Leading By Example
Our leadership team is a diverse group of distinguished business professionals, government officials, and military leaders, including former and active-duty Marines. United by a shared vision, they drive our mission to build the nation's future by developing the next generation of leaders.
Board of Trustees
Colonel John M. Reed, USMC (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Mr. John Reed is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Young Marines National Foundation. He is the CEO & Founder of Reed Charters, LLC providing strategic planning and management services to Federal agencies and in particular to the United States Marine Corps. He leads the company providing …
Major General James Kessler, USMC (Ret.)
Member of the Board of Trustees
James Kessler currently serves as the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. Following a distinguished 33-year career in the U.S. Marine Corps, Kessler worked as the in-country program manager for the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program with DynCorp International in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He then became the Vice President …
Colonel Duffy White, USMC (Ret.)
Member of the Board of Trustees
Duffy W. White is a retired Colonel from the United States Marine Corps with a distinguished career spanning over 29 years. His extensive military experience includes numerous leadership roles and significant contributions to various operations and missions. Military Career: Post-Military Career: Retirement: Duffy W. White’s career is a testament to …
Lieutenant Colonel Bob Sartor, USMC (Ret.)
Member of the Board of Trustees
Bob Sartor is a member of the Board of Trustees and serves as Chairman of the Governance and Bylaws Committee. With over 40 years of experience in leadership, management, planning, and execution roles, Bob is a highly respected former military and business professional. A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, businessman, …
David Webb
Member of the Board of Trustees
David Webb is a concerned citizen, a radio and television commentator, and an active supporter of the Young Marines. He has appeared on CNBC, and numerous U.S. and international television programs. David serves on the board of directors of the Young Marines National Foundation; Wounded Warriors Family Support; and the …
Walter Oliff, Former Young Marine
Member of the Board of Trustees
Walter is from Orlando, Florida and has the unique perspective of having been an adult volunteer and youth member of the Young Marines. During his time in the program, Walter volunteered at multiple local and national events and served as the Deputy Director of the Young Marines Alumni Association. Currently, …
Leigh Cutter, Esquire, Former Young Marine
Member of the Board of Trustees
Arianna Berkimer, Former Young Marine
Member of the Board of Trustees
Arianna is a mother, educator, businesswoman, and Young Marines alumni. She is bringing a career background of education, politics, and international business to the Young Marines National Foundation. Arianna participated in the Young Marines program, then worked as an intern for the national Young Marines program, followed by joining the …
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Zeliff, USMC (Ret.)
National Executive Director
Mike is a veteran Marine, educator, and father. After 28 years in the Marine Corps, Mike transitioned from finding and leading a few good men to raising two. Mike believes in the self-fulfilling prophecy of high expectations, the power of positive reinforcement, and the value of solid role models. Mike …
Board of Advisors
Colonel Sheryl E. Murray, USMC (Ret.)
Sheryl Murray, from Agar, South Dakota, graduated from Huron College, Huron, South Dakota, with a major in political science. After college, she was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the United States Marine Corps. She was an adjutant/manpower officer with a variety of human-resource positions from the unit level to Headquarters …
Commander John Alexander, USN (Ret.)
Mr. Alexander’s career in the United States Navy spanned 21+ years. At sea, he served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer on two destroyers and then spent a tour as the Navigator aboard a guided missile destroyer. He spent the next 18 years in a variety of positions with Navy Public Affairs. …
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Kessler, USMC (Ret.)
Mike Kessler began his career when he was commissioned a second lieutenant after graduating from the University of Washington in 1973. His 25 years of service to our country include command of two rifle platoons and time as the Series Commander and Assistant Director of the Drill Instructor School at …
Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy Howard Snow USMC (Ret.)
Mr. Snow a retired Marine Corps officer that acts as a Federal Business Access Coordinator for Defense Firms. He has more than 40 years of military, business, energy, and government experience. Currently, he has been acting as the National Moderator for Defense Leadership Forum’s in person and on-line contracting summits. …