As the partner of our CEO Steven, Katherine brings her exceptional organizational skills and a strong sense of order to our team. She balances her professional role with her responsibilities as a devoted mother to their two children.

Katherine’s story with Steven began in 2011, blossoming from an online connection into a supportive partnership throughout Steven’s deployment. Their commitment culminated in marriage in September 2012, marking the start of their journey together outside the Army. Elected as our first DSS, Katherine excels understanding regulations and maintaining order within AVMA. Her current role as an insurance agent complements her position at AVMA, as she expertly navigates daily interactions with clients, safeguarding their families and assets.

Katherine is dedicated to ensuring adherence to AVMA’s bylaws and resolving organizational challenges. She eagerly anticipates collaborating with the AVMA family to uphold our standards and contribute to our collective success.

Justin’s journey began in July 2001 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps as an infantry rifleman with MP Co. ‘C’ in Dayton, Ohio. Later, he assumed the role of a mortuary affairs specialist, working alongside fellow infantrymen.

In 2003, Justin’s unit was activated in support of the Global War on Terrorism, specifically during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). His dedication and actions during the recovery of remains en route to Baghdad, Iraq, earned him the prestigious Navy Achievement Medal. Unfortunately, in 2005, Justin was medically retired from the Marine Corps.

Since 2019, Justin has been passionately raising funds to support veterans and veteran organizations. His efforts have yielded remarkable success, including the installation of handicap ramps and leading fundraising campaigns that generated over $75,000 for veterans’ causes. As a co-founder of the American Valor Motorcycle Association®, Justin remains committed to the motto "Strength and Spirit through continued service."

At the Department of the Interior, he expertly prepares officials for critical hearings and crafts key communications that shape policy and advance the agency's goals. From advocating for veterans as a VA and military caseworker in former Speaker John Boehner's office, serving as a veterans museum board president to navigating the complexities of Congress, Tristan's leadership is marked by a trail of inspiration and tangible achievements. His academic foundation—a Master of Science in Marketing and Communication, enriched by doctoral research in a Doctorate of Business Administration program—provides a robust framework for his innovative approaches to business strategy. As a former Army combat medic during OIF/OEF, Tristan's military service has ingrained a disciplined, team-centric ethos that permeates his professional endeavors. Tristan's zeal for motorcycling reflects his professional ethos—constantly pursuing excellence, embracing the journey, and navigating challenges with agility. Dedicated to the art of public engagement and leadership, Tristan is committed to mentoring the next wave of strategic communicators and shaping the future of the field. He looks forward to assisting the AVMA in advancing its mission and vision.