Ingrid is the daughter of an Army veteran. She has nearly 15 years of communications and project management experience with the federal government, including extensive work on humanitarian disaster relief in Iraq, Nigeria, and the Caribbean. She has an MA in International Relations from the University of Nottingham.

Ellen Gustafson

Co-Founder & Executive Director
We the Veterans & Military Families

Ellen is a proud Navy Spouse and Navy and Coast Guard Granddaughter. She is a Co-Founder and the Executive Director of We the Veterans & Military Families, a non-partisan, non-profit organization that empowers the veteran and military family community to showcase patriotic citizenship and strengthen democracy and is the organizer of the Vet the Vote Coalition. She is also the Co-Founder of the Military Family Building Coalition, the first non-profit supporting active duty military in building their families.

She previously co-founded FEED, Food Tank and co-directed the Summit Institute. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she worked at the Council on Foreign Relations, the United Nations World Food Program and ABC News. Ellen is the author of "We the Eaters: If We Change Dinner, We Can Change the World," has been a Fortune Most Powerful Women Entrepreneur and has given four TEDxTalks. She lives with her husband and three young children in Virginia.

Julie Hendricks

Director of Operations
We the Veterans & Military Families

Julie is a Navy veteran, serving as a rotary-wing aviator for 12 years. She served on the USS Enterprise for two deployments in support of Operations OEF and OIF. Her final deployment was to Baghdad Iraq, where she represented the U.S. government to develop program management plans in support of increased security cooperation. After her time in the Navy, Julie spent eight years as a consultant in the defense industry, successfully managing large and small teams to run proposal and capture activities for large federal contracts.

Julie is passionate about engaging in her local community, and has served as a volunteer for varied organizations throughout her life, including the Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, veteran nonprofit The Mission Continues, and the Fairfax County Continuum of Care Committee to fight homelessness. She holds a B.A. in English from the U.S. Naval Academy and an M.A. in Rhetoric and Writing Studies with a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy from San Diego State University. Julie lives in Falls Church with her husband and two children and is also a proud Navy spouse. Her favorite day is election day.

Ben Keiser

Co-Founder & Executive Chairman
We the Veterans & Military Families

Ben joined the Marine Corps while in college, serving in the reserves into law school, and deploying to theater for OIF. After graduating, Ben practiced at a large law firm in Washington, D.C. and New York where he focused on sustainability. He currently serves as the Chief Risk Officer of Elutions, a multinational AI company. Ben is the son of a Vietnam era Navy surface warfare officer and grandson of a WWII Army medic. He lives with his wife and rescue dog in Phoenix, AZ.

Ben is a member of the board of the We the Veterans Society for American Democracy and Executive Chairman of the We the Veterans Foundation. As Executive Chairman, Ben co-chairs the Board, advises the executive team, and works with the Executive Director to set strategic direction and operational priorities.

Speakers

Alberto Ramos

CEO
Veterans for all Voters

Alberto Ramos is CEO of Veterans for All Voters, a veteran-led, nonpartisan nonprofit working to reform American democracy and ensure fair, open, and competitive elections.

Alberto began his career as a U.S. Navy submarine officer, completing multiple overseas deployments. After leaving active duty, he was selected as a White House Fellow, led candidate recruitment at New Politics, and served as a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, a place that forever shaped his commitment to service above self, and earned graduate degrees from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Chris Purdy

Founder and CEO
The Chamberlain Network

Chris Purdy is the Founder and CEO of The Chamberlain Network, an organization dedicated to mobilizing veterans to protect democratic values and institutions. A former Combat Engineer in the Army National Guard and an Iraq War veteran, Chris has extensive advocacy experience, having previously led veterans’ initiatives at an international human rights organization. He also has a background in education, serving as a Special Education teacher and school administrator. Chris is actively involved in national security and human rights initiatives and holds degrees in Sociology, Education, and Public Affairs.

Clinton Jenkins

President
Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities
Miller County

Clinton Jenkins is a US Air Force veteran who served eight years between active duty and the Missouri Air National Guard. While serving, Clinton received a degree in Risk Management from Missouri State University. In 2014 he was elected Miller County Clerk extending a family tradition as his father and grandfather also served as County Clerk in their home county since 1970. Clinton also is currently serving as the President of the Missouri Association of County Clerks and Election Authorities.

Dana Lewis

Recorder & Officer in Charge of Elections
Pinal County, Arizona

Recorder Lewis was elected in November 2024 after previously being unanimously appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2022. She ensures all internal procedures are up-to-date and compliant with the Arizona Revised Statutes. She improved security protocols with GPS-locked ballot transfer boxes, recorded surveillance of ballot drop boxes, and staunch audit trail worksheets. Known for her radical transparency, Ms. Lewis brought a fresh perspective on political observers and invites all parties to be integrated into Pinal County's early voting processes. She created the first Voter Education Working Group that meets monthly with area stakeholders of all parties.

Recorder Lewis is a Certified Election Official for the State of Arizona and sits on the AZ Secretary of State's Committee for Election Official Certification Training. She obtained her Certificate in Election and Registration Administration from the Election Center through Auburn University in September 2024. Ms. Lewis is an alumna of the Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Program. An Air Force veteran, Dana spent eight years as a personalist and security forces augmentee, leaving as a Staff Sergeant. She has two adult children – Jack and Shelby.

Tim Benyo

Vet the Vote Pennsylvania Lead
We the Veterans & Military Families

Tim Benyo joins Vet the Vote with 20+ years of Election Administration experience, most recently as the Chief Clerk of Elections for Lehigh County. For the last 11 years, he has served as the Chairman of the Eastern Association of County Election Personnel, as a member of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Local Leadership Council, many Department of State Committees, the Joint State Government Commission on Voting System Technology and the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Elections Reform Committee; often being called to testify in Pennsylvania House and Senate State Governance Committee Hearings on Election procedures.

Tim started his career in the United States Army as an Intelligence Analyst Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division & 7th Special Operations Support Command. After his military service, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue Global University.

Outside of work Tim owns a small brewery in his hometown of Jim Thorpe in the Pocono Mountains and has been playing Bass in a band since college.

Leroy Garcia

Partner, CO Lead
Perry Jacobsen

Leroy M. Garcia is a Partner at Perry Jacobson, where he leads the firm’s Colorado government relations efforts. With deep experience in public policy, strategic advocacy, and government relations, Leroy works with a firm committed to delivering results for clients at every level of government.

His career in public service spans local government to the Colorado State Senate, where he served as Senate President, and most recently the Biden Administration, where he worked at the Pentagon and USDA shaping national policy and strategic initiatives. A Marine Corps veteran, policymaker, and advocate, Leroy has been driven throughout his career by a commitment to serve, build relationships, and navigate complex government landscapes to drive meaningful change.

At Perry Jacobson, Leroy leverages his experience to support clients and strengthen the firm’s Colorado presence.

Michael Turner

Vice Chair
Ashburn District Supervisor
Loudoun County, Virginia

Vice Chair Michael R. Turner, Ashburn District Supervisor on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, also chairs both the National and Virginia Association of Counties’ committees on Energy, Environment, and Land Use. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel, command pilot, and former Pentagon strategist, he is a respected voice on energy policy, land use, and the evolving role of data centers. He is the author of “A Strategy for a Changing Paradigm,” a white paper that outlines a collaborative framework for constituents, local governments, utilities, and the data center industry to address rising energy demands and infrastructure challenges in the age of AI. His work emphasizes balanced, forward-looking strategies that are relevant to both community forums and national policy discussions.

Heba Abdelaal

Director
Dionne Company

Heba Abdelaal is a Director at The Dionne Company and the spouse of an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force. She brings extensive U.S. congressional experience in defense and national security policy, having served in senior advisory roles supporting members of the Arkansas and Colorado Congressional delegations on defense authorization and appropriations priorities that shape military missions and federal investment. Across party lines, her work has centered on collaborative problem-solving and on identifying strategic engagement opportunities for the stakeholders and communities those decisions affect. At The Dionne Company, she applies that expertise and experience to support the priorities of defense industry primes, private and venture capital firms, and military-connected nonprofits and foundations, including the firm's work supporting the Invictus Games Foundation Board's site visit for San Diego's bid to host the 2029 Invictus Games. As both a military spouse and a former congressional advisor, she keeps communities – not party – at the center of how she approaches public service.

James McCormick II

Executive Director of Government Affairs
Vietnam Veterans of America

James L. McCormick II is a distinguished retired U.S. Army Captain whose 22-year military career—beginning with 16 years of enlisted service and rising to senior NCO leadership—reflects extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication. In 2002, he received one of only two direct commissions federally approved and recognized that year for a combat arms branch (Armor).

Highly decorated with the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars for Valor, three Purple Hearts, and other commendations, his service in Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom exemplifies duty to nation.

He serves as Executive Director for Government Affairs for Vietnam Veterans of America, advocating nationally for veterans.

He is also host of “Digging History and Honoring the Sacrifice,” founder of The Veteran Channel on Roku, author of Battle Tested Faith, and a national speaker.

James McCormick III

Army Veteran

Jimmy McCormick is a U.S. Army veteran and volunteer with Vietnam Veterans of America. He served eight years in the United States Army, including service during the Global War on Terror with an overseas deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield, and brings a strong sense of discipline, service, and commitment to his work in veterans advocacy.

Jimmy is currently a senior at Southern New Hampshire University. Outside of his academic and volunteer work, he is active in amateur boxing in West Virginia, bodybuilding, and endurance running. He also enjoys traveling and has set a personal goal of visiting every continent.

Through his volunteer service with VVA, Jimmy hopes to support veteran-focused causes, strengthen community engagement, and continue serving those who have worn the uniform.

Leo Marin

Co-Founder & Head of Research
Beneath the Service

Leo believes that effective leadership is a dynamic interplay of competence, character, and context. He is the co-founder of Beneath the Service and the Leadership Supply Co., where he works with organizations to move beyond leadership theory and into the practical mechanics of how teams actually function under pressure. His perspective is shaped by leading in high-stakes environments across very different worlds. He served as a U.S. Army Ranger and infantry officer in Iraq, later transitioning to Google, where he led multicultural advertising sales and was later the head of leadership strategy for Google’s Marketing organization. Leo recently completed his second year of his PhD in Social and Organizational Psychology at Teachers College Columbia University. His research interests include how to lead during chronic instability, how leader development programs influence leader identity, and how organizations may update their human systems to leverage AI.

Guy Kiyokawa

VP & Account Manager
Leidos

Guy received U.S. Senate confirmation and was sworn in on Nov 4, 2021, as the Assistant Secretary for Enterprise Integration in the Department of Veterans Affairs serving until January 2025. From April to September 2023, he stepped in as the Acting Deputy Secretary. He began his career in the United States Army as a MEDEVAC pilot and proceeded to serve over 29 years as an active-duty Medical Service Corps officer focusing on health facility construction and hospital administration. Following his retirement from active duty, Guy joined the Senior Executive Service and served as the Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), which is responsible for health delivery for service members, their families, and retirees. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and Baylor University with a master’s degree in health administration.

Brian Von Herbulis

Vice President of Programs
The Brickyard

Brian Von Herbulis is a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who commanded special operations and reconnaissance units and was one of the original members of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC). Since retiring from active duty in 2014, he has focused on nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as Vice President of Programs at The Brickyard, a veteran-led national civic and service nonprofit that strengthens communities and fosters national cohesion through social engagement, service, and civic connection.

Heather Kelly

Director of Advancement
Travis Manion Foundation

Heather Kelly is the Director of Advancement for the Travis Manion Foundation. While building relationships within their volunteer & partner community, she has the opportunity to assist in growing TMF’s presence nationwide. Prior to her current role, Heather also led programming for TMF’s West & Pacific Northwest regions - working closely with veterans returning to civilian life, the surviving family members of those who make the ultimate sacrifice, and fostering America’s next generation of leaders. Along with her work at the Travis Manion Foundation, Heather is also co-author of The Knock at the Door: Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose with Ryan Manion and Amy Looney Heffernan, published November 2019.

Gabby Kubinyi

Associate Director of Grassroots Advocacy
Veterans of Foreign Wars

Gabriella Kubinyi serves as the Associate Director of Grassroots Advocacy for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), where she leads the National Legislative Committee and mobilizes members nationwide to advocate on issues impacting veterans and their families. She has spent much of her career advancing the VFW’s legislative mission, with prior roles supporting veterans navigating VA benefits and managing grassroots advocacy efforts. Before returning to the VFW, she worked with Mercy Medical Angels to expand access to medical transportation and led transition support programming at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. A military spouse and surviving widow, Gabriella brings a deeply personal perspective to her work and remains active in the survivor community, including past leadership roles with Gold Star organizations and service on a VA federal advisory committee. She holds a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University and resides in Washington, D.C.

Erin Muhlenbeck

Social Media Content Creator

Erin is a former special education teacher and active-duty Air Force spouse turned entrepreneur. Erin creates relatable content on social media for the military community through humor, authenticity and vulnerability with a special focus on the military spouse and family experience. With millions of views on her content each month, Erin strives to connect with and advocate for the entire military community both on and offline. Erin was voted the 2026 Armed Forces Insurance Seymour Johnson AFB Military Spouse of the Year where she currently lives with her husband, son, two golden retrievers and newly acquired cat.

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Daytime Programming

Moderators

Ingrid Sundlee