Who We Are

Adrian Mayers

Before joining Premera, Dr. Mayers held senior management positions at Vertafore, Microsoft, Nokia, and Securiguard. He has a strong passion for remaining on the cutting edge of technology and business innovation.

Throughout his 25-year career, he has dealt with various aspects of corporate security: anti-fraud operations, cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, counterespionage, and loss prevention.

He holds multiple professional certifications including CISM, CCSP, CFE, CISA, and CDPSE. He earned his Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in International Business from Northcentral University, an MBA from Athabasca University, a graduate certificate in cybersecurity from Harvard University, a graduate certificate in counterintelligence from the American Military University, an executive certificate in digital business from MIT, and an engineering technologies diploma from John Abbott College. His academic research pursuits focus on national security, intelligence, cyber warfare, and foreign policy.

He is a longtime supporter of the mission of Stronger Families.

Ben Brewer

Ben Brewer is a seasoned executive spearheading global revenue strategy at Medallia, leveraging his deep understanding of business development, revenue generation, and go-to-market strategy. With a wealth of experience in company leadership, Ben has played pivotal roles in accelerating growth and enhancing client retention. Before his current role, Ben served as Chief Sales Officer at Cornerstone OnDemand, where he led growth initiatives by empowering clients across diverse regions and industries to harness the power of cloud-based solutions.

His impressive career includes significant leadership positions such as President of Global Go-To-Market at Nintex and General Manager/Senior Vice President of Global Go-To-Market at SAP Concur. He is proud to be a part of Stronger Families.

“With several family members and friends in the military community, we’ve seen the sacrifices they make, as well as the challenges their families endure. This inspired me to seek ways to give back and honor their service.”

Bob Lee

Bob has been on the team since mid 2015, focusing on program delivery and operations. He’s married to Ruth and they have 4 kiddos. He served 8 years in the WA Army National Guard (176 Engineers) and prior to joining this team dabbled with construction, law enforcement and pastoral ministry.

Camille McPherson

Camille McPherson has worked in the nonprofit sector since 2012. She has served as a writer, Program Manager, and educator for a span of nonprofits, mainly in the performing arts. Ms. McPherson has written and won proposals from a wide array of funders, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporate grantors. Committed to community service, she volunteers on the Board of Directors for Teatro San Diego, The Rosin Box Project, and Rising Arts Leaders San Diego. Ms. McPherson is thrilled to be a part of the Stronger Families team and to make a difference in the lives of our heroes and their families.

Carmen Best

Carmen Best currently serves as the Director of Global Security Risk Operations at Microsoft. In this position she leads the global security team, as well as intelligence initiatives, event and travel security, and security risk operations.

Best is the former Chief of Police for Seattle and served with the Seattle Police Department for 28 years, beginning as an entry-level patrol officer and later becoming the first African American woman Chief of Police. She serves on the Leadership Council for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and is a board member for United Way of King County, Young Women’s Christian Association – King County, a member of the St. Jude Advisory Council for Seattle, and the Seattle University Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, member of the Human and Civil Rights Committee (HCRC) for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Additionally, she is a contributor to MSNBC, CNBC and NBC News affiliates. She is the best-selling author of the book Black in Blue: Leadership Lessons on Breaking Barriers and Racial Reconciliation. Carmen loves to travel and visit her children and grandchildren and supports many important causes that impact people’s lives.

Caryn Aderhold

Caryn has worked for Stronger Families as a Program Coordinator since 2014. Before joining the Stronger Families team, she worked as an Executive Assistant for International Cruise Lines, as well as an International Electronics Firm, an Office/Para Educator for the Northshore School District, and a Retail Manager at an independent toy store. Outside of work, Caryn and her husband have recently relocated from Seattle, WA to Johnson City, TN where she is enjoying spending time with new friends, playing with her 3 dogs, and exploring all that Eastern TN and surroundings have to offer.

Don Nelson

Owner, Team Nelson

Earthwork & Utilities

Edward Sumner

Edward brings 15 years of executive leadership experience to the Stronger Families team as our VP, Managing Director. He is passionate about serving people in hard places, building creative solutions, and making a significant impact in the community. He is a proud hubby and father to a blended family of 6, in his free time Edward enjoys mountaineering, sailing, and helping his lovely wife with projects around the house.

Ellie Calquhoun

Ellie Calquhoun joined the Stronger Families team in 2022 as the Development Coordinator. Previously, she earned her degree and worked in Development at Northwest University in Kirkland, WA. Now, she is enjoying getting to meet and work with the donors and supporters of this mission at Stronger Families. With multiple friends and family serving in the military, police, and fire departments, Ellie’s role is an opportunity to serve the communities of her loved ones. Ellie and her husband moved back down to their hometown area of Olympia, WA to be near their big families, close friends, and cheaper rent! When Ellie is not answering her work phone, she is probably shooing chickens out of the garden or drinking coffee with friends.

Jim DuBois

Retired Cheif Information Officer,

Microsoft Corporation

Jim DuBois

Jim worked at Microsoft for nearly two decades before taking on the CIO duties in 2013. During his tenure as CIO, he supported the company’s billions of customers and more than 90,000 employees in 190 countries worldwide and migrated 95 percent of the company’s on-premise IT capabilities to the cloud.
His team also implemented the first Cortana skills and practical machine-learning algorithms, including those that guided Microsoft’s sales force to improve sales. Since leaving the company in 2017, he now serves on several boards including Expeditors, Cyemptive, Collabra, SubSplash, Axcient, Profisee and Sr Advisor for McKinsey & Co. Jim has been involved with Stronger Families since the early 2000s. He served as Chair for the Board for 4 years. He and his wife Shannon (Dr. of Psychology) enjoy time with family, traveling and spending time with their 22-month-old grandson. Jim is a writer, has published a book called “Six Word Lessons to Think like a Modern CIO”(recognized by CIO.com) and he is working on his first fiction novel.

Jon Kelly

With over 25 years of dedicated service in the Army (including 21 combat deployments), Jon retired as a Sergeant Major in the most elite Special Operations Unit in the Army. In his role at SF, he will help to forge new strategic partnerships that will amplify our impact and further our mission. Jon is a Duke University MBA candidate and has a Bachelor’s degree from Troy University. He has a Silver Star, Bronze Star w/Valor, three Bronze Stars, Air Medal w/Valor, Army Commendation Medal w/Valor, and more. He is a highly accomplished, results-oriented special operations veteran with proven performance leading cross-functional teams in high-stress, dynamic environments.

He believes that Stronger Families and the work we are doing can transform the lives of his brothers and sisters in the Military and Veteran community. He also has a passion for seeing those who serve our communities as First Responders excel at home and work. “I had a chance to attend an OXYGEN retreat and it made a positive impact on my relationship. The practical tools offered were empowering. I aim to spread the good news about what Stronger Families is doing to as many people as I can.” Jon lives with his wife of 21 years, Crystal, in North Carolina with their 2 girls (19, 17) and 1 boy (12). He has completed a 100-mile ultra-marathon and loves to be active and spend time outdoors.

Karissa Meador

Karissa Meador is a people-oriented and results-driven leader with a strong acumen in branding, sales strategy and management, and relationship building. She has a proven track record as a top sales leader and was the CEO of her own company before joining the SF team full-time. In her company, Karissa served CEOs, executives, and teams by helping with their personal brand and team culture development, specializing in collaborative marketing and events.

She is a writer and speaker and is co-author of the nationally acclaimed, Pentagon-approved, OXYGEN program. The OXYGEN program has served over 85,000 of our nation’s heroes in 48 states/territories, 12 countries, and on 76 military installations. Karissa is the Chair, Creative Director, and creator of The Hope for Heroes Gala; a community-wide effort to rally around those that serve—raising over $4.2 million in donations and gifts-in-kind through this event and has rallied business leaders, corporations, A-list celebrities, athletes, and community members around the cause.

Karissa is a people connector who thrives on bringing like-minded businesses and individuals together to make a difference. She graduated from Portland State University. She lives in Heath, TX with her husband, Noel, and their 4 kids: Drew (17), Noah (15), Myles (14), and Kaylea (6). She loves a great book, hiking, boating, travel and spending time with friends and family. “Stronger Families does crucial work. Before I worked within these communities, I didn’t really understand the degree of sacrifice. Now that I do, I can’t look away. In fact, I’m compelled every day to do all I can to make sure they have the support that they need. I have a deep love for this country and the men and women who serve.”

Katie Koons

Katie joined the Stronger Families team in January 2016. Katie attended Central Washington University where she studied Information Technology and specialized in Administrative Management. Before Stronger Families, Katie was a Behavioral Educator for students with special needs in the Lake Washington School District. Katie is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and she is proud to work for an organization where she can apply both her skills and her passion. In addition to her role at Stronger Families, Katie coaches a high school cheerleading team. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, traveling, dancing, and spending time with her family, friends and her husband, Kyle.

Lauri Sears

Luke Madsen

Luke Madsen has been a Wealth Management Advisor with Northwestern Mutual since 2002. Before building the Pillar Financial Group, Luke held leadership roles for over 10 years with Northwestern Mutual, including Managing Director of the Bellevue office. He now serves as CEO for the Pillar Financial Group where the company has grown exponentially under his leadership. His team manages over 2.1 billion in assets, and they continue to grow under his leadership. Luke believes in building enduring relationships with clients.

Luke was born and raised in rural north Idaho. He moved to Seattle in 2002 after earning a degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Idaho. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Tenneall. They have a son named, Arthur. In his spare time, Luke can be found boating, traveling, and riding around the mountains of ID in his military-grade Hummer!

Melinda Nelson

Community Volunteer

Noel Meador

Noel Meador is President & CEO of Stronger Families headquartered in Seattle, Washington. His passion is to offer hope and healing to military and first responder relationships that experience high stress due to their chosen profession. Noel is the co-author of the OXYGEN Seminar. OXYGEN has been taught on 76 military installations, in 36 states nationwide and 9 countries. This 8-chapter curriculum looks at everything from intimacy to communication and sex and helps heroes and their partners find connection, hope, and healing. Since 2010, over 50,000 couples have gone through this life-changing relationship program and to date there are 1300+ facilitators nationwide certified to teach OXYGEN.

Noel received his Master’s Degree in Education, is the host of the podcast, The OXYGEN Show, and is trained in Prepare/Enrich, Genesis Process, PREP, John Maxwell Leadership, and Safe Conversations.

Noel lives in Heath, TX with his wife, Karissa, and their four children, Drew (15), Noah(13), Myles (11) and Kaylea (4).

Sean Sanberg

Sean Sanberg is excited to be working with Stronger Families as the Director of Sales and Training. He and Sarah, his wife of 25 years, began their marriage and grew their family, consisting of two daughters and two sons, in Mountain Home, Idaho. In this small Air Force Base community, they quickly grew to appreciate and love the military culture as well as the unique challenges that couples face as they serve our country. As musicians Sean and Sarah regularly found themselves performing at wedding ceremonies, drawn to the excitement and joy that comes from strong, happy, healthy, committed relationships. Over the past two decades Sean has worked in the arena of marriage and family support speaking at retreats, conducting seminars, hosting workshops, providing coaching sessions, and mentoring one-on-one. For the last 5 years he has been grateful to continue supporting meaningful relationships through the OXYGEN Program by Stronger Families. In addition to a great burger, a soulfully sung R&B tune, and time with his family, Sean enjoys playing sports, running, fishing, and good conversations with friends.

Sean Sanberg

Sean Sanberg is excited to be working with Stronger Families as the National Training Director. He and Sarah, his wife of 20 years, are both musicians and have often found themselves performing at wedding ceremonies…loving the excitement and joy that comes from strong, happy, healthy, committed relationships. Sean has worked in the arena of marriage and family support for over 2 decades speaking at retreats, seminar, workshops, coaching sessions, and one on one mentoring. He is grateful to be able to continue his support of meaningful relationships at Stronger Families through OXYGEN for Your Relationships . Sean and Sarah began their marriage and grew their family, consisting of two daughters and two sons, in Mountain Home, Idaho. In this small Air Force Base community they quickly grew to appreciate and love the military culture as well as the unique challenges that couples face as they serve our country. In addition to a great burger, a soulfully sung R&B tune, and time with his family, Sean enjoys playing spots, running, fishing, and good conversation with great friends.

Tiffany Trombley

Tiffany was born in Elmira, New York and then raised in Washington state. She attended Salem International University in WV, where she had an academic scholarship and played soccer for the SIU Tigers. After graduation, she returned home where she applied for a job in Law Enforcement. Tiffany was hired and worked for Des Moines PD for two years. She made a lateral move to the Kirkland Police Department in 2010, where she works as a commissioned Law Enforcement Officer. It was at KPD where she met her husband of 6 years, Jeff. Jeff is a WOC in the US Army and a Detective with Kirkland PD. Tiffany and Jeff have 3 wonderful children, Alexis, Kyle and Zella. Shortly after Zella was born in 2017, Tiffany went back to school for her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. She is now a practicing therapist and has provided couples counseling during SF retreats. She has since become an agency trainer in the material and is excited to help Stronger Families serve First Responders.

Tim Sears

Tim Sears joins Stronger Families with 44 years in the fire service, having served in 4 different fire departments. Tim was actively involved in water rescue, tillered ladder truck ops, safety committee, fire investigator, hazmat, PEER support, board member on KFFBA Benevolent Fund and active in his IAFF Union Local 2545. Tim retired in 2021 from the Kirkland Fire Department in Washington State with many department accommodations for his 30 years of service. Tim can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone 425-679-5671 x701.

Troy Brown

Troy was President of Zumiez North America, and he took annual revenues from $300M to $1 billion. Grew annual EBITDA from $54M to $180M. Developed digital annual revenues to $200 million.

Expanded from 300 to 605 stores in the United States and added 52 stores in Canada. Built a customer database of more than 12 million members. Relocated digital fulfillment operations from Seattle Washington to Edwardsville Kansas in 48 hours. He has a long track record as a visionary leader.

He currently serves as CEO for Tactical 5.11. Brown has a 30-year career in the apparel industry and was the President of the North American division of Zumiez. Brown’s strong direct-to-consumer track record with companies such as Eddie Bauer and Tommy Bahama will help accelerate 5.11’s transformation. 5.11 was acquired by Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI) for $401 million in 2017 with only three stores open and is now the largest of seven subsidiaries under the parent company.

Troy lives in Southern CA and St. George UT. He loves anything outdoors, boating, travel, and has an appreciation for great wine. He has two kids that have served, and he is proud to be a part of the Stronger Families team and impact the lives of those who serve. “The Stronger Families mission is special and focuses on providing life-changing relationship skills to our heroes. These men and women dedicate their lives to fighting for our freedom while keeping us safe. Such a noble purpose. It is an honor to be on the Board.”

Vivienne Gevers

Gevers Wealth Management, LLC

William Gevers

Gevers Wealth Management, LLC

OUR MISSION

To bring life-changing relationship skills to military, first responder, and veteran families so they can be strong and thrive.

OUR TEAM

Noel Meador
President & CEO
Co-Author OXYGEN Seminar

Karissa Meador
Chief Development Officer
Co-Author OXYGEN Seminar

Jon Kelly
Director of Strategic Partnerships
SGM (R), SOF Veteran

Tim Sears
Director of First Responders

Caryn Aderhold
Sr. Program Coordinator

Ellie Calquhoun
Development Coordinator

Camille McPherson
Grant Coordinator

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mindy Nelson
Assets Manager and Investor
Stronger Families Board Chair

William Gevers
President, Gevers Wealth Management, Inc.
Stronger Families Board Treasurer

Troy Brown
CEO, Tactical 5.11

Nintex-CEO-Eric-Johnson-July-2018-e1532107823279

Eric Johnson
TPG Senior Advisor and Software Executive

Keni Thomas
US Army Ranger (Ret.)
Combat veteran of the 3^rd Ranger Battalion
Bronze Star for Valor Recipient
Best-selling Author
Award-winning Recording Artist