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THE PATRIOT ADVISORY BOARD
MANAGEMENT & PROMOTIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
The Patriot Advisory Board serves as an advisory body to FREEDOM IS NOT FREE's management.
It assists in the promotion of FREEDOM IS NOT FREE programs, initiatives and fund
raising activities. The Patriot Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals
with complementary personal and professional backgrounds, skill-sets and experience.
All Board members share the passion for the mission and the willingness to make
a difference. They offer honest, unbiased feedback, new ideas, and an invaluable
knowledge-base that assist FREEDOM IS NOT FREE's management team and operations.
Patriot Advisory Board members include:
David Dominguez
David Dominguez, founder of FREEDOM IS NOT FREE, also serves as
the Chairman and CEO of The Andrew Lauren Company. Andrew Lauren is a new home builder
services company that owns and operates new home design centers in Arizona. Andrew
Lauren specializes in all types of flooring for new homes; in addition, Andrew Lauren
sells, fabricates, and installs cabinets and granite counter surfaces for new home
builders in Arizona. Mr. Dominguez has served as president, managing partner, and/or
CEO of a wide range of companies over the last 28 years. Some of the companies that
Mr. Dominguez has served as CEO include: Saunders Telecom, a fabricator of relay
rack, cabinets and cable runway systems for telephone and internet back room distribution
centers; Polo Players, d.b.a. the Polo Ralph Lauren Shops, the chain of Polo retail
stores in California, Arizona and Hawaii; and Standards of Excellence and Standard
Plumbing and Supply, where he served as a turnaround CEO. Mr. Dominguez also founded
Earthcraft and Main Street, his first company, founded in 1975, which grew to a
chain of 36 specialty stores. Mr. Dominguez has served on the boards of Independence
One Bank, General Steel in Cleveland Ohio, and as Chairman of the San Diego Young
Presidents Organization. In addition, he serves on a variety of community organization
boards including the Salvation Army, The Village Church Foundation, and World Presidents
Organization (WPO), where he serves as Chairman of the San Diego Chapter.
Eric Crown
Eric Crown is the founder and former CEO of Insight Enterprises, Inc., a Fortune
500 computer services company. Insight is a leading provider of a broad range of
top name-brand IT computing products, software and advanced IT services helping
companies around the world enable, manage and secure their IT environment. Insight
was started right out of college by Eric and his brother and now serves customers
in 170 countries and had sales in 2007 of nearly five billion dollars. Eric resigned
from the Board as CEO but retains the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus.
Eric is presently involved in venture capital investing, actively assisting in the
management of several small to mid-sized companies to achieve rapid growth and profitability.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in Business
and Computer Information Services. Eric currently serves as a Board member of the
Phoenix Zoo and the Arizona State University Sun Angel Athletics.
Jean Wells Hamerslag
Jean Hamerslag was president and CEO of Benedict and Wells Advertising
which serviced many local and national accounts including Sea World, Cobra Golf,
Quality Inns, and Earth Craft to name a few. Ms. Hamerslag was Vice President of
Communications for MTI Technology, a 150 million dollar technology company that
she founded with her husband Steve. Other companies that Ms. Hamerslag has owned
include Transit Advertising, which handled the advertising on sides of buses; and
the Cork and Cheddar and Wine, cheese and deli store. Ms. Hamerslag also published
two agriculture magazines. She has served on numerous philanthropic boards over
the past twenty years. Jean presently serves on the council for the Salk Institute
and the Art Installations on the UCSD campus, as well as continuing her fundraising
activities on behalf of cancer research and the public school system. Commencing
in August 2006, Jean spearheaded the FREEDOM IS NOT FREE America’s Heroes Calendar
project and brought it from concept through fruition. The Calendar gained unprecedented
media attention, including appearances by the Marines pictured in the calendar on
national television programs including The Today Show, Neil Cavuto and Inside Edition.
The wave of exposure in the press led to an incredible outpouring of financial,
and other, support from the American public and from around the world.
Captain Jerry M. Harris, USNR (Ret)
Jerry grew up in West Islip, New York. He attended the University
of Virginia where, in June 1973, he received a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical
Engineering with high distinction and was commissioned an ensign in the United States
Navy through the NROTC Program. Designated a Naval Aviator in October 1974, he flew
the F-14A Tomcat while deploying to the Western Pacific and the Mediterranean onboard
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and USS America (CV-66). Upon release from active duty in
1979, he continued to serve the nation as an air combat adversary pilot in the Naval
Reserves flying the A-4E Skyhawk for fourteen years with Fighter Composite Squadron
THIRTEEN based at NAS Miramar, California. His service and commitment propelled
him through the ranks, until he ultimately served as Miramar's commanding officer.
Captain Harris retired from the Navy Reserve in 1996. He earned a Master of Science
in Information Systems degree from the University of Southern California in 1982.
Mr. Harris has
more than 20 years senior management experience in the institutional
and private investment industries and holds the professional designation of Chartered
Alternative Investment Analyst. Jerry is an elder of the Presbyterian Church and
is the President of the Village Christian Foundation in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
Colonel Jeffrey
Powers USMC (Ret)
Jeffrey Powers retired from the US Marine Corps in June 2003 after
achieving the rank of Colonel. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert
Storm where he commanded a 1,200 man Task Force into Kuwait as part of the lead
Marine Corps contingent. During Desert Storm, Colonel Powers was decorated for valor
while serving as the Task Force Operations Officer. Additionally, Colonel Powers
has held command assignments with Marine Recon, a Dutch Marine rifle Company, a
US Army Special Forces (Green Beret) training company, as well as serving as the Officer in
Charge of Special Operations Training Group (SOTG). During his 25 year career Col.
Powers commanded two Light Armor Reconnaissance Battalions; he motivated, trained
and directed multinational, civilian and military personnel. Jeffrey Powers currently
serves as CEO of the San Diego-based Homeland Security Group International to which
he brings his vast experience and extensive network of contacts. The company, engaged
in the sale of high- and low-tech products and services to military and civilian
first responders, strives to minimize combatant and front line emergency personnel
exposure to potentially life threatening situations. Jeffrey Powers currently resides
in La Costa, CA, with his wife Heidi.
Lt. Colonel James Szepesy USMC Lt.
Colonel James Szepesy was born in Manhattan, New York on May 1,
1969. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Air Force
Academy in Colorado Springs Colorado in May of 1991 and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant
in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of the Basic School in March
of 1992, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training and was designated a Naval
Aviator in August of 1993. Lt. Colonel Szepesy served as a Captain on the USS Boxer
from September 1997 to March 1998. Lt. Colonel Szepesy was promoted to Major in
March 2001. Lt. Colonel Szepesy’s combat experience includes tours of duty supporting
OIF and OFI II. His personal decorations include two Air Medals with combat distinguishing
devices, Air Medal with 5 Strike Flights, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation
Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Lt. Colonel Szepesy is currently
the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Fellow to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
at Tufts University. He is married to the former Nancy Beaulieu of Central Islip,
New York and has three children.
Kevin Keller
Kevin Keller is currently a strategic partner for BottomLine Marketing,
a San Diego-based business and marketing strategy consulting firm. BottomLine Marketing
specializes in helping organizations develop effective strategic marketing platforms
and marketing strategies to drive profitable business growth. Throughout his 28-year
senior sales and art director career, Keller has successfully built a broad array
of marketing communications programs for companies ranging from startups to Fortune
500s. From 1987 to 2001, Kevin served as founding partner and Chief Executive Officer
of Goss Keller Martinez, a San Diego firm specializing in corporate communications
and publication design. Under his leadership, GKM became an industry leader working
with consumer and technology clients including Pacific Life Insurance Company, Ford
Motor Company, Dupont, and The Salk Institute. Kevin earned his BA in fine arts
from San Jose State University and studied at The University of South Carolina.
Previously, he served on the advisory board of Crossflo Systems, a software data
sharing platform for mission-critical information systems used by first responder,
justice and intelligence agencies. Currently he serves on the advisory board of
The Family Literacy Foundation, a non-profit organization which encourages parents
and communities to read aloud with children in order to strengthen family relationships.
Richard L. Vogel
Richard L. Vogel is the President of Compass Bank Arizona. He has over 20 years
banking experience all in Metropolitan Phoenix. Rich has been the Phoenix President
of Compass Bank since 1999. His previous position was Senior Vice President-Manager
of Norwest Bank of Arizona's Commercial Banking Division, which included the Corporate
Banking Department and 4 Business Banking units.
Other senior management experience includes Senior Vice President Chase Bank of
Arizona managing the Commercial Banking, Corporate Finance, Treasury Management
and Leasing units. Rich has a BBA-Finance from University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
and an MBA with a Finance emphasis from Arizona State University. Community and
business associations include past Chairman of the Board of Arizona Special Olympics,
current Chairman of Future for Kids, board of directors ASU-MBA council, Founding
Chairman of ASU's MBA mentorship program, member of Arizona Business Leadership
Association, member of Arizona Association of Industries, member of Greater Phoenix
Leadership, and a member of the Young Presidents Organization.
Bruce Andersen
Bruce Andersen is currently President and CEO of two communications technology companies,
3rd Wave Solutions, Inc. and Altivon, both based in Phoenix, Arizona where he is
responsible for Strategic Planning, Business Development and the overall performance
of the respective companies. Over the course of a 30 year career, he has held several
positions in Sales, Sales Leadership, Channel Development and General Operational
Leadership. In the past 15 years, Bruce has successfully founded, built and sold
several technology and software companies. A recognized visionary, he has continually
been able to identify a market need and subsequently develop and execute a business
strategy to successfully fill that need. Bruce has served on and has chaired several
industry trade associations, dealer boards and business council’s. Additionally,
he has served on the advisory boards of several of organizations within the communications
and software industries. Raised in Chicago and Wisconsin, Bruce has always maintained
his basic Midwestern values of hard, work, respecting people and giving back. Accordingly,
he has served in several volunteer capacities with Boys and Girls Clubs, Future
for Kids and his local Church.
Beth Billstein,
CIC, CWCS
Beth is a commercial insurance Agent/Broker with Johnson Wood Insurance
Services dedicated to developing innovative insurance solutions to meet her client’s
specific needs.
Beth obtained her BA from CSUN in Behavioral Science. Beth has served as President
of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of San Diego, President of Young
Agents of San Diego, on numerous Boards including Professional Women In Insurance,
National Association of Women in Construction, Coronado Playhouse, Teatro Magico
and many more. In addition to insurance Beth has produced many plays, she loves
to travel and scuba dive. Beth is Passionate about doing the right thing.
Beth was eager to serve on the board of FINF because of her love of this country
and respect for those who serve and have served in our military and a strong desire
to give something back to our service men, women and their families.
Darrick Zahlman
Darrick is a Wealth Management Advisor with RG Capital/AIG Financial Advisors providing
creative design ideas in the areas of income tax, estate and gift tax planning.
He is also adept in the areas of asset accumulation and preservation planning. As
a Financial Planner, Darrick has the ability to provide a unique combination of
technical skills with a demonstrated commitment to outstanding client service. After
receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University, Darrick
began his financial services career with Merrill Lynch. He is currently a candidate
for the Certified Financial Planner designation, and continues to be very active
in the financial services industry in Phoenix and beyond.
He works with numerous local attorneys and accountants to help coordinate and impact
the financial lives of his clients. Darrick is a native of Rockland County, New
York and currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. He enjoys traveling, golfing,
and spending time with family and friends.
Brandin Stewart
Brandin Stewart is a top Account Executive with NBC Television.
Adept at building relationships and generating mutually profitable partnerships,
Brandin works with well-known clients such as Ford, General Motors, Verizon Wireless
and Progressive,
Brandin was born and raised in Westchester County, New York. He graduated from the
University of Kentucky in 2000, where he played basketball on the Junior Varsity
team, with a Business Marketing Degree. After graduating, Brandin joined internet
marketing company E-Corporation.
He made major contributions in the creation of Travelago, a streaming video travel
website that brought in $15 million in venture capital. Brandin left in 2002 to
join Bank One as an Internet Project Manager. As a member of Freedom Is Not Free’s
Patriot Advisory Board, he dedicates his knowledge and experience to ensuring the
future success of the organization.
Jon
Kelley
Jon Kelley is a primary correspondent for "Extra’s" daily
show. Kelley joined the series in 2001 after a diverse broadcast career spanning
more than 15 years in news, sports and entertainment. Before joining "Extra," Kelly
served as the main anchor for the Fox Sports Network’s "The National Sports Report,"
and the lead anchor for the weekly series, "Baseball Today." Prior to Fox, Kelley
was the lead sports anchor on the NBC owned-and-operated station WMAQ-TV in Chicago.
During his eight years in Chicago, Kelley was widely regarded as one of the region’s
top sports anchors and directors. In addition to his nightly sportscasts, Kelley
hosted "Sports Sunday," WMAQ-TV's half-hour, expanded sports highlights program.
There he shared the anchor desk with some of the city's most dynamic sports and
entertainment personalities, including NBA rebounding star Dennis Rodman and "Tonight
Show" host Jay Leno. Kelley joined WMAQ-TV as a sports reporter and weekend anchor
in April 1991.
While at WMAQ-TV, Kelley was part of a sports team that
earned such prestigious awards as the Peter Lisagor Award for Sports Journalism
and an Illinois Broadcasters Association Silver Dome Award for Best Sportscast in
1996. In 1997, Kelley won the Chicago/Midwest Emmy award for producing and anchoring
his hour-long special highlighting the Chicago Bulls’ quest for a fifth championship.
Kelley has also done stints as a sports reporter and weekend sports anchor at WDAF-TV,
Channel 4, the Fox affiliate in Kansas City, Missouri, and worked as a news reporter
at KMTV-TV in Omaha, Nebraska. He began his career as a weekend sports anchor and
reporter at KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Kelley
played four seasons as a running back for the University of Nebraska before graduating
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism. He signed as a free agent
with the Denver Broncos in 1988 before embarking on a broadcasting career.
Billy Crafton
Billy Crafton is the founder and president of Martin Kelly Capital Management, a
Registered Investment Adviser providing wealth management to professional athletes,
prominent American families, corporations and foundations. As of September 2007,
Martin Kelly manages over $120 million dollars. Mr. Crafton attended Miami University
(Ohio) where he played fullback on the football team and earned his Bachelor’s Degree
in Finance.
Over the past decade, he has worked with both American Express Financial Advisors,
one of the largest advisory firms in the country, and CSI Capital Management, a
boutique firm focusing on professional athletes and entertainers. In addition to
his work as a financial advisor, Mr. Crafton serves on the board of Freedom Is Not
Free, and has previously served on the board of Future for Kids.
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