Our Staff - Fisher House Foundation

0 Results Found

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to stay at a Fisher House? How do I reserve a room?

Fisher Houses are given to the military services and Department of Veterans Affairs as a gift, and the commander or director of each medical center where the houses are located are responsible for establishing the eligibility, priorities, and selection criteria. Please communicate directly with a Fisher House manager for the requirements at a specific house from the "Current Houses" section of our web site.
Is there a charge to stay at a Fisher House?

No. Fisher Houses at VA medical centers do not charge a room fee; all room fees for guest families at all Army, Navy, and Air Force Fisher Houses are paid by Fisher House Foundation.
Are Fisher Houses open to all veterans?

Fisher Houses are open to all veterans of all eras. Eligibility varies by location based on criteria established by the medical center, so it is best to reach out to the specific house for more information. Fisher House Foundation is committed to building sustainable, inclusive, equitable, and resilient communities.
I have seen statements that no government funds are used for the program. Is this true?

Fisher House Foundation has received some Congressionally appropriated funds for the construction of new houses. Once an individual house is gifted to the military, it is supported by two sources of funds: (1) from the income generated by a Congressionally approved trust fund maintained by each military service (these funds are referred to as "nonappropriated funds") and (2) from voluntary donations, given by individuals and organizations. Houses located at VA medical centers do receive support from U.S. tax dollars.
If government funds are utilized, why are donations needed?

The government pays only a portion of the costs. Ours is a "unique private - public partnership," and in many instances, because the funds benefit a specific individual or family, laws and regulations prohibit the expenditure of government funds but do permit the expenditure of privately donated funds.
What is Fisher House Foundation’s overhead rate?

When nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt file their annual federal tax return (IRS Form 990), they are required to categorize each expenditure in three categories: program expense, administration, and fundraising.
Do Fisher Houses need volunteers? What skills or background are needed?

Volunteering is done at the local Fisher Houses, and not through the Fisher House Foundation. We suggest you contact the manager of a Fisher House directly - either by telephone or email. The manager is in a better position to know what is needed at his or her house. The names, phone numbers, and email addresses for the managers is at the "Current Houses" section of our web site.
May I stop by to visit a Fisher House?

In almost all cases, yes, but please have the courtesy to arrange your visit through the manager of the house you wish to visit in advance. Individuals or groups wishing to visit a Fisher House should do so during the week, and not over the weekend.
Are there going to be more Fisher Houses? Where will they be built?

We highlight future Fisher Houses - those under construction, and in the planning or design phase - on our web site. The decision where to build is based on need, and Fisher House Foundation board approval. Normally, a need and justification is submitted from the medical center to either the service Surgeon General (Army, Navy, or Air Force) or the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Fisher Houses at VA medical centers. The requesting medical center commander or director must demonstrate that the medical center's mission attracts patients from far distances (at least 50 miles) for long periods of time. While the number of beds at a medical center is a consideration, the center must normally be a "center of excellence" or referral center for other smaller medical centers or hospitals.
Who pays to build a Fisher House?

Fisher House Foundation pays for the construction costs and furnishings of each Fisher House. The Foundation also engages the local community to raise half the money for a new house.
Does Fisher House Foundation offer or provide grants?

Fisher House Foundation and Military Times Foundation partnered to create the Fisher Service Award. This annual program will award a total of $250,000 to be divided among the top applying nonprofits with innovative programs improving the life of active duty and veteran communities. Since the program began in 1999, it has distributed more than $2.75M across 200 nonprofit programs.
When will the 2025 award applications open? When will applications close?

Award applications for the 2025 cycle will open on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM EDT.

Applications will close promptly on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT.

There are no extensions or exemptions to this deadline.
I am unsure if my program/organization qualifies. What are the eligibility requirements?
Your program and/or organization must:
- Be defined as a Section 501(c) nonprofit of the Internal Revenue Service Code
- Have an innovative program
- Improve the quality of life for active duty, reserve, National Guard, veterans and/or their families
Please note: Award winners will be required to provide IRS Form 990 proving their 501(c) status, and most recent form W-9.
How may we utilize The Fisher Service Award funding?

Award funding may be used to execute any necessary program expense. This includes wages/salaries, supplies, capital campaigns, building repair, and professional fees (ex. Mental health counselors, physical therapist etc.).
How do I apply for a scholarship?

There is a separate "Frequently Asked Questions" section for the Scholarships for Military Children Program. This question and others are included. Please go to www.militaryscholar.org and click on the FAQ section.
I am a military spouse. Is there a scholarship program for me?

Fisher House Foundation sponsors a separate scholarship program for military spouses. The program is called the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program and is administered by the National Military Family Association in partnership with Fisher House Foundation. Find out more.
What is this program, and when and why was it started?

Prior to taking the oath of office as President, Barack Obama wrote a children's book, titled "Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters." The President chose to donate his after-tax proceeds to Fisher House Foundation specifically to establish a scholarship fund for the children of fallen and disabled service members. He selected Fisher House Foundation as the fund to receive his donation. The book went on sale on November 16, 2010, and the first proceeds were used to fund scholarship grants to qualified recipients for the 2011-12 academic year. Additionally, Fisher House Foundation receives contributions from other organizations and individuals to help fund the Heroes' Legacy Scholarships program.
Can I use this scholarship to supplement other grant money that I am receiving?

We recognize that there are federal, state or private grants also available for the education of children whose parent died or became disabled while serving, and therefore any grants awarded through this program will supplement other funding. However, your total funding may not exceed the total costs for tuition, books, and other fees.
Can I apply to both the Heroes' Legacy Scholarships and Scholarships for Military Children programs?

Yes, you may apply for both scholarship programs as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each one.
Why was the "Scholarships For Military Children" Program created?

Commissaries are an integral part of the quality of life offered to service members and their families. The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) worldwide.
Why is Fisher House Foundation involved?

Fisher House Foundation provides a "Home Away from Home" near military medical centers for families experiencing a personal medical crisis and is one of the premier quality-of-life organizations supporting military families. The Foundation was looking for a way to expand its service to military families and has volunteered to underwrite the administration of the scholarship program.
How many scholarships will be awarded and what is the award amount?

The goal of the scholarship program is to award a minimum of one $2,000 scholarship at each commissary location that receives applications from students who meet all of the eligibility requirements. Based on the number of applications received, more than one scholarship may be awarded at some commissaries.
My college will start early so our first term is completed by Thanksgiving. Will my check arrive before classes are scheduled to begin?

Normally, scholarship grants are mailed in late July. Please remember that the check will be made payable to the college or university but mailed to the recipient. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure the check is sent to the college or university and credited to the correct account.
I just received notification that I will receive a $2,000 scholarship grant for school year 2023-24, but I now plan to take a year off and not start college until school year 2024-25. Do I send the grant check to the college now? Can the grant be held for year and applied to next year?"

If you will not be attending college this year, please notify Scholarship Managers, and they will defer sending out your check until next year.
If you will not be attending college this year, please notify Scholarship Managers, and they will defer sending out your check until next year.

No, it does not.
Who is eligible to receive tickets?
There are two categories of eligible recipients:
- Wounded, injured, and ill service members on ordinary leave may be given a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from the medical center to their home or to attend an authorized event, if they are not eligible for government funded airfare.
- Wounded, injured and ill service members may be given a round-trip airline ticket to enable their family or close friends to visit them while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.
Fisher House Foundation has administered the Hero Miles program since 2005, in accordance with the 2005 Defense Authorization Act. The program is specific in that wounded, injured, and ill service members and their families are eligible. One exception to this is the provision of airline tickets to family members attending the funeral or dignified transfer of remains of a service member killed in overseas post 9/11 contingency operations, when coordinated with the casualty assistance officer.

“Service member” is defined as: An active duty member of the military, to include activated National Guard and reservists receiving treatment at an authorized medical treatment facility.
How do I request a Hero Miles ticket?

The service member will submit a request through a case worker, social work staff, or service casualty offices. At some medical centers, there are established offices to assist families, such as the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, the Warrior Transition Unit, the Warrior Family Assistance Center at SAMMC, or Marine Liaisons at Naval medical centers.
Can a child (unaccompanied minor) travel on a Hero Miles ticket?

Yes, however the service member is responsible for any unaccompanied minor fees.
Who is eligible to receive hotel rooms?

Hotels for Heroes provides hotel rooms to the families of wounded, injured, and ill service members who are undergoing treatment at authorized medical centers when a Fisher House is not available. In general, the focus of Hotels for Heroes support is for situations involving significant medical events and emergencies. It is not intended for general visits during ongoing outpatient care.Veterans are eligible when the request originates through a Fisher House that would provide lodging for that veteran but cannot because the Fisher House is full.

“Service member” is defined as: An active duty member of the military (to include National Guard and reservists on active duty status).
Can the Hotels program be utilized in place of a Fisher House?

No. When the service member or veteran is receiving treatment at a hospital that has a Fisher House on site, and the house has space available, the Hotels for Heroes program is not an option. Hotels for Heroes supports the Fisher Houses by providing lodging to families when a house is full. The family is put on a waiting list by the House manager and hotel lodging is provided until a room at the House becomes available, at which time the family must move into the Fisher House. Choosing to remain at a hotel will be at the family’s expense.
Who can request assistance from Hotels for Heroes?
Requests for lodging come from two primary sources:
1. Fisher House managers make Hotels for Heroes requests when the local Fisher House is full, in order to provide lodging for a family until a room at the house becomes available.
2. Hospital case workers and other military liaisons submit requests on behalf of service members who are undergoing treatment at hospitals where there is no Fisher House. These requests are approved on a case-by-case basis only.
Veterans are only eligible when the request originates through a Fisher House that would provide lodging for that veteran but cannot because the Fisher House is full.
What is Fisher House Foundation’s privacy policy?

Fisher House Foundation’s full privacy policy can be found here.
See All
See All
See All
See All
See All
See All

Ask Us a Question

Work With Us

Stay tuned for opportunities.

David Coker, President

After a career in the military and supporting his local Fisher House, Dave was hired as the Foundation's first employee by founder Zachary Fisher. He has spent the last 27 years working with the DOD and VA leadership to identify new projects and build houses as well as implement and grow the various programs of the Foundation. He believes that the military and VA do a great job supporting our military families and we are proud to fill in the gaps of caring for our nation's heroes and their families. Full bio

Mary B. Considine, Chief of Staff

Mary B. began her career at Fisher House Foundation as a volunteer, licking stamps and replacing batteries in donated toys for the children at Fisher Houses. Given the opportunity to work full-time as the program expanded, she jumped at the chance. Over ten years later, her love for serving military families and veterans at a time when they need it most has only grown. Whether talking to a donor who has supported the Fisher House mission for 20+ years, or sharing a coffee break in a Fisher House kitchen with a guest, Mary is always excited to explore new opportunities to engage supporters in improving quality of life in the military community. Full Bio

Denise Dolan, Vice President of Development

Denise joined Fisher House Foundation in 2014 and is honored to use her fundraising experience to serve military veterans and their families. Denise is the proud granddaughter of a World War II veteran who survived for five days - lost in the dense New Guinea jungle. In her role, she oversees the fundraising efforts of the Foundation. Full Bio

Michelle Horn, Vice President of Communications

Michelle retired from the Army in 2019 after 21 years. She served on multiple overseas tours including in Germany, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Throughout her career, Michelle advocated to friends and family about the Fisher House mission and is honored to continue to serve through the Foundation. Michelle and her husband, Ryker, also an Army retiree, come from a family of veterans that served in WWII, Vietnam, and many conflicts since. In her role, she helps tell the story of Fisher House to bring awareness to the American public. Full Bio

Julie Riggs, Vice President of Community Relations

Julie joined the Fisher House Foundation in 2024 and is excited to continue her long history of mission-driven work, dedicated to strengthening our nation’s military-connected communities. As the wife and daughter of retired service members, Julie brings to her position a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by military and veteran families and is honored to be a part of the Fisher House Foundation’s mission to provide a home away from home for our nation’s heroes and their families.

Tish Stropes, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Tish is responsible for the Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes programs which help keep families connected during the healing process. Tish is especially proud that these programs exist because of the generosity of the public. Tish, along with her husband and two teenage children, are blessed to be part of the ever-expanding circle of Fisher House beneficiaries and supporters.
Full bio

Marshall Banks, Director of Community Relations

Marshall joined Fisher House Foundation in 2019 after retiring from a successful career in the military. In his position as the Director of Community Relations, he assists and supports the Vice President of Community Relations through Foundation interactions with communities hosting an existing Fisher House, as well as those communities seeking a new Fisher House for their local VA Hospital or Military Medical Center. Marshall is honored to be a part of the Foundation's mission to support our nation's service members, veterans and their families.

Stephany Bonney, Director of Community Fundraising

Stephany learned early on that she had a passion for people and turned that passion in to a successful peer to peer fundraising career. Before joining the Fisher House Family, Stephany contributed to over $500 million in funds raised through peer programs within the American Cancer Society and March of Dimes.
Stephany said, “From “donate your day” to any “DIY” fundraiser, it’s my job to make your Fisher House fundraising efforts as easy and as successful as possible.” Inspired by her oldest brother, an ’01 Naval Academy Grad, Stephany is honored to be a part of Fisher House Foundation’s mission to support our nation’s military and their families.

When not fundraising she is hanging out in Brooklyn, NY with her “Bonney Bunch”. When she can sneak away from her three young kids and hubby, you can find her on the tennis court!

Kathleen Hogan, Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts

Kathleen Hogan is the Director of Individual Giving and Major Gifts for Fisher House Foundation. At Fisher House, Kathleen helps individuals with their philanthropic goals through annual, leadership, and planned giving. Before her work at Fisher House, Kathleen served the philanthropic community at the ACOG Foundation in Washington, DC; City Opera House in Traverse City, Michigan; Easter Seals in Auburn Hills, MI; and the Boy Scouts of America in Milton, MA, and Morganville, NJ.

A daughter of an Army veteran, Kathleen is honored to be a part of Fisher House Foundation's mission to support our nation's military members, veterans, and their families. Kathleen and her husband, Dan, reside in Maryland with their two dogs.

Andrew Kayton, Director of Donations

Andrew has over ten years of experience in nonprofit and political management. He has been in the donations department of Fisher House Foundation since 2007. He currently serves as the director of the donations department, overseeing a small but dedicated staff ensuring the sustainability of the Foundation. He currently resides in Clarksburg, Maryland with his wife Laura and their twins Brody and Ella. He hopes to see the Buffalo Bills win a Super Bowl in his lifetime.

@kayton33

Lisa Kelley, Director of Digital Media

Lisa started with the foundation straight out of college in 2007. She has brought her love of technology and the military to our online presence. In her role, Lisa manages all aspects of social media and the website as well as being a part of the special events team. Her passion for the military and Fisher House comes from growing up in an Army family (hooah!). Lisa lives outside of Richmond with her 2 daughters.

@LisaMKelley

Thomas L. LaCrosse, Director of Hero Programs

Tom joined the Foundation after a distinguished career in the Department of Defense as both a career Army Officer and government civilian.He served in command and key staff positions in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, Tom coordinated and oversaw DoD support during major disasters, emergencies, and special events.

Prior to join the team, Tom volunteered with Fisher House during Warrior Games and Invictus Games and welcomes the opportunity to continue to contribute and advocate for wounded, injured, and ill service members, veterans, and their families as he oversees the Foundation’s Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes programs.

Tom and his wife of 40 years have a daughter who is a special education teacher and advocate. Their son is a professional orchestral musician and educator. Their daughter-in-law is an international public health specialist. They currently have one Grandson.

Bruce Phillips, Director of Operations

Bruce joined the Foundation in 2010 and is now the Director of Operations. As the resident foodie and BBQ expert he is a favorite at office potlucks. An avid golfer, amateur interior designer, self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, and father of two, Bruce stays busy out of the office too.

Bruce has that rare quality of always making time for everyone. No problem is too big or too small for him to talk to you about. He is always there for everyone in the office, and if you're lucky, you'll get to talk to him when you call the Foundation.

Angela Ranero, Chief Accountant

Angela joined Fisher House in 2017 with 20+ years of experience in non-profit finance and administration. At Fisher House Angela is responsible for the financial processes, annual audit and various tax returns. Angela graduated magna cum laude from Mount Saint Mary’s University with degrees in Accounting and Business & Finance. Angela is a Certified Public Accountant in Maryland. Angela currently sits on the board of a local non-profit school.

The mission of Fisher House is near and dear to her heart after her family spent time in a hospital hospitality house when her mother had major surgery as she understands the impact a Fisher House has on the lives of those needing their services. Angela, her husband and three children live in Maryland.

Stacy Thomas, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Stacy started her journey with the Fisher House program as a former Army spouse in Landstuhl, Germany where she was the Assistant Manager of the Landstuhl Fisher Houses in 2005. She transitioned to the Foundation after moving back to the US in 2008. She oversees corporate and foundation support including cause marketing and grants, and is involved with all aspects of development. She enjoys connecting with potential supporters, whether a small start-up business or a large corporation, to ensure their giving best fits their goals. Stacy resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two young children.

Irnaliz Aquino, Manager of Human Resources

Her passion and family involvement in the military has always been present all her life. While growing up in a military base environment, she participated in many volunteering activities during her school years at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management and in her position, as the Manager of Human Resources, she reports directly to the Director of Operations and is responsible for the Management & Coordination of the HR Department ensuring the daily operational activities of the Foundation run smoothly and efficiently.

Taylor Bates, Development Associate-Data Administrator

Taylor joined Fisher House Foundation at the beginning of 2022. Before that, he took on multiple roles in development and fundraising for a local school, then a rare disease nonprofit. Taylor is excited to use his years of experience to help our military families in need. In his role as a development associate, Taylor helps to update our donor database, process donations, and to ensure that our donors receive the care and recognition that they deserve. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, live music, cooking, and exploring D.C.

Stacy Bilodeau, Creative Designer

Community and serving others hold a special place in Stacy's heart.

As an active-duty spouse for over 13 years, Stacy goes on many new adventures. Volunteering and giving back to the military and veteran community has always been her passion. In between moves, deployments, underways, and TDYs, Stacy uses her talents to assist nonprofit organizations, military spouses, veterans, and entrepreneurs in branding. Stacy's work and passion for helping others was recognized with the title of 2018 Armed Forces Insurance Coast Guard Spouse of the Year. In 2018 she joined the Foundation's Communication Team.

Stacy holds a bachelor's degree of fine arts with a specialty in graphic design. When she is not creating digital content, she stays very busy in Kentucky with her husband and two very active children.

Natalie Chernett, Research & Grants Specialist

Natalie joined Fisher House Foundation in June of 2021 after a 15-year career working in nonprofits. Natalie is an experienced researcher and grant writer with degrees in English and Library Science from the University of Maryland. Before working at Fisher House, she worked in the Fundraising Operations department at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is the granddaughter of two veterans, and her family is active in supporting military and veteran causes. It is not uncommon for her family to host several veterans receiving treatment at Walter Reed for the holidays. Natalie lives in Brookeville, Maryland, with her husband, two children, and four pets.

Seth Coker, Hotels for Heroes Program Administrator

While attending the College of Charleston, Seth served as his fraternity’s philanthropy chair organizing a week-long fundraiser to benefit Fisher House Foundation. Within two years, they were able to raise over $25,000 for Fisher House! Upon graduating in 2015, Seth wanted to continue to assist military families in need and joined the Hero Programs team. He currently manages the day to day operations of the Hotels for Heroes program.

Spenser Covey, Livestream Charity Manager

Before joining Fisher House, Spenser had a career in marketing, social media, and brand management for businesses and influencers. He is honored to be a part of an organization that serves our military families, and is excited to grow our streaming program and creator community. Spenser lives in Virginia Beach, VA with his wife, daughter, corgi, chihuahua, and 2 cats. In his free time he enjoys gaming, rewatching Lord of the Rings, and spending too much time on the golf course.

Nelly Diaz, Operations Administrative Assistant

Nelly graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2014 with a BA in Theater Studies. She is a freelance stage manager in the DMV area. She worked as an Office Manager for a small concrete company before finding a home at Fisher House Foundation. She is humbled to work for a nonprofit that serves our military and veterans. Nelly works with the Operations Department to assist in the day to day activities of the Foundation.

Max Fischer, Staff Accountant

Max Fischer joined Fisher House in 2023 as a part-time employee and in April 2024 accepted a full-time position as Staff Accountant. Max is a graduate of University of Maryland with a degree in Economics. He comes to Fisher House with 30+ years of financial experience.He lives in Maryland and is a proud father and grandfather. He is huge fan of all Pittsburgh Sports team, and the University of Maryland athletics. He enjoys sports, travelling and spending time with friends and family.

Jenny Hall, Manager of House Support

Jenny Hall serves as Manager of House Support following nearly 9 years as Manager of the Alaska and JB Andrews Fisher House locations. During her time as Manager, Jenny was instrumental in growing the Air Force Fisher House Program in many ways and she has brought that enthusiasm with her to be able to support and encourage Fisher House Managers around the world.

Jenny is the spouse of a retired career AF Master Sergeant. Following her husband to duty stations around the world, she has been blessed to be well rounded from experiencing different cultures, communities, and work experiences.

Jenny’s passion is honoring and serving our Military and Veteran Families through relationships and giving what she would want given to her and her family in a time of need.

Kyle Neff, Senior Development Associate

Kyle studied history at Hood College and spent time working at Ft. Detrick before joining Fisher House Foundation late in 2010. In his role as Senior Development Associate, Kyle ensures donations are handled properly and makes sure each donor is thanked appropriately for their support of Fisher House. Kyle also maintains our ever-expanding donor database with a discerning eye towards detail and a taciturn demeanor towards its upkeep. Kyle is humbled to be part of the Foundation and happy to be able support our deserving military families.

Rachel Hill, Social Media & Digital Outreach Coordinator

As the spouse of a Coast Guard veteran, Rachel has always had a passion to give back to the military community. Whether through partnering with local FRG’s to provide care packages to those currently deployed or by assisting her husband in his efforts to establish a local group for veteran mental health, Rachel finds ways to be involved.

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a specialty in communications which she now uses for digital story-telling. She oversees the development of Fisher House social media, sharing the efforts of Fisher House Foundation to provide a home away from home for service members, veterans, and their families.

After years of travel, she now calls Georgia home where she and her husband have three active boys that keep them busy! In her spare time she enjoys cooking and getting outside to swim, kayak, or simply enjoy time at the park with her family.

David Nye, Managing Editor

David came to the Foundation in 2019 after 12 years of active and reserve duty in the U.S. Army. He’s written for military lifestyle brands as a writer and editor for eight years. At Fisher House, he prepares the Patriot magazine and helps edit stories from the wonderful houses for inclusion on the website and in the ePatriot. The former paratrooper now lives in Maryland with his wife Tracie, his daughter Olivia, and two pets.

Nick Popejoy, Hero Miles Program Administrator

Nick joined Fisher House Foundation in April 2018 after serving as a recruiter for two years for Phi Kappa Tau. The military always has been an important part of Nick's family. His dad served in the Army and his mom is currently working for the Department of Defense. Nick enjoys helping military families through Hero Miles because he knows how much they sacrifice for our country. In Nick's spare time, he likes to go football games, Old Dominion and Jaguars, outdoor activities such as four wheeling and whitewater rafting, and hang out with his fiancé, Lizzie and dog, Paisley.

Shannon "Shay" Spencer Watson, Manager of Community Partnerships

Shannon (Shay) Spencer-Watson is a Military Child turned Army Veteran who joined the Fisher House Foundation in 2022. She is deeply committed to supporting the military and veteran community. Shay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Management with a concentration in Marketing. Shay is a passionate advocate for veterans, with a particular focus on PTSD, using her experiences to raise awareness and support those affected.

In addition to her role at Fisher House, she was honored to be appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Veterans Services Foundation Board of Trustees in 2024, where she currently serves as Chair of the Development Committee.

Shay resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, Michael, their daughter, Tahiry, and their Chiweenie, Brownie Beyoncé Watson. Outside of work, she enjoys advocating for veterans, blogging, traveling, supporting the Washington Commanders, and singing Beyoncé songs—though, admittedly, a bit off-key—at Karaoke night.

Christy Wilcox, Sr. Communications Videographer & Editor

Christy is an award-winning broadcast television reporter. As a former reporter covering conflict, disasters, and humanitarian issues in the United States, Mexico, and the Middle East, she likes to dig deeper into stories affecting people. She stayed at a Fisher House during her father’s treatment and that’s when she knew she wanted to work for Fisher House. In 2020, she joined the team as the Communications Senior Videographer and Editor.

Christy has a Homeland Security Masters from Penn State. Her son Gauge is the light of her life. She also enjoys renovating homes, CrossFit, and cycling.