding for the Veterans Affairs system and veteran needs.
Lynne minish
treasurer
A Business Manager at Legacy Dental Group since 1998, with an MBA from OU and a Volunteer of the Year Award named after her, Lynne has a passion for helping others which led her to the FWSF. “Being a part of the FWSF allows me to give back to the veterans and their families for all the sacrifices they have made.”
paul ruehl
board member
Paul Ruehl has been involved with environmental management for 38 years. He presently works for Lafarge Cement as a Solidification/Stabilization Specialist.His involvement with the FWSF is quite personal. His daughter, Major Michelle Ruehl, served two tours in Afghanistan, completing 168 combat missions. His son, Jacob, will participate in the Air Force ROTC at U of M starting in the fall of 2015.
Martin Sudz
board member
Martin is a principal and COO of a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and has been an FWSF Board Member for seven years. Martin sees first-hand what the FWSF does for veteran's families through his firm's work in the VA system and the local community. He shares the passion that all of the volunteer members bring to this rewarding initiative.
David carleton
Jeremy fick
cindy lazarus
Melyssa shandler
Charles burns
Eric castiglia
Sam kassab
Sam is the truest sense of the word patriot. He supports several military support charities. Ever year he personally hosts multiple events for veterans. His compassion is also shown in his company, Guardian Angel Home Care. He has programs that specifically teach his staff how to better serve veterans home health needs. “It is my honor and pleasure to help those who serve America!”
mary lamparter
Mary has a strong passion for helping our Veterans and does so in a variety of ways. As a former board member she supports the organization as well as other Veteran-based groups. She serves on the board of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial and their Patriot Committee, is on the board of the local chapter of the Association of U.S. Army, and belongs to Women in Defense, the National Defense Industrial Association and the Selfridge Base Community Council. Her main passion is raising funds to train and pair Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs with Veterans and First Responders in order to help them with the seen and unseen wounds associated with service to their communities and country.