Our team

Charlie Kirk was the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government. With a presence on more than 3,000 high school and college campuses nationwide, over 650,000 lifetime student members, and 450 full- and part-time staff across the country, Turning Point USA grew into the largest and fastest-growing conservative youth activist organization in America. By the age of 30, Charlie had logged thousands of media appearances, and his commentary and writing were featured in outlets including Fox News, The Hill, RealClearPolitics, Newsweek, The Washington Times, Breitbart, American Greatness, Daily Caller, The American Mind, The Washington Post, and Human Events.

He was named to the Forbes “30 under 30” list and became the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention, later serving as the opening speaker at the 2020 RNC. He authored four books, among them the #1 Amazon and New York Times best-seller The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas that Will Win the Future from Broadside Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. In 2022, he released The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth from Winning Team Publishing. His final book, Rightwing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West, was released in the spring of 2024.

Charlie’s social media platforms reached over 100 million people per month, and Axios listed him among the “top 10 most engaged” accounts in the world. He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show podcast, which surpassed 120 million downloads in a single year and consistently ranked in the top 10 on Apple News podcast charts. The show was also nationally syndicated on 150 radio stations and simulcast on Real America’s Voice News. Every day, more than 1 million people listened, watched, or streamed The Charlie Kirk Show.

Charlie’s passing marked a turning point for the movement he sparked. In the weeks that followed, more than 120,000 students reached out seeking to launch new high school and college chapters, determined to carry forward what he built. His passing also sparked a wave of Christian revival that spread far beyond the United States, igniting prayer gatherings, worship events, and renewed faith commitments. In cities across America and in countries around the world, hundreds of vigils and memorials were held in his honor—spontaneous expressions of gratitude for a life that emboldened young people, challenged cultural norms, and called a generation to courage. His influence did not end with his life; it accelerated.

Erika Kirk is the CEO and Board Chair for Turning Point USA. Erika was appointed to these roles following the September 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, Erika’s husband, Turning Point USA founder, and one of the most consequential conservative activists in American history.

Under Erika’s leadership, Turning Point USA continues to be the largest, fastest-growing, and most-impactful conservative youth organization in America. With a presence at 5,000+ high school and college campuses nationwide, 8,000+ church partners, 1,000,000+ student members, billions of content views annually, its own White House correspondent, and 400+ staff nationwide, Turning Point USA is the undisputed heartbeat and workforce of the grassroots pro-America movement.

Erika also leads Turning Point Action, the 501(c)(4) organization that Charlie Kirk founded in 2019. Turning Point Action has become a force to reckon with in the conservative movement, hosting massive rallies across the country, leading the Right’s grassroots movement, giving individuals the opportunity to run for office, and providing voters with critical information surrounding their leaders and elections.

In addition to leading Turning Point USA, Erika leads her BIBLEin365 ministry, which aims to encourage individuals to read the entire Bible in one year. Erika’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to create PROCLAIM, a Christian clothing and lifestyle line. These brands serve as an extension of Erika’s mission to inspire others to boldly live out their faith.

Erika earned her J.M. in American Legal Studies from Liberty University, as well as her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations from Arizona State University.

As a widow to her beloved husband and as a mother to their two children, Erika is committed to Biblical leadership and inspiring others to live with purpose, driven by the love of Christ and love for America in every aspect of life.

David Engelhardt is the founding attorney of Engelhardt Law in New York and lead pastor at the Manhattan congregation Kings’ Church.

David’s legal focus is on working with individuals, businesses, and nonprofits in the areas of business litigation and transactions. He has handled complex civil litigation and argued and won before New York’s First Judicial Department Appellate Division on a case with more than $30 million in controversy. David has consulted on best business practices for both domestic and international transactions throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. David has been quoted in publications such as Forbes, Business News Daily, and Inc. Magazine.

As an entrepreneur, David launched Cohesive Design—a branding and graphic design company, which has served businesses in the formation of brand identity and communication. In the non-profit sector, David has worked with NGOs and churches in a number of different roles since 1998. In the community, David has acted as a pro-bono representative of the Bowery Mission and coached the 2017-18 Mock Trial Team at The Kings College. David joined the TPUSA board of directors in 2020 and resides in New York with his wife and three children.

Doug DeGroote is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with an MBA in Financial Planning, and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Before establishing De Groote Financial Group he founded the United Wealth Management division of United Capital. Prior to that he was a partner at Crowell, Weedon and Co. He regularly contributes to a variety of financial and general media as needed.

After graduating high school, Mike Miller received his degree in Pharmacy; however, his love for gems and precious jewels never dimmed. By 1970, Mike had established himself in Barrington, IL, and sold jewelry in the back of Esh Pharmacy while also working as a pharmacist. As time went on, the jewelry inventory grew and eventually more space was needed. Mike Miller’s jewelry company, M.J. Miller & Co., then moved from the Esh location in June of 2000 to its current location on Main Street.

Tom Sodeika is the President/CEO and owner of Precision Payroll of America in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. Precision Payroll takes great pride in that the first employee and first client are still working together. Serving over 1,800 companies in 42 states, Precision Payroll offers payroll and tax services, human resource solutions, web-based input systems, and so much more.

Advisory Council Member

Adam Brandon is the President of FreedomWorks, a grassroots service center to millions of activists who support smaller government, lower taxes, free markets, personal liberty, and rule of law. Adam joined FreedomWorks in 2005, starting in the press department and gradually moving into a management role. Adam is responsible for setting the priorities of the entire family of FreedomWorks entities, including a 501(c)(3) foundation, 501(c)(4) issue activism effort, and two political action committees. Before FreedomWorks, Adam worked as a state-level campaign manager, high school teacher, and non-profit press secretary. Needless to say, each role taught him the skills to achieve strategic goals in an environment of scarcity. Adam earned a B.A. from George Washington University and master’s degrees from Georgetown University, George Washington University, and Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. If he’s not in a suit, you can bet Adam is wearing his Jim Brown jersey, watching the Cleveland Browns with his wife, Jacqueline.

Education: B.A., George Washington University; M.A., George Washington University; M.A., Jagiellonian University; M.A., Georgetown University.

Advisory Council Member

Allen R. Hartman is Founder, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of HARTMAN INCOME REIT, a non-traded public Real Estate Investment Trust consisting of office, industrial, and retail properties in Texas since 1983.  Al is married to Lisa Hartman, his wife of 26 years, and they have three daughters, Margaret, 25, a senior analyst with Hines Global Real Estate, Victoria, 23, a senior at Texas A & M and organizational leader with Southwestern Advantage, and Charlotte, 20, a junior at Texas A & M majoring in International Studies with an emphasis in commerce and the Arabic language.  The Hartman’s passion is to see Christian revival and civic reform in our nation and engage in this effort through a wide variety of business, political, charitable, and para-church involvements.

Advisory Council Member

Internationally recognized jeweler and top gemological expert known worldwide, Alfredo J. Molina is Chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers and Black, Starr & Frost, America’s first jeweler since 1810.

Alfredo’s lineage of master jewelers dates back to 1634 in Milan, Italy. As an 11th generation jeweler, he has built an unparalleled reputation, offering the rarest of gems and exclusive collections of fine jewelry. His ability to secure the world’s most rare gems, such as the priceless, historic Archduke Joseph Diamond, the world’s 12th largest perfect Golconda type 2A white diamond, has earned him the reputation as one of the nation’s most prestigious jewelers. His successes have earned him guest appearances on numerous television programs, including CBS Early Show and the Today Show, and has been featured in the New York Times, The Financial Times, The London Times and countless luxury magazines including Robb Report, Departures, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country and Elite Traveler.

Alfredo’s education and experience in the jewelry industry is extensive. He is a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America and a Fellow Member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain with Distinction. He is considered an expert in the determination of country of origin of gemstones. He is past President of the American Society of Appraisers, Arizona Jewelers Association, and the GIA Alumni Association. He has served as Vice-Chairman of the Jewelers of America Council and Co-Chairman of the Master Gemologist Appraiser program, and co-authored the curriculum in appraisal practices. Alfredo has been called upon to appraise many very important gemological collections from around the world. Alfredo serves as a trusted advisor to royal houses, captains of industry and some of the world’s wealthiest families. Alfredo has also served as a jewelry stylist for Hollywood’s elite.

Alfredo is a qualified appraiser for the Internal Revenue Service and an alumnus of FBI Citizens Academy. In 2002, he was appointed to serve as Honorary Consul of Spain for Arizona. Alfredo is the founder of the Advisory Posse in Maricopa County and served as it’s founding commanding officer.

Alfredo was honored in Washington, DC as one of seven caring Americans and was inducted into the Frederick Douglass Museum & Hall of Fame for Caring Americans on Capitol Hill. He was named a 2008 Outstanding Business Leader by Northwood University at the Breakers in Palm Beach. Alfredo was inducted into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame in 2008. Alfredo was honored with the Jewelers that Care Award in 2011.

Alfredo is very involved in the community and has donated time and resources to more than 300 charities. Alfredo’s vision is “Changing the world one jewel at a time.” He believes that every individual is a precious jewel and it is our commitment and social responsibility to ensure that they become brilliant.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Barry Russell is president and CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), the leading national trade association of independent oil and natural gas producers and service companies in the United States. Russell, who joined IPAA in the early 1980s, serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the association and is responsible for its day-to-day operations.

Prior to being elected President in March 2000, Russell served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. In this role, he was the principal deputy to the President, focusing on legislative policy development as well as the legal and financial administration of the association.

Over the last several years, Russell has worked with over thirty state and national associations to create IPAA’s grassroots network made up of over 50,000 individuals. This network helps the industry express important policy positions to Congress and Washington policymakers. In addition, Russell developed the IPAA Education Center which is dedicated to teaching students at various levels about energy policy and careers in the industry.

Mr. Russell currently serves on the board of the IPAA Educational Foundation, the Business Industry Political Action Committee, and the National Energy Education Development Project. In the past, he has served on the Board of the North American Prospect Expo (known as NAPE®), the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council and the Jefferson Energy Foundation.

In the past, he has managed IPAA’s environmental issues as one of IPAA’s registered lobbyists and served as a founding member of the Environmental Issues Council, an organization of trade associations based in Washington, D.C. In addition, he served on the committees that directed the association’s strategic planning in 1995 and 1989. He has been IPAA’s chief legal and financial officer since 1988 and an officer of IPAA’s educational foundation since its inception.

Russell began his career in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel and Enforcement, where he represented EPA in civil and criminal actions against some of the nation’s largest utilities and industrial concerns. Prior to joining IPAA, Russell worked for several management consulting firms including Booz, Allen and Hamilton. During this period, he specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate turnaround assignments, serving as the CEO of companies that were near bankruptcy. He was also active in international business, traveling to over 40 foreign countries during this period.

He received his law degree with honors from George Washington University Law School, and he graduated with distinction and honors from Penn State University with a B.S. in psychology and a B.A. in economics. He has also completed courses in environmental mediation and negotiation at Harvard University and MIT.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Bishop Aubrey Shines, a Chicago native, began ministering in the Cook County Correctional System in Chicago, IL, as an evangelical minister licensed by the reformation of the Church of God in Christ. In 1987, God moved greatly upon Bishop Shines‘ heart, and he became the founder of Glory to Glory Ministries International. The ministry has since transcended denominational, cultural, and ethnic boundaries. Throughout the country, Bishop Shines has been featured in various leading newspapers, magazines, and TV and radio broadcasts as a leading prophetic voice. This call upon his life has positioned him to minister prophetic insight into the lives of key spiritual leaders, top athletes, entertainers, and governmental officials. 

Bishop Shines had a zeal for God’s people to know Him in a greater and more personal way, rather than solely through human emotions. In May 2002, he began teaching a basic theology course to train leaders in the Greater Tampa Bay, Florida area. The curriculum focused on the Patristic Period and the impact that the first through fifth century Fathers of the Church had on our global society. As a result of the consistent weekly Bible teachings, the class attendance numbers grew steadily during the first year. Saturating his desire with prayer, God began to clearly speak to Bishop Shines, and it became apparent that God was leading him to shepherd this newly assembled flock of believers as their Senior Pastor. 

G2G Ministries, Inc., as the ministry is presently known, is now located in Temple Terrace, Florida. Over the past twelve years, the congregation has grown tremendously because of the anointing that God has placed on Bishop. Shines‘ life. Because of his unique leadership style, a high percentage of men flock to and actively serve in the ministry. Over 40% of G2G members are men, while the average population of men in ministries across the U.S. is 7-9%.

Bishop Shines‘ most recent accomplishments include:

• Hosting his own TV show America Shines on the Real America’s Voice Network 
• Being the founder and CEO of Conservative Clergy of Color, a coalition of voices dedicated to changing the American debate on race
• Conducting daily TV and radio interviews, completing hundreds each year 
• Traveling alongside then–presidential candidate Donald J. Trump, speaking in dozens of cities across America as a supporter
• Authoring and publishing the book “HOMOSEXUALITY? Things That the Media Won’t Tell You!” 
• Authoring and publishing the book “Eight Questions About Race: A Black Pastor Responds to Black Lives Matter”
• Welcoming 20+ ethnic groups at church every Sunday and encouraging people throughout Florida and the nation to attend

Being convinced and assured that the Bible is the true Word of God, Bishop Shines travels extensively to sound the alarm across America, never divorcing his biblical ministry from cultural or political issues. He compels the church to return to what our forefathers established and to live by what God has ordained in His Word, without compromise. He addresses the most pressing issues of our day, primarily those relating to righteousness. Bishop Shines has earned a computer science degree, a Bachelor of Theology degree, and a Master of Divinity degree. 

Social Media

• Getter – @aubreysamerica
• Truth Social – @aubreysamerica
• Website – https://aubreyshines.com/
• Real America’s Voice – America Shines – https://aubreyshines.com/america-shines

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Born in Hillsboro, Ohio, McEwen graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida in 1972. He also attended Ohio State University’s College of Law for one year from 1972 to 1973.

McEwen is married to the former Elizabeth “Liz” Boebinger and has four children: Meredith, Jonathan, Robert, and Elizabeth.

He was elected at the age of twenty-four to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1974 from the 72nd House District representing southern Ohio.

Bob McEwen represented Ohio in the United States House of Representatives for six terms. Prior to his Congressional service, he operated a successful Ohio Real Estate and Development firm as well as serving three terms in the Ohio General Assembly
as the Senior Republican on the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.

Rep. McEwen served as Chairman of the Environmental Affairs task force of the United States delegation to the European Parliament. McEwen was selected by the Democratic leadership of the U.S. Congress as the chief spokesman for the United States in discussions with European Green Party and other Environmental Organizations.

On August 23, 1989, Congressman McEwen and United States Senator Robert Dole participated as United States observers in Warsaw, Poland to the first ever Parliamentary election of a non-Communist leader of a Soviet bloc country. Hours later, the new Prime Minister, in his first official act, received the Congressman and Senator prior to meeting with the Soviet representatives of the regime that had occupied that nation for fifty years. This action was the spark that encouraged the collapse of Soviet dominated governments throughout Eastern Europe culminating in the destruction of the Berlin Wall ten weeks later. Representative McEwen served as an official United States observer in Moscow during both the 1991 Soviet Coup attempt and to the Kremlin in January of 1992 when the Soviet Union was dissolved.

Mr. McEwen was elected by his colleagues to the two most coveted positions in the U. S. Congress; the Select Committee on Intelligence which oversees all of our nation’s secrets, and the powerful House Committee on Rules which has jurisdiction over all legislation in the Congress. As one of only four Republicans on the thirteen member Rules Committee, Mr. McEwen managed nearly one-third of all legislation on the House floor for the Republican side of the Congressional aisle.

McEwen legislation approved by the Congress included the National Strategy Act that realigned the chain of command during times of hostilities, directly from the Theater Commander to the National Command Authority in Washington. Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and General Norman Schwarzkopf have credited this change with playing a major role in the success of Operation Desert Storm.

He was selected by Administration and Congressional leaders to floor manage such critical national security legislation as the B-2 bomber authorization, the nuclear freeze debate, and to give the closing arguments before the vote to authorize military action by the United States in Desert Storm.

Mr. McEwen has often been selected as negotiator to bring resolution to Senate/House conference committee impasses on dozens of pieces of legislation, particularly affecting Public Works, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and International Relations.

Advisory Council Member

Cameron is founding partner at Eldon Pass.

Eldon Pass is a family of mature operating companies and new ventures that aspire to do good in the world. We use relationships to mobilize human and financial capital to invest in, build up and operate businesses. Eldon Pass is focused in the lower middle market space, real estate and venture stage deals.

As a serial entrepreneur, investor and advisor, Cameron has co-founded & invested in several tech enabled companies in multiple vertical markets such as healthcare, oil & gas, social media, video streaming, AI, big data, video / photo editing and manufacturing; the most recent transaction occurring with GoPro acquiring Splice, a company Cameron co-founded.

Cameron’s professional career started 15 years ago as an OB/Gyn physician and quickly pivoted towards the startup world with the co-founding and subsequent development of his first company, AirStrip – founded in his church parking lot and backed by several firms including being led by Sequoia Capital. Cameron has a BA from Brown University and an MD from the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Mr. Blanton is the founder and managing director of Colt Ventures. Mr. Blanton has over twenty two years of Investment experience and has invested in over 100 private companies across every stage of corporate finance.

Prior to forming Colt Ventures, Mr. Blanton worked with the family office of Perry E. (Bill) Esping, the founder of First Data Corporation.

Before working with the Esping family office, Mr. Blanton ran Able Investments, a distressed real estate fund which acquired commercial real estate from the RTC.

Prior to his work with Able, Darren started his career as a commercial real estate broker in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Blanton currently serves on the Board of Colt Oil and Gas, The SMU Cox School of Business Venture Fund, Esping Family Foundation, and the SM Wright Foundation.

Advisory Council Member

As the founder and managing partner of Blumberg Capital, I have decades of experience in early stage investing. I founded Blumberg Capital in the early 1990s and launched our first venture-backed fund in 2001. I’m dedicated to recognizing the industries of the future and supporting entrepreneurs building innovative companies on a global scale.

Prior to Blumberg Capital, I managed international investments with the Bronfman Family Office, Adler & Co, APAX Partners and at T. Rowe Price. I’m also proud to have launched business development for Check Point Software Technologies as one of its top four executives.

Mr. Blumberg serves on the boards of many inspiring businesses including Apester, Credorax, DoubleVerify, EarnUp, EasyKnock, IntSights, Jassby, Lendio, SigOpt, SupplyPike, Roam, Trulioo and Wunder.

His past investment exits include Nutanix, CaseStack, Cyvera, Siperian, Check Point Software Technologies, Teva, CREO, DSP Group, Electronics For Imaging, AbirNet, Conduct Software, Vista Research, and IP Infusion among others.

Mr. Blumberg earned his A.B. in Government, cum laude, from Harvard College and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and INSEAD. Mr. Blumberg also speaks French and is proficient in Hebrew and Spanish.

Advisory Council Member

Twice named to the San Diego Business Journal’s Book of 500 Influential Business Leaders, Dave Duval has been the Principal of Claiborne Advisors, Inc. since 2000 and is one of southern California’s most connected advisors in the mergers and acquisitions sector.

Dave grew up in the original “Your word is your bond” culture of Wall Street, and brings all of that approach and practice to each client and every engagement. Sharing his knowledge with warmth and candor, Dave delivers an extensive range of experience to every engagement.

An alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy and Princeton University, Dave started competitive rowing in 9th grade and continues to this day. He has twice placed in the top 10 in his age group in the world indoor rowing championships.

In addition to being a pilot and long-term member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, his background includes being an institutional floor broker on the New York Stock Exchange; venture investment researcher; and real estate developer.

Dave is the longest-serving sponsor of the Chairmen’s RoundTable; a current member and former board member of the Corporate Directors Forum; and an active member of the Association for Corporate Growth.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Doug DeGroote is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) with an MBA in Financial Planning, and is an active member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Before establishing De Groote Financial Group he founded the United Wealth Management division of United Capital. Prior to that he was a partner at Crowell, Weedon and Co. He regularly contributes to a variety of financial and general media as needed.

Advisory Council Member

Drew Ryun is a strategist for multiple organizations and non-profits, and also the founder and CEO of CampaignSidekick, a voter contact management system. One of the Republican National Committee’s preferred vendors, CampaignSidekick currently services over 100 campaigns each election cycle.

Co-founder of American Majority, a non-profit candidate school, Drew has personally trained numerous current state legislators to run for office in multiple states. For years Drew served as Director of Government Affairs for the American Center for Law and Justice in Washington, DC as well as the Main Representative for the European Center for Law and Justice at the United Nations in New York City.

A twice-published author, Drew appeared frequently as host and co-host of Jay Sekulow Live, a nationally syndicated radio show with a daily listenership of 2 million.

A former Deputy Director in the Political Division at the Republican National Committee during the 2004 election cycle, Drew has played a key role in organizing grassroots activities for United States House, Senate and Presidential campaigns.

Currently residing just outside of Fort Worth, TX, Drew and his wife Becca also direct the Jim Ryun Running Camps every summer (www.RyunRunning.com) and are the parents of three daughters, Skye, Lily and Willa, and one son, Miles.

Advisory Council Member

Edward C. Zeman became Chairman of Mobile Management Company in 2007. Focusing on strategic issues, he grew the company in exciting new ways. Possessing financial expertise stemming from 25 years of hands-on work within his company, Zeman has grown the organization tenfold. He has enabled the growth of the company, overseeing many changes and challenges. He holds a proven record of accomplishment in the manufactured home community business, overcoming unique obstacles from multiple areas, including residents; local, state and federal government entities; contractors; the media; and competitors.

Advisory Council Member

Esther Q. Schneider was appointed Executive Director of the Hoosier Lottery on January 13, 2005 by Governor Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. Originally from Las Vegas, Schneider brings more than a combined 20 years of experience in the gaming, media and public relations industries.

Schneider began her career as a media buyer for Imperial Palace Hotel/Casino and five subsidiaries. At the age of 24, she became the youngest director of advertising and public relations for a major Las Vegas Strip property, the Sands Hotel and Casino. After leaving the gaming industry, Schneider had a remarkable stint in radio broadcast sales and as a sales executive for Cox Communications. Also during this time, Schneider launched a successful public relations and media buying company, Q Media Consulting. Throughout her distinguished career in sales, Schneider received several awards and was given both local and national honors for her renowned work and entrepreneurship.

In 1999, Q Media merged DRGM Advertising and Public Relations, an industry leader in Las Vegas. There Schneider served as Director of Public Relations and Governmental Affairs until she left DRGM and Las Vegas when she married Thomas J. Schneider of Indianapolis. In 2003, Schneider was asked to serve as Executive Director of the Indiana Senate Majority Campaign Committee where she served until her appointment at the Hoosier Lottery.

Since her appointment at the Lottery, Schneider has been committed to improving the efficiency of the Lottery through reducing variable operational costs, streamlining the Lottery workforce, and eliminating functional duplicity among several departments. In addition, she continues to implement higher agency-wide ethical standards including more rigorous employment criteria.

Advisory Council Member

Francisco Gonzalez is the host of the Agents of Innovation podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and artists. Through his work, personal philanthropy, volunteer activities, and social involvement with live and independent music, Francisco constantly finds himself in the mix of creative entrepreneurs, thoughtful philanthropists, and vibrant musicians and other artists. In 2015, he began the Agents of Innovation podcast to bring the inspiring stories of these individuals and groups to more people.

Born and raised in South Florida, Francisco graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, earned his B.A. in history at Florida Atlantic University, and an M.A. in History at the University of Maryland.

Francisco is the Director of Philanthropy at National Review Institute, a “journalistic think tank” that supports the talent and complements the mission of National Review magazine and preserves the legacy of their founder, William F. Buckley, Jr.

Francisco has also served as the Vice President of Advancement for The James Madison Institute (JMI), a think tank headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. From 2008-2017, Francisco directed JMI’s fundraising and development outreach. Between 2004-2007, Francisco worked for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), in roles of Director of Membership and Campus Outreach, as well as a development officer. ISI is an organization devoted to “Educating for Liberty” on America’s college campuses.

Francisco currently serves on the board of trustees for AMIkids Orlando and the Central Florida Board of Advisors for The Children’s Movement of Florida. He has previously served on the Board of Directors of Rock by the Sea, a Florida-based charity that organizes music festivals and events to help kids with cancer and other deserving nonprofits. Francisco was also previously Chairman of the board of Project Veritas, an investigative journalism organization led by his good friend, James O’Keefe.

Francisco is a featured writer in the Orlando Sentinel Central Florida 100 Voices each Sunday.

In his leisure time, Francisco enjoys playing tennis, watching college football and Major League Soccer, reading, running, working out, and hitting the beach.

Francisco is an avid traveler. To date, he has visited 47 U.S. States and 19 countries. However, he currently resides in the happiest place on earth, Orlando, Florida.

Advisory Council Member

Tsamoutales was a campus coordinator for George Bush’s 1980 campaign at Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Tsamoutales was a Co-Chairman of the National Finance Committee for presidential campaigns for Ronald Reagan then-Vice President George H.W. Bush, and most recently for Governor Mike Huckabee’s campaign for President of the United States in 2008. He also held leadership positions on the finance committee for all three of the Jeb Bush for Florida Governor campaigns, Bob Martinez for Florida Governor Campaign, Tom Gallahager for Florida Governor Campaign, Marco Rubio for US Senate, Bill Posey for US Congress and Daniel Webster for US Congress campaigns, as well as the Mike Haridopolos for the Florida House and Florida Senate campaigns, just to name a few.

Tsamoutales served on the RTCA special committee responsible for the establishment of aviation-related security standards. Appointed by two Governors, he has served on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, the Technological Research and Development Authority and former Florida Department of Commerce Economic Development Commission. He was also named one of the 100 most powerful people on the nations space coast.

He is currently Chairman of HuckPac, a national political action committee chaired by TV host and best selling author Governor Mike Huckabee.

Tsamoutales was the only non-Polish Advisor to Nobel Prize Laureate Lech Walesa’s successful campaign for President of Poland.

He has led delegations of business leaders from the west to assist the budding entrepreneurs in Poland in their quest to develop a free economy. He has also represented major US corporations and negotiated on their behalf privatization agreements in the aviation, transportation, and maritime industries in Poland, then-East Germany, the Netherlands, and Hungary.

In the domestic arena, Tsamoutales consults and is registered to represent such firms as Harris Corporation, Honeywell International, Wal-Mart, Black & Veatch and Caesars Entertainment before federal, state, and local government as well as leading business development.

He is the President, Chairman, and CEO of Tsamoutales Strategies.

Advisory Council Member

After graduating high school Gary Rabine discovered his passion for paving driveways. The start of a family pushed his drive to succeed in this industry. He married Cheryl, in 1985 and Rabine Paving grew as more companies were started, and then more were acquired.

This growth is the result of building an amazing team with a strong focus on client satisfaction, innovation and a desire to be world class. There are now 10 companies in the Rabine Group. Rabine Paving and Rabine Paving America are known to pave more concrete and asphalt parking lots than any other company in America.

7 companies serve the facilities real estate industry in commercial Paving, Roofing, Doors and Docks and Snow Removal. 3 companies are technology businesses serving the Natural Gas industry, the Real Estate industry and Municipal industry.

Cheryl Rabine and their daughter Janelle head up the Rabine Group Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that invests in great causes serving children, elderly, veterans & homeless in the communities that the Rabine Group serves. All of the Rabine Group companies give 3-5% of their profits to the foundation on an annual basis. Gary also started a non- profit called True Mentors with his co-founder Quinton James, an organization that recruits Exec Leaders and Seasoned Entrepreneurs to mentor younger aspiring leaders.

Gary’s passion for mentorship and inspiring others led him to start the podcast called DitchDigger CEO. This podcast, hosted by Gary and Quinton, interviews many of America’s business Titans, allowing them to share their Rags to Riches, only in America, success stories. DitchDigger CEO can be accessed through all podcast apps or Apple iTunes.

Gary, along with his wife Cheryl and son, Nik, currently reside in Woodstock, IL, in a home on their golf course at Bull Valley. Gary’s other son and two daughters are enjoying their careers. Two of his children lead Rabine Group Companies in Schaumburg and Chicago and one is an E&Y attorney. Gary & Cheryl are most excited about their two grandchildren Lincoln and Sienna.

Gary enjoys staying active with working out, golf, wake surfing and practicing his Catholic Faith.

Advisory Council Member

An experienced businessman and money manager, over the course of a 20+ year career, I have successfully moved from Analyst to Managing Director, through hard work and a keen eye for favorable investments.

This experience has culminated in the founding of my current venture — Highground Holdings — a merchant bank and strategic advisor focused on private companies following an opportunistic approach in high-growth, disruptive technologies, special situations and undervalued cash generators, across various sectors including commodities, technology and consumer goods space.

Today I’m particularly excited by the work I’m doing as Co-Chairman of Eden Green Technology, a leading-edge venture in the emerging space of vertical farming. We’re enabling more energy-efficient farming that will allow for better, fresher produce on store shelves year-round, starting with Walmart.

A proud Texan (born and bred), and American, married man, and father of 5, I am a great lover of freedom and this land of ours. Outside of work I enjoy hunting, sports, finance and cigars.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Gil Baumgarten is a 35-year veteran of the securities and investment industry. After beginning his career at the venerable EF Hutton in the early 1980s, Gil became a top producer for UBS and Smith Barney; what is today Morgan Stanley. However, Gil found Wall Street routinely emphasized its own interests over those of the client. By the time 2010 came about, Gil jumped off the brokerage train to start Segment, a fee-only firm where the interests of the client could align with the interests of the firm.

Named one of the top-20 Exchange Traded Funds thought leaders in America by BARRON’S and the Wall Street Journal, Gil’s expertise is frequently recognized and called upon. He is a multi-year recipient of the BARRON’S Top 1,200 Financial Advisors distinction given to the best financial advisors in the United States; has been ranked by BARRON’S as one of the 35 best advisors in Texas; has been recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors in America; and is a perennial recipient of the Texas Monthly Magazine Five-Star Advisor award, which is based on an independent study of client satisfaction. Having participated as one of six beta-testers in a national UBS program on all-ETF portfolios, Gil is one of only a handful of professional money managers with a 16-year all-ETF portfolio track record. Beyond that, Gil has been a guest commentator on Bloomberg Radio and even hosted his own radio talk show called Dollars and Sense.

As an avid outdoorsman, Gil has traveled the world hunting and fishing. Gil excels at sports and activities involving precision. He was his university’s billiard champion and likes golf, archery, darts, skeet, and marksmanship. Gil is an award-winning woodworker, specializing in a particular art form called segmentation, from which the firm’s name is derived. Segmentation is the assembly of various species of wood, cut to fit in a precise pattern. This knack for precision extends to Gil’s investment strategies, where risk components and financial strategies are added and subtracted from client accounts with the same attention to detail.

Gil and his wife Sue are active members of Seven Mile Road Church in Houston. They are former resident house-parents of a ministry called LifeHouse where women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies are provided housing, help, and hope. Gil and Sue are both present and past board members and volunteers of numerous charities including: Young Life, Young Lives, Coastal Conservation Association, LifeHouse, Star of Hope, Lamar High School Alumni Association board, National Christian Foundation, and others. Gil also serves on the corporate board of Blaze Portfolio Systems, an investment software provider. They have three children who have graduated from TCU, Ole Miss, and Pepperdine.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Jameson Campaigne comes from a newspaper and book publishing background.

His father was editor-in-chief of the Indianapolis Star and Jameson spent some of his summers as a reporter and on the re-write desk before entering college. He was educated at Park School in Indianapolis, where in addition to much time spent on the athletic fields he was also editor of the school newspaper. The foundations of his interest in things political were cemented when he spent two summers interning on Capitol Hill for U.S. Congressman Donald Bruce, later a chairman of the American Conservative Union. Jameson graduated from Williams College in 1962, following four years of campus activism. In 1960 he was one of the founders, and later a long term board member, of Young Americans for Freedom, the first nationwide youth group of conservative activists.

Advisory Council Member

Janis Sleeter is a Wealth Advisor for Total Clarity Wealth Management. She manages the Oak Brook branch which includes her husband Tom and son David. The office provides financial planning and investment management services individualized to help clients pursue their goals.

She has over 20 years of corporate finance experience, including Manager of Financial Analysis at McDonald’s Corporation and Director of Treasury for Allied Van Lines. She started a financial consulting firm in 1992 working with individuals and business owners.

After receiving a B.A. from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, she earned a CPA, a certification CFP® and an AIF®.

Jan has conducted many seminars and workshops on personal and business financial planning, investing, retirement and estate planning.  She is a member of the Financial Planning Association and Chicago Council on Planned Giving.

Janis and her husband Tom reside in Downers Grove, Illinois. Jan is active in several civic groups. Their son and daughter live in Chicago.

CFP® Certified Financial Planner
AIF® Accredited Investment Fiduciary

Jan Sleeter is a registered representative of LPL Financial and offers securities solely through LPL Financial member FINRA/ SIPC. Jan provides investment advisory services through Total Clarity Wealth Management, an SEC registered investment adviser (or State RIA as the case may be). Total Clarity Wealth Management is not an affiliate of LPL Financial.

Advisory Council Member

Jeff Hunt serves as the Vice President of Public Policy for Colorado Christain University and the Director for the Centennial Institute.

Jeff earned his BA degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies from Westmont College, Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, and Master of Political Management from George Washington University. He has served as Media Coordinator for the Senate Republican Conference, Director of Operations of the Clapham Group, Special Assistant to Senator Rick Santorum in his 2012 White House bid, and Director of Colorado Coalitions for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. He was the founder of Avinova Media Group, a digital media marketing firm based in Colorado.

Jeff is a former river and mountain guide and loves to be outdoors. He and his wife, Nicole, have four children.

Advisory Council Member

Jennifer Anju Grossman, a former Senior Vice President at Dole Food Company, became the CEO of the Atlas Society on March 1st, 2016.

Jennifer Grossman has spent decades helping people to live freer, healthier lives. She launched the Dole Nutrition Institute — a research and education organization — at the behest of Dole Chairman David H. Murdock. She continued this agenda as Health Editor of Laura Ingraham’s new lifestyle site, LifeZette.

Previously Grossman served as Director of Education at the Cato Institute, and worked closely with the late philanthropist Theodore J. Forstmann to launch the Children’s Scholarship Fund. A speechwriter for President George H. W. Bush, Grossman has written for both national and local publications.

“The principles of Objectivism, the philosophy rooted in reality, reason, and individualism, has never been more needed — nor more neglected,” says Grossman. “This is the perfect moment to help the public rediscover the moral vision of Ayn Rand.”

Advisory Council Member

Jim Holden founded Holden in 1979, and throughout its 35+ year history, Holden has grown to be a world-renowned leader in the sales process improvement field.

Mr. Holden’s career has been marked by exceptional innovation. In 1990, he established Holden as the first company to model sales effectiveness, an achievement that garnered the Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Service Industry.

Mr. Holden is also a globally recognized business author, with titles including Power Base Selling, World Class Selling, The Selling Fox, and The New Power Base Selling co-authored with Ryan Kubacki.

Mr. Holden earned a B.S.E.E. with high honors from Northeastern University in Boston and is a member of the National Engineering Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi, and the National Interdisciplinary Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi. He began his sales career in 1974 with Teradyne, a Boston-based high-technology company. Prior to founding Holden, he was Vice President of Sales for Aegis, a third-party distribution company selling computer-based test systems into the manufacturing environment.

Mr. Holden and his wife Chris reside in the greater Chicago area. He was a founder/director of the First National Bank of Roselle and has served as a director of two other area banks and several early development-stage companies. He is active in the community, having founded the Partnership to End Homelessness in Chicago, and is a supporter of many other charities, including cancer research.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

After a successful 29-year career as a Senior Vice President Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Joy took early retirement in 2014 to become a full-time Constitutional activist. Government-run schools from Pre-K through college had become anti-freedom, anti-American, anti-religion, anti-Constitutional institutions indoctrinating students with Socialist and Communist intolerance. “I saw the free market Capitalism that enabled my success being eroded by onerous regulations that robbed entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors of the opportunity to succeed. What was a fairly level playing field has become one filled with land mines and obstacles mandated by unelected, unaccountable, and lifetime-tenured bureaucrats with no practical experience in the field they were regulating. I spent more time dealing with repetitious regulatory compliance than doing the research that would benefit by clients. The freedom that allowed me to go from a six-figure debt to a seven-figure-plus net worth was already not there for the next generation.”

Joy serves as Founding Board Member and Vice President of Foundation for Peace, Board Member of the Washington Bach Consort, Vestry member of Christ the Anglican Church in Washington DC, Board Member of 7400 Oceanside in Fisher Island, Florida, voting representative to the Fisher Island Community Association, President and CEO of Mint Design and Development LLC and its subsidiary, Sonoma-Provence, a small organic, family farm in Sonoma County, California. “I would be remiss not to note the current onerous regulatory environment that has hamstrung every one of the organizations above (and more) by adding unnecessary expense, delays, and layers of paperwork. Only the wealthy can afford to navigate these costly regulatory delays and fees.”

Joy also serves as a member of the Trump Victory Finance Team; raising money by recruiting, organizing, and bundling donors, recruiting and organizing volunteers, and making calls. She also served on Marco Rubio’s various campaigns, raising money by recruiting, organizing, and building donors, knocking on doors, making GOTV calls, organizing groups for events, recruiting and organizing volunteers, working polls, and campaigning in over a dozen states.

Ms. Fields, who resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband Art, was born and raised in Dayton,
Ohio. Julie graduated from Wayne High School and earned a Bachelor’s in Business
Administration from Queens University in Charlotte. Prior to her retirement, Julie enjoyed a
thirty-year career in real estate management and development.

Julie is a self-proclaimed mover— a former marathon runner who now enjoys hiking/rucking,
yoga and weight training. When in motion, Mrs. Fields listens to her go-to podcasts with a keen
ear towards content and communication patterns.

Communication, both verbal and written, is an area of study for Julie. She has a compilation of
personal essays, a few of them published, that she may someday add to and float out in book
form. It equally possible that she just tucks them away with the hope that a future family
member comes across her musings and finds that their ancestor, one Julie Ryan Fields—a wife,
mother, grandmother and freedom fighter—was infinitely more interesting than anyone ever
knew.

Mr. and Mrs. Fields have a mix of fine charitable organizations they support, but front and
center is TPUSA. With the focus on youth, TPUSA’s mission resonates with Julie and Art as they
strive to maintain partnerships to preserve the values and the principles that our great nation
was founded upon.

Advisory Council Member

Mr. Julio Gonzalez, National Tax Reform Expert, is the Founder and CEO of Engineered Tax Services, Inc. (ETS) Mr. Gonzalez’ focus was to bring specialized engineering tax studies to mainstream America, which historically had only been available to Fortune 500 and public companies through the National Accounting Firms.

Mr. Julio Gonzalez, National Tax Reform Expert, founded Engineered Tax Services, Inc., (ETS) to marry the science of engineering with the principles of tax and accounting. Mr. Gonzalez wanted to bring specialty tax services to mainstream America that were previously only available to public companies through the Big 4 accounting firms.

Today,  Mr. Gonzalez and ETS are the country’s largest licensed engineering tax resource to 1000s of CPA firms nationally.

Today, ETS is one of the largest, fastest growing, and most innovative engineering, energy, and specialty tax credit services firms in the country and one of the country’s largest certified Minority companies. Mr. Gonzalez is also the founder of several other family operational companies including his family office, Gonzalez Family Office (GFO), Calle Gato Ocho (CGO), Engineered Tax Exchange (ETE) and Engineered Family Office (EFO). Gonzalez Family Office manages the Gonzalez family capital by investing primarily in real estate, private equity and venture capital. CGO owns and operates direct real estate investments in multi-family housing and mixed-use office real estate and Opportunity Zone real estate for the Gonzalez family. ETE was started to provide high-level due alternative tax investing strategies to manage tax liabilities. EFO provides a multi-family office environment for high-end athletes and top entrepreneurs.

Mr. Gonzalez is a proud member of the following organizations:

• Memory Tree, Board of Director
• Companion for Heroes, Board of Director
• Gentlemen of Palm Beach, Board of Director
• Cystic Fibrosis, Board Member
• Forbes Finance Council
• The Real Estate Roundtable
• The Heritage Foundation
• YPO
• EO
• James Madison Institute
• Hispanic 100

Kate is a native Atlantan. She is a founder of Education Veritas, Inc., a Section 501(c)(3), non-profit organization whose mission is: Educating, enlightening, and empowering parents and students with truth in education. EV deals with issues like bullying of students and parents; teachers and administrators teaching personal and political ideological beliefs; and “queer theory.” She attended The Westminster Schools and is a graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in Journalism and English. Kate is on the Advisory Board of Turning Point USA and has spoken at the Hope for America event, Fulton County Republican Womens group events and along side other experts in the field of education and critical theory at Education Veritas events. Kate and her husband Harold are raising three boys. Two of these young men are spearheading the Atlanta/Buckhead Turning Point Hub.

Advisory Council Member

Keatha Avery Brown is a Christian, a wife, and mother of two amazing young men. She is a 1991 graduate of Texas A&M, CPA, a Mortgage Loan Officer at Affinity Home Lending, and holds a Masters in Criminal Justice Forensic Psychology from Liberty University. She is also a member of the Montgomery County Citizens Police Academy Alumni, and a member of the Inaugural class of Leadership North Houston.

Keatha is also a native Texan, currently living in Montgomery County, Texas where she has long been an avid seeker of truth and justice, which prompted her getting degree in Criminal Justice. Keatha also homeschooled her two boys for 10 years, has been involved in her church, various charitable and political organizations, including homeless, military, and sex trafficking assistance organizations.  Within these organizations she has contributed her time to administrative, event planning, and fundraising.  In addition, she established a TPUSA Chapter and was parent sponsor at her children’s high school, where both boys also served as officers of the local chapter. Keatha gives her time and attention to raising awareness to truth in all areas of her life, both professional and personal.

Advisory Council Member

Lila Ontiveros is a Principal for CAZ Investments. She facilitates the ability of outside investors, including family offices, individuals, advisors, and institutions, to co-invest with the firm and our principals.

Lila brings over a decade of business development and client relations experience with her to CAZ. The majority of that time was spent as a Vice President in Foreign Exchange Sales at Goldman Sachs in New York City. Prior to joining CAZ, she served as Finance Director on a major presidential campaign.

A Houston area native, Lila was a Meinig Scholar at Cornell University and graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Labor Relations. She has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors in Houston and New York City, and has been a class agent of Phillips Exeter Academy for 16 years.

Advisory Council Member

Mark Stitzer became Hamlin’s Managing Partner in January 2003. His responsibilities include business development, marketing and assisting the Hamlin Fixed Income Team with sourcing of potential investment. He has been with the firm since December 2001. Mr. Stitzer’s prior experience int he investment business includes Trust Company of the West in 2001 as Senior Vice President in Marketing, Crest Equity Management from 1984-1995, Mr. Stitzer was a Managing Director at Credit Suisse First Boston (“CSFB”) in the Institutional Fixed Income Department. While at CSFB, he managed the short-term tax-exempt money market and bond department. Mr. Stitzer also served on the Board of Directors of the Marlu Foundation.

Advisory Council Member

Michele (Mica) Mosbacher, widow of the 28th U.S. Secretary of Commerce and oilman Robert Mosbacher, Sr., was commissioned as an Honorary Consul of Iceland, Houston and Central Texas, in 2010 by the Foreign Ministry of Iceland. She is an author, motivational speaker and proud sponsor of Godstone Ranch Motorsports, a family professional motorsports team that races for charitable causes.

She has served  on the boards of the Houston Ballet, University of Houston; and was appointed by Governor Perry to the steering committee of the Aga Khan Foundation. Mica previously served as a director of the American Hospital Foundation, receiving the board’s highest honor presented by Ambassador Howard Leach at the United States Embassy in Paris.

Focused on education, Mica previously served as on the University of Houston’s Board of Regents and the board of Strake Jesuit Prepartory School. Mica implemented Best Friends, a character education program and the Raol Wallenberg Heroes program in the Houston Independent School District in the late 90s.

Mica has chaired numerous charitable fundraisers including Houston Ballet Ball, Woodrow Wilson Gala, Museum of Fine Arts Costume Institute and American Hospital of Paris Foundation. With her husband Bob, she co-chaired the M.D. Anderson Milestones and Miracles celebration, honoring President George H.W. Bush, that raised more than $10 million (a record at the time). M.D. Anderson Cancer Center’s pastoral outreach group honored Mica, and she was named Pacesetter of the Year by the Cancer Assistance League.

In April of 2011, Houston Mayor Anise Parker honored her with “Mica Mosbacher Day” for her initiation of the prominent public art installation, “On Tolerance,” featuring sculptures by world-class sculptor, Jaume Plensa.

In 2013, Mica was appointed by Her Majesty the Queen to the Order of St. John; in 2012 she was awarded the Silver Good Citizenship Medal, the highest honor from the Texas Society, Sons of the American Revolution. She was named Philanthropist of the Year in 2007 by TAASA (Texas Association Against Sexual Assault). Mica was named Knight Commander of the Order of King Francis I.

In 2008, Mica was inducted into the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame along with Barbara Bush and other prominent Houstonians. A journalist, she has received prestigious writing awards for feature articles. Her career began in 1972, when as an intern at KPRC-TV/NBC in Houston, she was one of the only female reporters on staff at that time. She later pursued a career in print journalism and freelance writing.

A longtime horse lover, Mica is a former champion in the American Saddleseat Amateur Walk-Trot Division. She won her first horse show at the Dallas State Fair riding J Miller and was trained by Charles Smith at Tri-Oaks Stables in Houston.

Active in political fundraising, Mica has served as a co-chair on many statewide and national campaigns. Born in Gainesville, Florida, Mica resides in Houston and Austin.

Advisory Council Member

Michael Burstein started as an attorney in 1987 working at a Century City law firm and focuses on wills and trusts, estate planning, probate, elder law, and business planning. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of Law, which happens to be the oldest law school west of the Mississippi River. At Hastings he was the Managing Editor of the Constitutional Law Quarterly.

After law school Michael began applying what he had learned initially as a member of the California Bar and later adding the Kansas and Oklahoma bars. In addition to being a member of the Beverly Hills Bar Association’s Order of Distinguished Attorneys, Michael is also an active member of Wealth Counsel (which is a national network of practicing estate planning attorneys) as well as Elder Counsel, Wealth Counsel Advisors, and serves on the Board of the Directors of the Culver Marina Bar Association.

Michael’s passion shines through in all aspects of his work, and his desire to educate his clients as well as the general public has led him to host educational seminars and boot camps. He has experience in addressing thousands of unique situations and takes the time to make sure that not only his clients work is done efficiently, but that his clients are comfortable every step of the way.

Throughout his career Michael has prepared upwards of 3,500 trusts, 5,000 wills, and probates approximately 50 estates annually. His attention to detail, mastery of the law, and willingness to do whatever it takes to meet the individual’s needs of a wide range of clients has allowed him to build a successful practice in the Los Angeles area since going out on his own in 1989. Many of his clients have been with him for years, and recommend his services to family and friends alike.

“CYBERCRIMINALS, POLITICIANS AND BUREAUCRATS: WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?”

Mike Daugherty is the CEO of LabMD, a cancer testing laboratory and Founder of The Cyber Education Foundation. A graduate of The University of Michigan, Mike was a surgical healthcare entrepreneur for over twenty years marketing implantable medical devices. In 1996 he founded LabMD. He has spent most of the last decade defending his company against charges that it had deficient cybersecurity practices. More info here.

The early years of his entering and fighting Washington, DC, are recorded in his book, “The Devil Inside the Beltway”. In so doing, he has become the only litigant to challenge the basic authority that underlies more than 200 enforcement actions relating to cybersecurity and online privacy that the FTC has brought over the past 15 years. Every one of the 200+ litigants before him – including some of the largest companies in the world – have settled with the FTC, creating an unquestioned and untested belief that the FTC has broad authority to regulate in these areas. On June 6, 2018, he prevailed. In so doing, he toppled key pillars of the FTC’s cybersecurity and online privacy edifice, successfully exposing and challenging The Administrative State. Mike is committed to our Founding Fathers’ principles regarding the separation of powers, so he demands fair notice, due process and accountability. Mike seeks to educate and demonstrate how these principles are sorely lacking in DC today.

Michele Bachmann, a member of the US Congress for 8 years, ran for President in 2012. She is the first and only Republican woman to win a Presidential contest.

Known for leading Congressional opposition to Obamacare, she is a former federal tax lawyer and started a mental health business with her husband Marcus (to whom she’s been married 40 years).

Over the course of her career, she has led an educational reform movement, helped start the first K-12 charter school in the United States, raised five biological and 23 foster children, and is the grandparent of two.

She presently serves as the Executive Director of SkylineUN, a non-profit representing Evangelicals at the United Nations.

She is an author, internationally known speaker, and serves as the co-chair of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast.

Advisory Council Member

Michael Leven knows the value of having a plan and pursuing it with great discipline. It’s an approach that, over a 50-plus-year career, helped him become an icon in the hotel industry and one of franchising’s most innovative leaders. Now retired, Mike has continued to build on his equally impressive philanthropic legacy.

As Mike discusses in the following interview, having a plan to guide one’s philanthropic work, and the discipline to stick to that plan, is essential. “Grantmaking is a business, and to do it well you need to have a process.” He continues, “Had I known all this starting out, I would have been more efficient and made fewer mistakes.”

In 2010, Mike and his wife launched the Michael and Andrea Leven Family Foundation, focusing on three funding areas: Free Enterprise, Jewish Continuity, and Oil Independence. Today, Mike also serves as a board member for the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas, the Birthright Israel Foundation, and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America organization. In addition, Mike is a member of the Georgia Aquarium Board of Directors, an institution where he previously served as chief executive officer.

After graduating high school, Mike Miller received his degree in Pharmacy; however, his love for gems and precious jewels never dimmed. By 1970, Mike had established himself in Barrington, IL, and sold jewelry in the back of Esh Pharmacy while also working as a pharmacist. As time went on, the jewelry inventory grew and eventually more space was needed. Mike Miller’s jewelry company, M.J. Miller & Co., then moved from the Esh location in June of 2000 to its current location on Main Street.

Advisory Council Member

Nathan Neugebauer is a junior in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He is studying Finance and Management with a specific focus on organizational strategy and entrepreneurship. This is Nathan’s 3rd year at GGC and has previously served as the Director of Project Impact, Project Manager, and as a Consultant. Previous work experience includes interning at the White House as well as working for PwC’s Singapore Data Analytics team. Originally from Austin, Texas, Nathan is an Eagle Scout who enjoys hiking, surfing, and skiing. Looking forward, he is excited to continue a career in international consulting.

Advisory Council Member

Paul E. Vallely, Major General, US Army (ret) was born in DuBois, Pa. He retired in 1991 from the US Army as Deputy Commanding General, US Army, Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. General Vallely graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in the Army in 1961 serving a distinguishing career of 32 years in the Army.

General Vallely is a graduate of the Infantry School, Ranger and Airborne Schools, Jumpmaster School, the Command and General Staff School, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Army War College. His combat service in Vietnam included positions as infantry company commander, intelligence officer, operations officer, military advisor and aide-de-camp. He has over fifteen (15) years experience in Special Operations, Psychological and Civil-Military Operations.

He served in many overseas theaters to include Europe and the Pacific Rim Countries as well as two combat tours in Vietnam. He has served on US security assistance missions on civilian-military relations to Europe, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia and Central America with in-country experience in Indonesia, Columbia, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala. He has served as a consultant to the Commanding General of the Special Operations Command as well as the DOD Anti-Drug and Counter -Terrorist Task Forces. He also designed and developed the Host-Nation Support Program in the Pacific for DOD and the State Department. He has in-country security assistance – experience in Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, El Salvador, Columbia and Indonesia in the development of civil-military relations interfacing with senior level military and civilian leadership.

General Vallely has been a military analyst on television and radio for over ten years. He is also a guest lecturer on National Security, international political, economic issues, strategic planning matters and the Global War against Radical Islam and other threats to America. He and LTG Thomas McInerney authored the book, “Endgame” – Blueprint for Victory for Winning the War on Terror”, “Warfooting” and “Baghdad Ablaze”. He is a member and founder of the Iran Policy Committee. He is the Chairman of the Stand Up America. He was the senior military analyst for the Fox News Channel from 2000 -2007. General Vallely conducts an average of 4-6 national radio show interviews per week and is well known for his published articles on a multitude of subjects and issues.

He and his wife, Marian, are the co-trustees of the Scott Vallely Soldiers Memorial Fund and reside in Montana. He and Mrs. Vallely are deeply involved in state and local issues as well as supporting a multitude of community events and activities.

Advisory Council Member

Advisory Council Member

Rebecca Walter Dunn, a community volunteer for over forty years, has been immersed in the world of public policy for the past two decades. She began her involvement in public policy by developing community forums in the Tampa Bay area to increase public awareness of national and state public policy issues. She served on the board of the James Madison Institute, a state-level think tank in Florida, for eighteen years and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. In 2001, she was appointed to the Florida Judicial Nominating Commission.

Her civic commitments have benefitted the arts, business development, and health care. She has been active on the boards of The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, University of South Florida Economic Advisory Board, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, WEDU Public Broadcasting Station, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, Palm Beach Symphony, and American Friends of the Uffizi Museum.

Mrs. Dunn is a graduate of Florida State University. She married Bill Dunn in 2002.

Advisory Council Member

Bob Rubin currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees as a gubernatorial appointment.

Bob Rubin, has counseled high net worth families and their advisors in wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution since 1985. A specialist in the design and implementation of advanced investment and insurance strategies involving estate, charitable and business succession planning, Mr. Rubin also serves as a national financial industry speaker and media spokesperson. He is currently Impact Chairman for the Association for Advanced Life Underwriting, a federal tax policy group based in Washington, D.C.

Before forming Rubin Wealth Advisors, he was Senior Vice President, Wachovia Wealth Management and also served as the Estate Planning Specialist for Calibre, Wachovia’s Family Office. Previously, he was an Estate Planning and Business Insurance Specialist with Solomon Smith Barney and a Regional Manager with Principal Financial Group.

Mr. Rubin holds the designations of Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant from the American College. He is a FINRA Registered Principal and holds FINRA Series 7 and 63 licenses. His community involvement includes Leadership Broward XII Alumni and Board positions with Florida Atlantic University Foundation and the Autism Project of Palm Beach.  Mr. Rubin is active in the special needs community, raising money to help cure Autism.

Advisory Council Member

Sally Wagenmaker provides legal counsel in corporate, tax, employment, and real estate matters for nonprofits operating on local, national, and international levels. Her clients include churches and other religious organizations, social service providers, and schools.

Sally’s corporate and tax work includes development of new tax-exempt entities, providing guidance for effective nonprofit governance and other operational legal issues. In addition, she represents clients in property tax exemption matters for charitable, religious, and educational purposes, shared occupancy arrangements, and property transfers. Sally also regularly advises and counsels the firm’s nonprofit clients on employment matters including contracts, termination, employment policies, unemployment insurance, and compliance with other employment laws, particularly as they relate to nonprofit issues such as volunteers and clergy.

Prior to practicing law with Wagenmaker & Oberly, Sally was a partner with Mosher & Wagenmaker and also worked with the Chicago law firm of Hoogendoorn & Talbot. In addition, she worked as a solo practitioner, providing legal assistance to indigent and low-income clients primarily in Chicago’s west side neighborhood of North Lawndale. Sally lives in Chicago with her husband Dan, and they have two children in college.

W. Scott Schirmer, a Chicago native, began his real estate career in the 1960s and has since built a distinguished record in acquiring, syndicating, financing, developing, and managing properties across Arizona, California, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Idaho. He earned a B.A. in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Finance from Arizona State University, where he also played baseball and was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, later receiving the fraternity’s national Significant Sig Award.

As a Managing Member of M3 companies, Scott oversees the firm’s investment capital, cultivating and maintaining relationships with high-net-worth individuals, pension funds, and private investment groups. His leadership is marked by strategic vision, financial expertise, and a commitment to long-term value creation.

Beyond his business endeavors, Scott is deeply dedicated to philanthropy. He serves on the national board of Childhelp, an organization committed to preventing and treating child abuse. He is also a foundation board member of HonorHealth, where he chairs the Real Estate Committee. Scott proudly directs the Schirmer Family Foundation, which supports Christian and Jewish initiatives as well as programs addressing human and children’s needs. In addition, he actively partners with JBM Ministries, Venatrust, and the Tim Tebow Foundation in efforts to eradicate human trafficking.

Advisory Council Member

After graduating from Northwestern University, Stacey joined her father at Bob Woolf Associates, a leading sports and entertainment law firm. Together, they negotiated contracts and managed the lives and careers of more than 300 clients.

In 1998, she co-founded JLF Asset Management, earning a spot on Barron’s 2007 list of the top 30 hedge funds. By 2008, Stacey shifted her focus to pre-IPO investing. Today, she dedicates her efforts to funding and empowering female entrepreneurs, while also guest lecturing at Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School.

As a proud mother of four, Stacey is also a producer of multiple Broadway musicals founded by women, a frequent judge at venture capital competitions, and an active speaker and mentor. She also serves on the board of the Women Founders Network, where she passionately helps women launch and scale their businesses.

Stacey has been honored with an appointment by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Luxembourg, marking a distinguished culmination of her career and dedication to public service.

Advisory Council Member

Stephen Bienko, founder and president of 42 Holdings, has joined the eSpeakers Marketplace, an online catalog that enables event planners to connect with the world’s most qualified professional speakers. Bienko speaks on a variety of topics including leadership, self-discovery, American culture, the millennial generation and more.

Most recently, Bienko spoke at the Foundation for Economic Education “Young Thinkers” seminar at Chapman University in Orange, California and at Scholarcon in Orlando. During his talk at Chapman University, Bienko arranged for the Worlds’ Greatest Athlete Bryan Clay to make an appearance to the more than 100 students from around the world at Chapman University. Clay brought his Olympic gold medal and shared his insight of his quest to gold.

“I am honored to have the ability to reach out to others, to truly connect with audiences and to share my thoughts on important topics that impact our business culture and our great country,” Bienko said. “Joining the eSpeakers Marketplace has given me the opportunity to connect with people throughout our nation and I am looking forward to embarking on this new journey.”

An award-winning business owner, Bienko achieved great success in sports marketing and athlete management, working with Ivy League and Olympic Athletes including 2008 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist Bryan Clay. His early experiences as a New Jersey State Trooper, and as a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, add interesting depth and colorful anecdotes to his presentations as well. A first-generation American who overcame learning disabilities as a child to reach his success, Bienko is no stranger to the challenges faced by fellow Americans. He is a champion of traditional American values, and his patriotism shines through in every speech. To book Stephen Bienko for a speaking engagement or for more information, visit his newly launched website at www.stephenbienko.com.

Stephen Bienko is founder and president of 42 Holdings, which specializes in company ownership within the home and personal service industry. Bienko is the largest owner of the

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving brand with offices in New Jersey, Tennessee, Ohio and Florida. Through 42 Holdings, he became a partner in bin/storage company Bin-it in 2013.

His diverse professional experience prior to 42 Holdings includes technology marketing, sports marketing, athletic training facilities, and even in the New Jersey State Police. Formerly, Bienko was the Senior Vice President of SequentialT a technology marketing company that supercharges fan engagement while producing new revenue streams for sports, music, foundational and political verticals. Before SequentialT Stephen was the Director of Marketing of Kennedy Funding. Kennedy Funding is known as the largest and most successful situational commercial lending institution in the U.S.

He’s been featured by Fox News, Fox Business, Bloomberg TV, Wall Street Journal, and Luxury Life Magazine. In October 2013, he testified before Congress regarding the Affordable Care Act and its impact on small business owners. Bienko has been honored among Gulfshore Business’ Forty Under 40, NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 in New Jersey, Man of the Year for Habitat for Humanity, International Franchise Association Franchisee of the Year, and Franchisee of the Year by College Hunks for three straight years.

Advisory Council Member

Stephen Einhorn is the senior partner of Capital Midwest Funds. He funded CMF’s initial fund in 2008, and has concentrated on raising money and developing sales contacts for CMF’s portfolio companies. From 1987 to 2008 he participated in over 200 business sales and purchases as the founder and leader of Einhorn Associates in business valuation, acquisition searches, management buy-outs, and sales of privately-held businesses. He has worked on investments and transactions for over 40 years. He has served as leader of the Entrepreneurial Committee of Cornell University’s Technology Transfer Committee and is on the board of the Bradley Impact Fund. Mr. Einhorn earned an MS in chemical engineering from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, a BA in chemistry from Cornell, and attended Wharton Graduate School.

Advisory Council Member

Charlie Kirk was the Founder and President of Turning Point USA, a national student movement dedicated to identifying, organizing, and empowering young people to promote the principles of free markets and limited government. With a presence on more than 3,000 high school and college campuses nationwide, over 650,000 lifetime student members, and 450 full- and part-time staff across the country, Turning Point USA grew into the largest and fastest-growing conservative youth activist organization in America. By the age of 30, Charlie had logged thousands of media appearances, and his commentary and writing were featured in outlets including Fox News, The Hill, RealClearPolitics, Newsweek, The Washington Times, Breitbart, American Greatness, Daily Caller, The American Mind, The Washington Post, and Human Events.

He was named to the Forbes “30 under 30” list and became the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention, later serving as the opening speaker at the 2020 RNC. He authored four books, among them the #1 Amazon and New York Times best-seller The MAGA Doctrine: The Only Ideas that Will Win the Future from Broadside Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. In 2022, he released The College Scam: How America’s Universities Are Bankrupting and Brainwashing Away the Future of America’s Youth from Winning Team Publishing. His final book, Rightwing Revolution: How to Beat the Woke and Save the West, was released in the spring of 2024.

Charlie’s social media platforms reached over 100 million people per month, and Axios listed him among the “top 10 most engaged” accounts in the world. He hosted The Charlie Kirk Show podcast, which surpassed 120 million downloads in a single year and consistently ranked in the top 10 on Apple News podcast charts. The show was also nationally syndicated on 150 radio stations and simulcast on Real America’s Voice News. Every day, more than 1 million people listened, watched, or streamed The Charlie Kirk Show.

Charlie’s passing marked a turning point for the movement he sparked. In the weeks that followed, more than 120,000 students reached out seeking to launch new high school and college chapters, determined to carry forward what he built. His passing also sparked a wave of Christian revival that spread far beyond the United States, igniting prayer gatherings, worship events, and renewed faith commitments. In cities across America and in countries around the world, hundreds of vigils and memorials were held in his honor—spontaneous expressions of gratitude for a life that emboldened young people, challenged cultural norms, and called a generation to courage. His influence did not end with his life; it accelerated.

Erika Kirk is the CEO and Board Chair for Turning Point USA. Erika was appointed to these roles following the September 2025 assassination of Charlie Kirk, Erika’s husband, Turning Point USA founder, and one of the most consequential conservative activists in American history.

Under Erika’s leadership, Turning Point USA continues to be the largest, fastest-growing, and most-impactful conservative youth organization in America. With a presence at 5,000+ high school and college campuses nationwide, 8,000+ church partners, 1,000,000+ student members, billions of content views annually, its own White House correspondent, and 400+ staff nationwide, Turning Point USA is the undisputed heartbeat and workforce of the grassroots pro-America movement.

Erika also leads Turning Point Action, the 501(c)(4) organization that Charlie Kirk founded in 2019. Turning Point Action has become a force to reckon with in the conservative movement, hosting massive rallies across the country, leading the Right’s grassroots movement, giving individuals the opportunity to run for office, and providing voters with critical information surrounding their leaders and elections.

In addition to leading Turning Point USA, Erika leads her BIBLEin365 ministry, which aims to encourage individuals to read the entire Bible in one year. Erika’s entrepreneurial spirit also led her to create PROCLAIM, a Christian clothing and lifestyle line. These brands serve as an extension of Erika’s mission to inspire others to boldly live out their faith.

Erika earned her J.M. in American Legal Studies from Liberty University, as well as her undergraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations from Arizona State University.

As a widow to her beloved husband and as a mother to their two children, Erika is committed to Biblical leadership and inspiring others to live with purpose, driven by the love of Christ and love for America in every aspect of life.

Justin Streiff serves as Turning Point USA’s Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Justin oversees Turning Point USA’s fundraising program, as well as some administrative and programmatic areas of the organization.

Immediately prior to Turning Point USA, Justin was an executive partner at a national consulting firm that supports nonprofits’ fundraising. Previously, Justin oversaw the fundraising programs for the Foundation for Economic Education and the Goldwater Institute. Earlier in his career, he directed the fundraising, operations, and GOTV efforts for various political campaigns, PACs, and nonprofits. Justin started his career working on public policy issues in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House.

To-date, Justin has been involved in raising hundreds of millions of dollars through major gifts, capital campaigns, grants, planned giving, and direct response fundraising, including phone, mail, P2P, and digital programs.

Justin grew up in New Jersey and Saint Louis. For over a decade, he and his wife have lived in Arizona raising their five young children.

Marina Minas, a true Californian at heart, has roots deeply embedded in Fresno, California, where she was born, raised, and educated. She earned her degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism from CSU Fresno before embarking on an adventurous journey that led her to Washington, D.C.

In the nation’s capital, Marina’s career took flight with a summer internship at the Fund for American Studies Program of Journalism. Since then, she has become an integral part of the esteemed Fox News Channel’s Washington, D.C. Bureau. Marina’s tenure at Fox has been diverse, spanning from roles in the Assignment Desk to the Media Production unit and producing on “Fox News Sunday.”

Throughout her time at Fox, Marina has been immersed in the pulse of American politics, covering pivotal moments including the tail end of Obama’s Presidency, the dramatic 2016 Election Cycle, the Trump administration, and the intense 2020 Presidential Election. Notably, she played a key role in facilitating Chris Wallace’s interviews with notable figures like President Trump and Russian President Putin during the Helsinki Summit.

Marina Minas transitioned to an impactful role as the Chief Marketing Officer at Turning Point USA, where her accomplishments have been remarkable. Marina oversees a multifaceted portfolio at TPUSA, including Digital Marketing, Social Media, Productions, Graphic Design, The Merchandise Store, Public Relations, Live Feed, Frontlines Division, and Live Event Coverage. Under her leadership, Turning Point’s social media platforms have experienced exponential growth, with a staggering increase of 90-110% year over year. Furthermore, Marina initiated the Frontlines Division at Turning Point USA, where groundbreaking stories have garnered mainstream media attention, accumulating over 200 million views.

Commissioner Justin Olson was appointed to the Commission by Governor Doug Ducey in October 2017.

Commissioner Olson began his public service in the Arizona State House of Representatives where he served from 2011 to 2017. During his tenure in the House of Representatives, Commissioner Olson chaired the House Appropriations Committee and the Federalism and Fiscal Responsibility Committee. He also served on the House Ways and Means Committee, the Government and Higher Education Committee, and the Employment and Regulatory Affairs Committee.

In addition to his public service, Justin’s private sector experience includes work as a tax analyst for the University of Phoenix processing corporate income tax returns.

Prior to running for office, Justin advocated for taxpayer friendly policy at the state and local level as a Senior Research Analyst for the Arizona Tax Research Association and worked on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Aide for Arizona Congressman Trent Franks.

Justin is a native of Arizona where his family’s roots go back many generations. He was born and raised in Mesa where he and his wife Karyn are currently raising their five boys and four girls.

Dr. Hutz Hertzberg has served as the Chief Education Officer for Turning Point Academy since July 2022. Hutz gives leadership to all of the Academy’s initiatives and staff. Prior to his current role, Hutz served at Christian Heritage Academy (PreK-12 college preparatory school) in Northfield, Illinois, appointed as President July 2017. During his tenure, Christian Heritage Academy was ranked each year as the number one Best Christian High School in Illinois by niche.com. Hutz’s organizational leadership experience includes serving as President of Christian Union, Director of the Orchard Network, and Executive Pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. Hutz has also served for two decades in higher education administrative and faculty positions, including at Trinity International University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Wheaton College, Judson University and the College of DuPage. For 20 years Hutz served as a Chaplain in the United States Naval Reserve serving mostly with the United States Marine Corps and he continues to give leadership to the Protestant Chaplaincy at Chicago O’Hare and Midway Airports. Hutz is a licensed and ordained minister with academic degrees from Wheaton (IL) College (BA, MA), and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (MAR, DMin, PhD)

Lauren Toncich is a San Diego, California native, yet has always had a passion for conservative principles thanks to her father. During her two years at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she was a D1 cheerleader and MLB rally girl, Lauren’s passion for the conservative movement grew after witnessing first hand the left’s bias and indoctrination on college campuses. Following her sophomore year, Lauren moved back to San Diego to pursue a career in event planning where she planned and executed national and international events with over 20,000 people while finishing her degree online full time through Liberty University.

Shortly after, she saw an advertisement on facebook for Turning Point USA’s 2017 Student Action Summit- excited about the opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of like minded young adults, Lauren applied for the event and then found the careers tab. Lauren attended SAS 2017 where she had her final interview for TPUSA, was hired as an entry-level Events Administrator shortly after, and a year later was promoted to the role of Events Director.

Throughout her time at TPUSA Lauren has grown tremendously personally and professionally, has made lifelong friendships with co-workers and activists, and has had the privilege of hosting historic, record breaking events featuring speakers such as: President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Jared Kushner, Ambassador Nikki Haley, Donald Trump Jr, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson, Secretary Betsey DeVos, and many more. Lauren could not be more thankful to play a small role in this organization, and more importantly the conservative movement that is much bigger than just one person- and that is saving the future of our country for generations to come.

Andrew D. Sypher serves as the Vice President of Field Operations at Turning Point USA, where he oversees a nationwide team of nearly 200 staff responsible for supporting more than 2,000 high school and college chapters and 800,000+ student activists across the country — largest political grassroots operations in the country. A proud alumnus of Arizona State University, Andrew was recognized as an All-Arizona and All-USA Academic Scholar while earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Policy.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Andrew’s leadership journey began early with a heavy emphasis in civic involvement and grassroots activism. Following a two-year ecclesiastical mission in São Paulo, Brazil, he moved to the Phoenix Valley in 2013. A lifelong conservative, Andrew has actively worked in Arizona’s political environment and served in community-based organizations, earning numerous awards and recognitions for his commitment to public service.

Andrew began his tenure with Turning Point USA as one of the first employees back in 2016 as a part-time Field Representative – Community College Specialist. Through hard work, strategic vision, and a relentless dedication to TPUSA’s mission, he advanced to become the National Enterprise Director, and ultimately, to his current executive leadership role. Today, Andrew remains passionate about safeguarding America’s future by investing in the next generation of leaders.

Frank serves as Turning Point’s General Counsel. In this role, Frank oversees all of Turning Point USA’s legal and compliance functions.

Before joining Turning Point, Frank served in various legal roles spanning from in-house counsel at a major medical device company to General Counsel and VP of Operations for a start-up legal tech company. Frank has advised multinational Fortune 100 companies on proactive compliance matters, guided businesses of all sizes as lead counsel on dozens of bet-the-company cybersecurity incidents and successfully negotiated disputes across the United States as well as in Italy, China, and Saudi Arabia.

Before becoming an attorney, Frank worked for The Heritage Foundation where he aided founder and president Dr. Ed Feulner and helped launch Heritage Action for America.

In college, notably before the rise of Turning Point, Frank served as the state Executive Director of Texas College Republicans and was active in local conservative organizations throughout south Texas.

Frank is married to his high school sweetheart and they have two children. When they are not supporting the fight for freedom, you can find them golfing together as a family.

Chris serves as the College Enterprise Director at Turning Point USA, where he oversees all personnel and field operations within the College Department—the organization’s oldest and most foundational division. In this role, Chris leads a team of over 60 full-time staff who support Turning Point’s student leaders on campuses across the country, working to grow the movement’s presence, influence, and impact at the collegiate level.

A proud graduate of Wayne State University, Chris earned his degree in Political Science with the intention of one day pursuing law. After receiving an outreach email from TPUSA, he quickly became a devoted activist—serving as Chapter President and Campus Coordinator—and spent his college years building one of the most prominent conservative student organizations on his traditionally liberal campus. His journey as a student leader fundamentally reshaped his path; realizing he didn’t need to attend law school to make a meaningful impact, Chris found his true calling in the movement and committed fully to advancing the cause of liberty through TPUSA.

Chris began his full-time career with the organization in 2020 as the Motor Field Representative, later becoming the Great Lakes Regional Manager, and eventually rising to his current leadership position in 2023. Throughout each role, he has remained deeply committed to building up the next generation of student leaders—championing big goals, high standards, and bold ideas.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Chris draws strength and purpose from his role as a father, fueling his dedication to protect and preserve America’s founding values for his daughter and her generation. Known for his passion, drive, and unrelenting energy, Chris is inspired daily by the students he serves and the future they are working to secure.

Josie Mitzel serves as the Field Administrative Director at Turning Point USA, where she oversees the administrative operations of the National Field Program, the organization’s oldest and most foundational department. In this role, she leads the College and Club America administrative teams, supporting over 150 staff members and more than 2,000 student-led chapters nationwide.

A proud graduate of the University of Arizona, Josie holds a bachelor’s degree in Law and served in key campus leadership roles, including Vice President of Recruitment and Chapter President of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega. Originally from Colorado, she was raised in a traditional household that instilled the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and achievement through merit.

Josie began her professional career as a Personal Injury Paralegal with plans to attend law school, but the COVID-19 pandemic shifted her path and brought her to TPUSA in 2022 as a Field Program Administrator. Since then, she has risen through a series of leadership roles including Senior Administrator, Administrative Manager, and College Administrative Director by building efficient systems, executing high-impact initiatives, and expanding TPUSA Students’ digital presence.

Known for her energy, attention to detail, and results-driven leadership, Josie has played an essential role in strengthening the infrastructure and scalability of TPUSA’s field operations. She remains committed to empowering the next generation of student leaders and ensuring TPUSA continues to thrive on high school and college campuses nationwide.

Cassidy Smith serves as the Strategic Director of the College Department at Turning Point USA, where she leads the College Strategic Specialist team responsible for organizing hundreds of medium-to-large campus events each year, coordinating national speaker circuits, and developing personnel and activist resources for thousands of student leaders across the country. Her work plays a central role in ensuring TPUSA’s presence is not only visible but dominant across D1 through D3 universities, helping make conservatism synonymous with the modern college experience.

Cassidy began her journey with Turning Point USA as a student activist at Louisiana State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics and was actively involved in Greek Life and Student Government. As chapter president, she hosted one of the largest tour stops in TPUSA history at the time—an early glimpse into the large-scale campus leadership she would later bring to the national team.

After graduation, she joined the College Department full-time and quickly made an impact by launching the Volunteer Territory in Tennessee, chartering over 23 new chapters in just a few months. As Southeast Regional Manager, she built and led one of the most reputable teams in the country, consistently excelling in key national metrics and cultivating a high-performing culture rooted in bold campus presence and successful large-scale events.

In 2024, Cassidy was selected to join the College Strategic Team as a Specialist, where she developed national initiatives, strengthened the department’s infrastructure, and helped lead major campus engagement campaigns. Today, as Strategic Director, she continues to invest in the future of the movement by identifying, equipping, and elevating the next generation of conservative campus leaders. A lifelong conservative, Cassidy is driven by a deep belief in the importance of preserving American values for the next generation and equipping young people with the courage and conviction to defend them.

Michaela Moriarty serves as the Director of Tours at Turning Point USA, where she oversees the strategy, planning, and execution of TPUSA’s national high school and college campus tours. In this role, Michaela leads the Tours department that is responsible for executing dozens of major campus tour events each semester, reaching thousands of students in person and influencing billions online.

Michaela earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University, where she was actively involved in student leadership and civic engagement. She served as the Vice President of Chapter Operations for Alpha Phi International Women’s Fraternity, where she gained early experience in event coordination, team development, and values-driven leadership. After graduation, she launched her professional career in Washington, D.C., before returning to her grassroots roots in 2020 to join TPUSA.

She began as a Field Representative in Los Angeles during the peak of the COVID-19 lockdowns, one of the most difficult environments for student organizing in the country, and quickly proved herself through her initiative, and results. Her performance earned her multiple promotions through TPUSA’s National Field Program, culminating in her current national leadership role.

Michaela remains deeply committed to empowering the next generation and making sure no campus is left in the dark when it comes to freedom, truth, and what makes America worth fighting for. Under her leadership, TPUSA’s tour program has become one of the most effective tools for Gen Z engagement and cultural influence in the conservative movement.

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Nick comes from a family of proud Italian immigrants who came to America in pursuit of the American Dream. Growing up in a family of small business owners, Nick witnessed firsthand how high taxes and burdensome regulations stifled opportunity—experiences that shaped his conservative convictions at an early age.

His passion for political activism began as a high school senior, when he volunteered for campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. In January 2016, he joined Turning Point USA as a Field Representative and quickly distinguished himself by organizing and expanding college chapters across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and West Virginia.

In 2018, Nick was promoted to Great Lakes Regional Manager, where he led a team that significantly expanded TPUSA’s footprint throughout the Midwest. His success in this role laid the foundation for his current position as the first Enterprise Director of the High School program.

Now, Nick channels his own formative experiences into building a movement of high school students who are bold enough to voice their values, lead with conviction, and make an impact in their communities. Under his leadership, Club America has grown into a national force, equipping thousands of young Americans to defend freedom and preserve the values that make this country great.

Brandon is the Strategic Director for Club America, powered by TPUSA. He joined TPUSA directly out of college in 2015, graduating from Dixie State University with a BS in Business Administration. In college, he spent three years as President of the College Republicans, striving for TPUSA’s mission before chapters were common – hosting the largest conservative campus events in the state and implementing an early voting precinct added to the university.

Brandon started part-time as the Utah Field Representative and then quickly into a full time role as the Nevada Field Representative. Within 6 months, he was promoted into a management role as the, then, Mountain Regional Manager in Denver, CO. Turning Point USA’s first large College events were first pioneered in the Mountain region – a current process followed to this day with TPUSA tours. During the pandemic, he then served as Southwest Regional Manager before taking on his current position of Strategic Director – overseeing the growth of a new High School program, and now Club America.

Lead Pastor of Nfluence Church and Senior Director of TPUSA Faith, as well as an accomplished author, speaker, and media producer. A prominent voice in the fight against wokeism and cultural Marxism, Pastor Miles offers clear biblical insights on faith, politics, and the culture war. As an accomplished author, speaker, and media producer, he has written several books addressing the intersection of faith and culture and has been featured on numerous platforms for his thought-provoking commentary. Through TPUSA Faith, he is helping unite the church around primary doctrine while working to eliminate woke ideologies from the American church, inspiring believers to stand boldly for truth and live out their faith in every aspect of life.

Director of Pastoral Relations for TPUSA Faith and a retired police officer with over 25 years of service in metro Atlanta, where he rose to the rank of Division Commander. After relocating to Florida, Chip joined TPUSA Faith in 2023 as the Central Florida Representative, bringing his dedication and leadership to the organization. Passionate about supporting pastors and encouraging civic engagement, he inspires bold preaching and mobilizes faith communities to carry their values into the public square. Promoted to his current role in 2024, Chip now leads a new division launching in 2025, focused on equipping pastors and empowering churches to drive lasting cultural impact.

Director of Field Operations for TPUSA Faith and an alumna of Roger Williams University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communications. Kalasia joined TPUSA Faith in its inaugural year, 2021, and has held several key leadership roles within the department. Beginning as the New England Faith Representative, she advanced within the organization and ultimately achieved her dream role within the Faith Department. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to her faith, coupled with a deep desire to see the American Church defend biblical truth with both boldness and compassion. By keeping the mission at the forefront, Kalasia works to lead those around her to engage with conviction, while ensuring that compassion and integrity remain at the forefront of every interaction. In her role, she oversees a team of more than 20 full-time staff members, all dedicated to equipping and engaging the American Church across the nation. Kalasia currently resides in Massachusetts with her husband.

Matt Hay serves as the Creative Director for TPUSA Faith, bringing more than two decades of ministry experience to his role, including years as both a Business Manager and Worship Pastor. Matt oversees creative efforts that reach millions of believers across social platforms, podcasts, courses, and national events. Known for his leadership and creativity, he continues to lead worship and serve in the local church, blending his deep faith with a commitment to equipping Christians to boldly live out biblical truth in every sphere of life. Matt is honored to help carry forward Charlie Kirk’s vision of a bold, faithful Church rooted in Scripture and truth. He and his wife live in Phoenix with their five children, where they remain dedicated to fostering a legacy of faith and discipleship.

Michelle Todd is the Events Administrative Director for Turning Point USA. As an Arizona Native, she started at TPUSA right after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotel Restaurant Management from Northern Arizona University. Michelle started her journey as an Events intern in 2019 and, from there, was hired full-time. She has been an integral part of this organization as our events and department have grown rapidly over the last few years. In August of 2020, she became the organization’s first event manager and helped oversee all event registration, venue, and speaker logistics. In September of 2022, she officially became our Events Administrative Director leading a team of outstanding administrators at Turning Points Headquarters.

Elizabeth, a first-generation American raised in Santa Barbara, California, was shaped by her family’s escape from Soviet persecution and the conservative values they instilled in her. Bilingual in English and Russian, she carries a deep appreciation for American freedoms and opportunities, which continue to inspire her both personally and professionally. Her educational journey began at Point Loma Nazarene University, but she transitioned to a full-time role as Executive Assistant to the COO of Turning Point USA in 2020. Demonstrating strong dedication and resilience, she completed her degree at Grand Canyon University while working in this demanding position.

Elizabeth’s passion for event planning emerged during her tenure as Executive Assistant and led her to officially join the events team in 2022. Now serving as Administrative Director of Events, she oversees administrative operations and helps manage major national and departmental events. She has played a key role in executing some of the country’s largest conservative gatherings, featuring high-profile speakers such as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and others. Deeply committed to Turning Point USA’s mission, Elizabeth is passionate about preserving freedom and opportunity for future generations.

Sara Schwab is from San Antonio, Texas and attended Texas A&M where she graduated in 2016. Gig’ Em! Sara’s experience includes working for a full service advertising agency as well as with CBS covering SEC football just before joining TPUSA in early 2018. Sara joined TPUSA as Charlie Kirk’s production assistant where she helped Charlie manage his social media presence, speaking and rigorous travel schedule. In late 2018 Sara was promoted to Media Director and she spent the next 3 years developing and growing our Influencer Media, Public Relations, Digital Marketing, Social Media & Live Productions initiatives. In late 2021, Sara was promoted to Senior Strategic Marketing Director where she now oversees strategy and execution of TPUSA’s marketing initiatives.

Kelsey Raymer is a California native and graduate of Carroll College in Helena, Montana, with a passion for creative strategy and digital communications. She began her marketing career freelancing for small businesses and later spent three years in the health IT industry, specializing in content development, partner marketing, and email strategy. Kelsey joined Turning Point USA in 2022 as Senior Digital Marketing Administrator. She progressed to Digital Marketing Manager and now serves as the Digital Marketing Director. In her current role, Kelsey oversees TPUSA’s email and SMS communications, paid media efforts, and marketing automation and data operations.

Stacy Sheridan is the Senior Advancement Director for Turning Point USA. A California native, Stacy began her career at the Pepperdine University School of Law working directly with Dean Kenneth W. Starr.  She served as Director of Advancement and Alumni Affairs before being promoted to Assistant Vice Chancellor. Following her 8 years at Pepperdine University, Stacy helped renowned actor, Gary Sinise launch the Gary Sinise Foundation, which was created to support America’s active duty military, veterans, first responders and families of the fallen.  Stacy served as the Gary Sinise Foundation’s first Director of Development before she went on to serve as Executive Director of the Open Hearts Foundation, founded by actress and philanthropist Jane Seymour. Most recently, Stacy served as the Director of Major Gifts at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, in Simi Valley, CA. Stacy resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and children.

Josh Thifault has followed Jesus since 1997, and has been a leader in the conservative movement since 2012, when he managed 280 door knockers and phone bankers during the Presidential race. He was a Sophomore in college at the time, and recruited this team in 48 hours. Josh met Charlie Kirk at a Tea Party rally in 2014 and joined Turning Point USA. Over the last decade, Josh has worked tirelessly to build Turning Point USA and Turning Point Action into the two most powerful conservative organizations in America. Today, he serves as Senior Director of Major Gifts for both TPUSA and TPA. Josh lives in the Nashville area with his beautiful wife, Brenna, and their children.

Chrissy Pacheco was born and raised in Illinois, went to Illinois Institute of Art and graduated from Daley College in 2017. Her shipping experience included being a supervisor at UPS and managing a UPS Store in downtown Chicago. Production experience includes learning the fundamentals at Curie’s graphic arts program, working at both a screen printer as well as a broker printer.

Chrissy started as the shipping associate in May of 2016 and advanced to her current position as the Strategic Director, located in Lemont over seeing both Lemont and Phoenix operations. Each semester this team produces the collateral materials to create and send out over 2,000 packages every semester including chapter banners, chapter promotion materials and a variety of kits. This team handles the coordination for events such as Culture War, CPAC, and Politicon as well as the production and logistics for all national and regional conferences held across the United States.

Jonah is the Administrative Director of Asset Management at Turning Point USA. He grew up in the Northern Los Angeles area and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Policy and Emergency Management. Prior to his transfer, Jonah also spent time at Pasadena City College where he gained his footing within the conservative movement, joining several clubs including Students for Liberty. While at Pasadena City College he was exposed to fierce pushback from left leaning individuals on ideas in the realm of foreign policy, monetary policy, and individual freedoms. This acted as a launch pad for him as he went to Arizona State University and attended several Turning Point USA events. Following this, he interned with Turning Point USA’s National Field Program in 2019 before being brought on full time and becoming the Administrative Manager prior to his promotion to Asset Management in 2021. During his time at Turning Point USA Jonah has also commissioned Turning Point USA’s Softball Program.

Natalie Balderas is the Productions Administrative Director at Turning Point USA.

Natalie grew up in Southern California, and graduated in 2018 with an Honors degree in Filmmaking and Marketing at California State University Long Beach.

The 2016 election had a monumental impact on the course of her life, and served as the impetus to her political and spiritual awakening. Converting from a “liberal by default”, to an impassioned defender of American rights and conservative values – her dream of working in Hollywood came to a screeching halt.

As a result, Natalie became the Chapter President of the Turning Point USA Chapter in CSU Long Beach, and upon graduation joined the Productions Department as an administrator – stepping in to assist with everything from thumbnail design to coordinating productions to video analytics . The responsibility of directing the course of the Productions Department is one that she feels incredibly grateful to undertake.

Marcus Wada is the Director of Strategy of Productions at Turning Point USA. Marcus has spent a decade in film/television production, working on films that were internationally distributed, and television shows such as Miss Universe. Marcus worked to raise financing for films, and producing films / tv.

Marcus left Hollywood to work in the conservative movement – producing and directing Turning Point USA’s documentary series Border Battle and The Great Global Reset.

Ramon Tangiora joined Turning Point USA as a graphic administrator for the Development Department in 2021. Ramon has 8+ years of experience in graphic design, which has helped him create high-level designs for TPUSA’s Development Department—extending across all donor collateral. Before coming to TPUSA, Ramon worked for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Welfare Services on the Communications and Digital Solutions Team. During his time there, he created digital content for various welfare and charity initiatives. At the end of 2016, Ramon and his wife decided to make a leap into entrepreneurship and started a thriving clothing business, where he led the creative process on all of their social media and graphic design. Due to COVID-19 shutdowns, the Tangiora family’s small business was hit hard, resulting in a new found drive to fight for freedom! This led Ramon to Turning Point USA, where his love for both graphic design and grassroots conservative values have merged into one succinct purpose—to help TPUSA fight the America Culture War.

Jennifer Burns has an eclectic background in both business and education. She served as a senior consultant for Hewlett-Packard, Kraft Foods, Jaguar Cars, and others, focused on gaining consumer insight and helping her clients translate consumer understanding into products, services, and communication that would serve and delight them. After feeling called to leave the family-unfriendly world of consulting to be home with her oldest son, Jennifer saw a need in the homeschooling community. She started an enrichment program called H.E.A.R.T. in 2004. During H.E.A.R.T.’s inaugural year, she heard the Lord’s call to start an academic program where He was the foundation of all. In 2006, she launched Classical Consortium Academy, a classical, Christian hybrid school. Jennifer feels honored to serve as head of school and adores being in the classroom, teaching formal logic, critical thinking, and classical rhetoric. H.E.A.R.T. and Classical Consortium Academy have supported hundreds of families and thousands of students over the past two decades. Most recently, Jennifer accepted the role of Director of Academics at Turning Point Academy, a division of Turning Point USA, to help restore virtuous education in our country. Jennifer is happily married to David Burns and the mother of three boys – Ryan, Bradley, and Nicholas and mother-in-law of Catherine. Her life’s purpose is found in Galatians 6:9-10. Jennifer holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University.

Scott Polender has a broad ministry background, working in varied ministry and leadership roles. He was Director of Communications and Outreach at Caring Network Illinois, one of the nation’s largest pro-life/pregnancy help organizations, from 2019 to 2023. Previously he served in pastoral ministry at the historic St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney, Australia, as University Minister at Holy Trinity Church Chicago and most recently as Lead Pastor at Bethany Chapel in Wheaton, IL. Scott has experience working in full-time ministry in Kathmandu, Nepal and in East Africa. He has worked in ministerial training as the Director of Training at the Charles Simeon Trust based in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago and as an International Trainer at Leadership Resources International. Scott has vast campus ministry experience, including serving as a campus chaplain at the University of Chicago where he ran the “Text and Truth” lecture series with leading scholars in the different academic disciplines. He has worked with The Gospel Coalition in their TGC Learn initiative. He is a founding member of the Chicagoland Gospel Network. Scott is devoted to working for virtuous education that focuses on God as the foundation of education. He has an undergraduate degree from Wheaton College and M.Div. and ThM degrees from Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. Scott lives outside Chicago with his wife Jodi and three children.

Pierre Wilson, a graduate of Liberty University with a master’s degree, serves as the Senior Director of TPUSA RISE at Turning Point USA. Known for launching the very first BLEXIT chapter in North Carolina, Pierre has spent the last several years building what has become the largest conservative minority grassroots movement in the country. His leadership has helped create a nationwide network of city chapters, a thriving HBCU initiative called RISE NextGen, and a rapidly growing coalition of community leaders committed to strengthening families and reclaiming culture across minority America.

Raised in Maryland and shaped by adversity, Pierre’s life is proof that a victim mindset does not have to define anyone’s future. His own transformation ignited his passion to empower others to rise above cultural pressure, challenge destructive narratives, and pursue faith, freedom, and personal responsibility with confidence.

Pierre was hired as BLEXIT’s first employee and played a foundational role in developing the national infrastructure, volunteer network, and grassroots strategy that set the stage for unprecedented growth within Turning Point USA. Today, his work with TPUSA RISE continues that mission on a broader scale, reaching Black, Hispanic, Asian, African, Caribbean, and other minority communities across the country with truth centered programming, cultural engagement, and leadership development.

He is also the host of the podcast Unchained w/Pierre Wilson where he speaks boldly about faith, culture, fatherhood, and the issues shaping minority America.

Above every title and accomplishment, Pierre will tell you that his greatest joy is his family. He is a proud husband and father of three, and the work he does is grounded in the belief that strong families are the foundation of a strong nation.