Brian Stann, Executive Director

Brian comes to HHUSA from the United States Marine Corps, having left active duty in May 2008 as a Captain. He received his commission through the United States Naval Academy, where he excelled in football as a linebacker and earned a degree in Economics.  Brian's military career included two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Infantry Officer in both the Al Qaim and Habbiniyah regions.  In recognition of his valiant actions during an ambush by Iraqi insurgents, Brian was awarded the Silver Star, the nation's third highest military honor. 

As he neared the conclusion of his military service, Brian became increasingly involved with mixed martial arts.  He made his World Extreme Cagefighting debut in June 2006 and became the WEC Light Heavyweight champion in March 2008.  Brian made his UFC debut in April 2009. 

Brian is excited about the opportunity to lead the Hire Heroes USA team and looks forward to the continued success of the program. 

 
Nathan Smith, Deputy Director

Nate joined HHUSA in May 2010 after seven years of leadership, operational planning, and problem-solving experience as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps. He graduated with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute in 2003 with a degree in International Studies and Political Science.

Following graduation and commissioning, Nate served in rifle and weapons platoon commander billets during combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 and 05-07. Upon his return from Iraq, Nate went on to serve for three years as a strategic weapons security and Recapture Tactics Team platoon commander with Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Bangor, Washington.

Nate believes wholeheartedly in creating the next opportunity for our transitioning combat veterans.

 
Michelle Saunders, Director, Veteran Relations and Legislative Affairs

Michelle Saunders joined HHUSA with eleven years of experience in management, serving as a non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army. Since retirement from the military, Michelle has worked as an employment consultant, benefits liaison and transitioning programs specialist for the Department of Labor, Veterans Employment and Training (VETS).  She has a broad knowledge of federal laws, regulations and polices regarding private work incentives and other employment support programs.  Michelle holds an undergraduate degree from Northeastern University and is currently an MBA candidate. A decorated OIF veteran, she earned the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart. Michelle remains at the forefront of advocacy for returning veterans, making great contributions to the cause. 

 Bayne Tippins, Director, Corporate Accounts

Bayne Tippins graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Bayne has excelled in Operations and Human Resource Management for the past 35+ years. In February 2007, Bayne volunteered to help launch the Hire Heroes USA program.  He continues to diligently work to help as many deserving service men and women as possible find meaningful careers as they re-enter the American workforce.  Bayne and his wife of 38 years, Mary reside in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Sara Trask, Director, Corporate Relations

Sara graduated Magna Cum Laude from McKendree University in December of 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree - double major in Speech Communication Emphasis Public Relations and Organization Communications emphasis in Marketing and Sales.  After interning with the organization in 2005, Sara was ecstatic to join the Hire Heroes USA team in April of 2007.  Joining the team as the coordinator of the St. Louis Cardinals Legends Camp, Hire Heroes USA's largest fundraising event, she now serves as Director of Corporate Relations.  Sara is proud to be part of a program that does so much for our deserving men and women.  She hopes to continue her involvement with HHUSA, a program that provides much needed assistance to our country’s Heroes.

Julia LaFavor-Powell, Employment Coordinator

Julia LaFavor-Powell  launched the HHUSA Call Center. She is a U.S. Air Force veteran with ten Air Medals and a member of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. Julia's graduate and undergraduate degrees are from Webster and Park Universities, respectively, in the fields of Counseling and Psychology. She has extensive qualifications as a Five9 Supervisor of Call Center Operations. Julia makes an enormous impact as the "first voice heard" at Hire Heroes USA by many of the veterans as they register for participation in the HHUSA program.

 Chad Calhoun, Associate

Chad Calhoun comes to Hire Heroes USA from the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Sergeant.  Chad finished his Military career in January of 2009, and returned to Georgia. Mr. Calhoun’s Military career includes two tours of duty in Iraq, where he performed as a scout observer and team chief for a fire power control team, covering the regions from Habbiniyah to the northern regions of Diyala. 

Since Chad has been out of the service, he has utilized his leadership abilities in a management capacity in the civilian sector. He started working for Hire Heroes USA in March of 2010.  Chad loves working with other veterans during their transition from the Military and thoroughly enjoys helping them reach their goals of trying to find new civilian career opportunities.

 Allison Herbst, Secretary & Treasurer

Allison Herbst is originally from Brooklyn, New York, having relocated to Atlanta, Georgia in 2001. Allison has a fifteen-year background in the advertising industry. She has managed advertising campaignes and constructed marketing programs for various media outlets- newspapers, magazines and yellow pages, both in print and online. Allison earned an Associates degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and a B.S. in Marketing from The Fashion Institute of Technology, S.U.N.Y., in New York City.  After a career in advertising, she wanted to utilize her sales and marketing experience for a cause that was rewarding both professionally and personally. Believing strongly in the mission of this organization, Allison joined the Hire Heroes USA team in July 2007.