MFAN Introduces 2021-2023 Advisory Board

Military and veteran spouses selected from nationwide search to represent their communities and provide a deeper understanding of what today’s military families need and value

One of MFAN’s greatest assets, the advisory board is a talented group of military and veteran spouses who are leaders, changemakers, and champions for military families in their community and around the world.

Organized as a peer-influencer model, advisors utilize their unique perspectives and diverse networks to provide an authentic pulse on the most pressing issues facing the military community today. The work of the advisory board not only informs MFAN’s research, programming, and strategic priorities, but connects leaders in the public and private sectors – including the White House, U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Defense, corporate partners, and military and veteran service organizations – with the lived experiences of military families.

The 14 advisors were selected from over 260 total applicants, a program record. MFAN’s fifth cohort represents 10 states and includes spouses of active duty service members and veterans from all six branches of service and the National Guard.

“Our advisory board is the foundation for all we do – informing us on emerging trends that are starting to take root in military households and allowing MFAN to stay one step ahead on key issues like military housing and food insecurity,” said Shannon Razsadin, MFAN president and executive director. “We’re thrilled to welcome our new advisors. I look forward to learning from them and working together to serve our incredible community.”

Advisors apply for and are selected to serve two-year terms. Candidates are selected by the MFAN Board of Directors.

Through a rigorous application and interview process, the new advisors have offered insights into critical areas affecting the military community like food insecurity, access to affordable housing, financial readiness, education, health care, employment and entrepreneurship, military and veteran caregiving, the transition to civilian life, LGBTQIA+ rights, and more.

“Choosing from our largest applicant pool yet, we’re incredibly grateful for everyone’s interest and commitment to serving the military community with us,” said Rosemary Williams, chair of the MFAN board of directors. “In selecting our new advisors, we focused on building a diverse and unique team with the ability to represent the entire military community. We’re thrilled to work with this impressive group and support our most deserving families.”

2021-2023 advisory board members include:

• Joanne Coddington (Army Veteran, Army Spouse – North Carolina)
• Heidi Dindial (Navy Veteran, Navy Spouse – Virginia)
• Jennifer Gibbs (Coast Guard Spouse – Minnesota)
• Jennifer Goodale (Marine Corps Veteran, Marine Corps Spouse – Virginia)
• Joanna Guldin-Noll (Navy Spouse – Pennsylvania)*
• Lauren Hope (Army Spouse – Colorado)
• Kyra Mailki (Air Force Spouse – Colorado)
• Cindy Meili (Air National Guard Spouse – New York)
• Mary Monrose (Navy Spouse – Hawaii)
• Rachel Moyers (Air Force Spouse – Missouri)
• Hana Romer (Marine Corps Veteran, Marine Corps Spouse – California)*
• Alexandra Simon (Navy Spouse – Louisiana)
• Margaret Van Lieshout (Army Spouse – Louisiana)
• Mychael Willon (Army Spouse – Virginia)

*Served on 2019-2021 Advisory Board

Learn more about the advisory board here.

If you are interested in scheduling an interview with a 2021-2023 advisory board member or with an MFAN spokesperson, please contact media@mfan.org.