Alex Krongard grew up outside Baltimore, Maryland and is a 1985 graduate of Princeton University with a degree in English Literature. He served 31 years in the U.S. Navy, the majority of that time in Joint Special Operations, Naval Special Warfare and the SEAL Teams. He was a distinguished graduate of the National War College in 2005. After retiring from the military, he worked as an Investment Banker with DC Advisory in their San Francisco office before coming to The COMMIT Foundation. He is also on boards at several companies and non-profits. Alex’s last active duty assignment was as the Deputy Director for Operations at U.S. Africa Command. He retired from the U.S. Navy in September 2016 as a Rear Admiral Lower Half. Among his assignments prior to that, he was the first Commanding Officer of SEAL Team 7, Commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 1, and Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. As the Commanding Officer of SEAL Team 7, he led the team from initial stand-up through to the conclusion of its seven month plus deployment in Iraq in 2003-2004. From January 2012 through December 2013, Alex served as a Counterterrorism Director on the National Security Council Staff focusing on developing policies regarding U.S. hostages held abroad, potential employment of Weapons of Mass Destruction by terrorists, and special operations. Alex currently lives in San Diego, California.

Shannon leads COMMIT's ambitious and successful development effort. She's been in the development space for a number of years supporting political fundraising and non-profits. Her passion for COMMIT stems from being married to a former Ranger and having an adult son in uniform serving in Alaska. Shannon brings a passion for connecting people and organizations for meaningful and strategic impact in our communities for the better. With over 16 years of expertise as a strategic development and fundraising professional: she has offered professional consulting services in nonprofit development, government affairs, philanthropic advisory services focused on strategic organizational development, board cultivation, and capacity building. Her experience also includes work with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator John McCain, the Ware Family Office and various political campaigns. Shannon earned a B.A. from the University of Southern California and a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Executive Leadership from Regis University in Denver. She lives in Colorado and South Dakota with her husband and they have five incredible children and three grandchildren.

Margaret Riley serves as the Chief Operating Officer with The COMMIT Foundation. Ms. Riley brings with her over 18 years of legal, military and veteran nonprofit experience. In this position Ms. Riley is responsible for the operational and strategic leadership of The COMMIT Foundation and to provide guidance on key organizational initiatives and performance outcomes. Prior to joining The COMMIT Foundation, Ms. Riley worked with PsychArmor Institute as the External Relations Director and Wounded Warrior Project as the Community Partnerships and Investments Director. Additionally, Ms. Riley has worked in higher education at the University Of Southern California, Center of Innovation and Research for Veterans and Military Families (CIR) and Chapman University AMVETS Legal Clinic. Ms. Riley has also worked with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office in Military and Veterans Rights. Ms. Riley earned her bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and her law degree from California Western School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Ms. Riley joined the U.S. Army as a direct commission and served as a JAG officer with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Originally from Long Island, NY, Ms. Riley now lives in Jacksonville, FL with her twin sons.

Amy is joining the COMMIT Foundation and bringing with her over 10 years of experience in Military transition training and 17 years of experience in workforce development training. Amy has a strong background in adult online learning and curriculum development and uses this knowledge to advance the learning environment in a manner that drives people towards success. Amy was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Bush Institute Veteran Stand to Leadership program and has previously worked with the Institute for Veteran and Military Families and the USMC Marine for Life program. Amy is married to a Navy Veteran, has two daughters, and resides in North Carolina. Amy’s passion for learning and connecting people fuels her desire to see all people become the best version of themselves. Amy has a Masters of Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Learning from Liberty University and a Doctorate of Education from Liberty University.

Crystal is a Coast Guard veteran with a strong passion for serving her community. As a young Boatswain's Mate, her military career began in maritime law enforcement, where she led emergency response missions across the Atlantic seaboard. Her devotion to duty ultimately blossomed into program manager roles, overseeing training, enforcement, and emergency response operations for high-performance teams and $1M resources. However, her most cherished experience was mid-career when she worked as a trainer for the United States Coast Guard Academy, developing the careers of thousands of cadets annually. Now, she excitedly dedicates her time as a COMMIT Foundation Director of Veteran Services, helping some of these very same colleagues successfully transition from the military into fulfilling civilian careers. Beyond her military service, she is happily married to her active-duty Coast Guard husband of 11 years. They have two children and a rambunctious Goldendoodle puppy named Gracie, who they love to take on outdoor adventures when they’re not traveling to magical destinations like Walt Disney World. With undergraduate degrees in Emergency Management and Communications from American Military University and a background in teaching, program management, and several nonprofit roles, she is thrilled to guide, inspire, and empower those embarking on such an exciting new chapter of life.

Brian Von Herbulis serves as the Chief Programs Officer with The COMMIT Foundation. He brings with him a diverse background of over 25 years of military, business, and nonprofit leadership experience. Brian is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Officer. While serving on active duty, he commanded reconnaissance and special operations units at the platoon, company, and battalion levels. He was a “plank owner” (original member) of 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. His final assignment on active duty was as the Commanding Officer of 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. He retired from active military service in 2014 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Post military service, Brian has become a successful business executive, entrepreneur, and nonprofit leader. Brian earned a Bachelor of Arts from Hampden-Sydney College and a Master of Business Administration from Boise State University. He also earned a Certificate in Executive Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University. Brian now lives in Eagle, Idaho with his wife and two children.

Mike Greenwood is joining the COMMIT team with over 14 years of military and veteran nonprofit experience. As an ARMY veteran, Mike is passionate about helping veterans achieve their life goals and he knows first hand what veterans face when they remove their uniform for the last time. He holds a BBA from Pace University along with an Executive Certificate from the University of Notre Dame in Transformational Nonprofit Leadership and a Certification in Production Management from Indiana Tech. Mike also leads his own financial counseling practice as a trained Ramsey Solutions Financial Coach in his free time. Born and raised in Upstate New York, he now calls Colorado Springs, Colorado home. He enjoys running, hiking, and traveling with his wife, daughter, and their dog.

A mission-driven servant leader with over two decades of experience crafting communications and brand strategy across multiple industries and organizations, Bana is also a passionate storyteller dedicated to shedding light on the strengths and challenges of military family life. Bana is a recipient of the Iron Mike Award and the Dr. Mary E. Walker Award, in recognition of her volunteer service as a military spouse. In addition, she is a member of the 2021 Scholar cohort of the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. Bana graduated from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Martin J. Whitman School of Management with degrees in public relations and marketing management. When she’s not on a soapbox defending the Oxford comma, you can find her exploring the nearest national park. An Army spouse of over 15 years (and a dozen PCS moves), Bana lives with her husband and four children outside San Antonio, TX.

Born and raised in central New York, Reggie joined the U.S. Navy shortly after High School and had a celebrated career spanning over 23 years. His worldwide military tours culminated with his final assignment as the Master Chief for Fleet Electronic Warfare for Headquarters, Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After retiring in September 2016, Reggie’s desire to support transitioning veterans coupled with his own post-military hurdles found him in the classroom for nearly three years, assisting veterans with their military transitions. Reggie joined the COMMIT Foundation team in January 2020 and further realized his flow state involves helping people, a true passion in his life. He is a true believer in the power of connection, deep conversations, and surrounding yourself with a like-minded tribe, which he has found with the COMMIT Foundation. Reggie's son, Zach (27) lives in CO, and his daughter, Kenly (20) lives in AL. Reggie holds an undergrad degree from Brandman University and is a proud member of The John Maxwell Leadership Team. He is an avid sports fan, a lover of the outdoors, and lives in the beautiful (and sunny) Pacific Northwest with his girlfriend and their dog, Maggie.

Michele Olive is the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement with the COMMIT Foundation. She brings her expertise in clinical counseling and a wealth of leadership development experience in both the military and civilian sectors. She has assisted military members and their families as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 15 years. Michele uses her training in assessments and her knowledge of high performing teams to help others achieve their goals. A native of Virginia, she received her Masters degree in Social Work from Norfolk State University and her undergraduate degree from Longwood University. She shares COMMIT’s passion to connect transitioning veterans with opportunities that match their caliber of talent and vision. Michele and her husband Joel enjoy the sunshine and lots of baseball in Virginia Beach with their three sons and two dogs.

Prior to joining the COMMIT Foundation, Brian Rauch served from 2009 through 2015 as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserves. His civilian career experience involved working software development for Palm Inc, HP Global, IT Consulting, Check-6 Inc, and PFL. During the 2012 national elections, Brian ran IT and Data Analytics for a US Congressman’s bid for the US Senate. More recently, he is a leading member of Salesforce’s Military Trailhead program where he actively trains and helps veterans learn the Salesforce platform. Brian also runs local Salesforce education and community groups. He attended the University of Montana for his undergrad in Information Systems, and Liberty University for a double Master’s in Military Chaplaincy and Theology. He enjoys small town Montana with his two young daughters.

Prior to joining The COMMIT Foundation, Tanya served more than 20 years as a military officer, working throughout Europe and Asia. She has a myriad of experience in both public and private sectors as a program manager and strategic thinker. Tanya met her husband in the Army and has lived through the challenges of transitioning from the military; Tanya was inspired by the mission of COMMIT and is excited to join the team. Her service extends to the community as well as she is an elected trustee on the Bozeman Public School Board and a Stephen Leader in the United Methodist Church. Tanya earned her MPA from the University of Oklahoma and her bachelors from Montana State University. She lives in Bozeman and has two children in college.

Meagan Thrift brings over 20 years of experience in the career counseling field to COMMIT, including work in higher education, private sector, government services and independent contracting. As a Nationally Certified Counselor, she has worked with students, civilians, transitioning military and military spouses in all aspects of career transition. She holds two graduate degrees in counseling with a specialization in career counseling from Florida State University. With more than 17 years as a military spouse to a recently retired special operations officer, Meagan understands the military transition process both personally and professionally. She is a native of Louisiana and now calls Virginia Beach home with her husband and three kids.