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Board Members and Staff

President

Leontine “Tine” Thompson brings over 30 years of federal leadership and strategic consulting experience to her role as President of the Board of Directors for Music Therapy for Veterans. A passionate advocate for veteran well-being, she supports MTFV’s mission to deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based healing through music and community connection...

Joel Steele is a seasoned entertainment executive with over 30 years of experience managing artists, producing events, and driving media exposure across the music and entertainment industries. As the founder and CEO of Steele Entertainment Group, Joel has built a reputation for cultivating talent, creating unforgettable...

Bari Vaz has built a career at the intersection of innovation, service, and community impact. With 20 years of experience in the banking industry, she worked in the Information Technology divisions of First NBC, Bank One, and Whitney National Bank, where she partnered with project teams to design solutions...

Marketing Strategist

Jessica Dodson is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Dodson Consulting LLC, where she helps purpose-driven brands grow with clarity, strategy, and intention. As a Fractional Marketing Leader with 20+ years of experience, she partners with teams to craft...

Program Strategist

Sophia Felix is a multifaceted entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mental health advocate, best known as the Program Strategist for Music Therapy For Veterans. Her philanthropic efforts, leadership, and passion to create meaningful initiatives led her to serve…

Governance Chair

Edi Carlos Gonzales is a Peruvian-American journalist with over 34 years of experience covering U.S. and Latin American issues, specializing in immigration and border affairs. Born in Lima, PerĂş, he began his career in bilingual media in Salt Lake City…

Chris Jefferson is a U.S. Navy veteran, Creative Director, and Digital Marketing Strategist with over a decade of experience in marketing, video production, and brand development. He is the founder of We Manifest VISIONS, where he  empowers churches...

Lion Leo Williams Jr. was a native of El Centro, California, but was raised in Sacramento, California. His journey in service began with a foundation in engineering at the University of California, Davis (UD). Followed by a fulfilling career as a Civil Engineering Technician...

Löan T. Shillinger is the founder of Shillinger Law, specializing in estate planning, trust administration, and probate law in San Diego, California; launching her practice in 2009 and running it successfully for over 15 years. Löan is dedicated to changing perceptions...

Brad Weber is an accomplished Media Strategist with decades of experience in publishing, broadcasting, and community engagement. As CEO and Group Publisher of Local Umbrella Media, Brad has built a reputation for connecting organizations with audiences through innovative media channels.

Staff

Floyd is a celebrated baritone bass and former member of the 6 time Grammy Award-winning group The 5th Dimension. In 2011, after visiting a Veterans Administration Hospital and witnessing the emotional toll on those who served, he was moved to act. His thought that day— “Veterans should receive the very best healthcare...

Director of Program Management

Dr. Marsha Skinner is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology with a specialization in trauma, children, and families. She began her career working in PTSD clinics and school systems, helping individuals and communities heal through evidence-based care and deep compassion...

Richard Skinner is a dynamic solo entrepreneur and creative force with a multifaceted career spanning the music, design, and sports marketing industries. He began his journey in the entertainment world as an A&R at Block Entertainment and Atlantic Records, where he worked closely with a range of...

Roles and Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of Music Therapy for Veterans serves as the organization’s active governing body and strategic partner. Board members play a vital role in advancing the mission: to support the healing and wellness of veterans through immersive, music-based experiences and to help fund evidence-based music therapy programs across the country. Board members are ambassadors for Music Therapy for Veterans—sharing the organization’s vision, securing resources, expanding awareness, and helping shape the future of veteran care through music and wellness.

Top Five Responsibilities of Board Members

Make a personal financial commitment to Music Therapy for Veterans each year, with a suggested minimum contribution of $1,000. 100% board giving demonstrates strong internal support and inspires confidence among outside donors, sponsors, and partners.

Support fundraising through personal giving and outreach. This includes:

  • Donor appeals
  • Matching campaigns
  • Event sponsorships
  • Major gifts and naming opportunities

(Estimated time commitment: varies by campaign involvement; 3–6 hours quarterly)

Board members actively engage new donors and promote Music Therapy for Veteran’s mission to their networks. This may include:

  • Hosting or attending events with guests
  • Making introductions to potential donors or partners
  • Representing Music Therapy for Veterans at community or service club meetings
  • Helping identify corporate or foundation sponsorships

(Estimated time commitment: 1–5 hours per quarter, depending on involvement)

Attend at least three out of four board meetings per year and serve on at least one committee. Participate in a minimum of one signature Music Therapy for Veterans event and one outreach or donor cultivation activity annually.

(Estimated time commitment: 4 hours quarterly in-person, plus optional virtual engagement of 1–2 hours quarterly)

At the start of each fiscal year, board members complete an annual engagement plan. Throughout the year, they participate in:

  • Governance and policy review
  • Budget approval and financial oversight
  • Strategic planning and mission alignment

Leadership Structure & Key Roles

The Board President serves as a central leader and collaborator, helping coordinate efforts between the board, Executive Director, and key advisors. Responsibilities include:

  1. Regular communication with board and committee members
  2. Partnering with the Executive Director on strategic priorities
  3. Leading by example in giving and fundraising
  4. Ensuring board culture is collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic development of Music Therapy for Veterans. The ED:

  1. Designs and implements fundraising, outreach, and program strategies
  2. Manages staff, events, and financial reporting
  3. Communicates progress, needs, and opportunities with the board
  4. Welcomes board member input and fosters shared ownership of Music Therapy for Veteran’s success

Board members are responsible for:

  1. Upholding the values and mission of Music Therapy for Veterans
  2. Providing insight, professional expertise, and access to networks
  3. Participating actively in fundraising and donor development
  4. Representing the organization with integrity and enthusiasm in public forums

Conclusion

The Music Therapy for Veterans Board is more than a governing body-it is a team of committed leaders and advocates who believe in the power of music to heal and transform. Your service on this board plays a direct role in improving the lives of those who've served our country.

Together, we can amplify impact, expand access to care, and bring healing to those who need it most-one song, one story, one veteran at a time.

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