People make all the difference at the Air Force Enlisted Village. Meet our leadership team and Board of Directors below. Our door is always open, so to learn more about our organization, we invite you to schedule a tour today!
Brooke P. McLean is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
He ensures a meaningful quality of life for 530 residents in 415 independent living apartments by encouraging independence, maximizing wellness, strengths, and capabilities, and providing them with a loving, secure environment. He is also responsible for the 70 residents of Hawthorn House, the Air Force Enlisted Village’s Assisted Living Facility.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. With assets totaling over $64 million, 125 acres of property, and a staff of over 110 team members, the AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for his current position, Brooke served in the United State Air Force for 30 years and served in many locations including Hawaii, Florida, Kuwait, England, Germany, Korea, Arkansas, Colorado, and California. He also served as the senior enlisted leader in numerous organizations culminating in his posting as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the Pacific Air Forces with responsibility for over 43,000 enlisted, officer, and civilian Airmen at 9 installations in Japan, Korea, Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Brooke is on the LeadingAge Florida Board of Trustees, is on the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, serves on the Advisory Board for the University of Southern Florida Digital Marketing program, and is on the Board of Directors of the Emerald Coast Military Affairs Council.
His education includes a Master in Aging Service Management (Gerontology) Degree from the University of Southern California, a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College, and a Nonprofit Management Certificate from Duke University.
Cory Olson is the Chief Operating Officer for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. In this role, he is responsible for providing the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure the corporation has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. The COO accomplishes other duties as directed by the CEO.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. With assets totaling over $70 million, 125 acres of property, and a staff of over 100 team members, the AFEV is a unique partner in the local community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Cory retired from the USAF after 32 years achieving the rank of chief master sergeant. His last assignment prior to retirement, he served as the command chief master sergeant for Air Force Special Operations Command (June 2019 – May 2023). He spent a portion of his career in Air Mobility Command and most of it in Air Force Special Operations Command. Cory served as an aircraft loadmaster on the C-141B, C-17A, C-130E, C-130H, CN-235, and various other aircraft. He is a chief enlisted aviator with more than 7,500 flight hours. His numerous deployments ranged across the globe and included Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Management from Thomas Edison State College.
Shiri Brandenburg is the Chief Financial Officer for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. She is responsible for maintaining the financial health of AFEV by directing the fiscal functions of the agency in accordance with GAAP, manage cash flow projections, provide strategic financial input to PCEO and COO as well as leadership to department directors, provide oversight and guidance to finance staff as well as develop and implement systems and financial policies to improve AFEV operations.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active-duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to her current position, Brandenburg served as the Foundation Accountant and Operations Manager for Northwest Florida State College. She also has a background in public accounting and experience in financial audits, corporate tax returns, construction accounting, and fund accounting.
Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Florida State College at Jacksonville and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of West Florida.
Bobbi Jo O’Marra is the Director of Bob Hope Village for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. She is responsible for resident relations and for ensuring residents’ safety and well-being. She also manages overall operations of Bob Hope Village including transportation, maintenance, and human resources at the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for her current position, Bobbi Jo was the Deputy Director at Bob Hope Village. She also spent four years as an active duty Airman in the United States Air Force as a Fire Protection Specialist, traveling as far as Cairo Egypt to participate in Operation Bright Star. After separating from the Air Force, she lived all over the world as an Air Force spouse.
Bobbi Jo spent ten years working for a Department of Defense Contractor as a Business Development Analyst. She played a part in the stand up of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) on Hurlburt Field.
VaTema Ivy is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. She is responsible for overseeing, planning, developing, and the implementation of the Air Force Enlisted Village’s marketing, communication, and community relations activities. She works with the President/CEO to develop and implement the strategic communication plan to advance the brand identity, broaden awareness, and increase visibility of the AFEV.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to her current position, she was the Director of Development, where she actively sought out and developed all philanthropic sponsorship support locally and across the United States. VaTema spent 25 years in the Air Force, and served in numerous leadership positions in Europe, Missouri, Florida, California, and South Korea.
VaTema earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University. She also earned her Digital Marketing of Science certification from the University of North Florida.
Shawn A. Truax is the Director of Maintenance for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. He supervises maintenance, repair, and cleaning of over $60 million in assets to include Villages 1-6, the Bob Hope Village Community Center, Hawthorn House, Air Force Enlisted Village Headquarters, the Dolores Hope All Faiths Chapel, the Bob Gates Welcome Center and 125 acres of property to support 500 plus residents at the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for his current position, Shawn served in the United States Air Force for 23 years in many locations including Japan, Korea, Hurlburt Field, and several stints in southwest Asia. He spent most of his career either in Civil Engineer Squadrons or RED HORSE Squadrons with a few tours as facility manager for the Intelligence Squadrons in Korea.
His education includes Master’s Degree in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Southwestern College, and an Executive Certificate in Leadership & Management for Nonprofit from the University of Notre Dame.
Terry Best-Rennahan is the Director of Human Resources for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. She is responsible for recruiting, screening, interviewing, and placing workers in a variety of departments. Terry also handles employee relations, payroll, benefits, and training at the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active-duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for her current position, Terry served as the Hawthorn House Administrator. Terry retired from the USAF after 30 years achieving the rank of chief master sergeant. She was an operation professional in the USAF healthcare industry.
Terry ’s education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Trident University International. She has associate degrees in Allied Health Science and in Vocational Nursing from the Community College of the Air Force. She has an assisted living facility core certification.
Regan Work is the Information Technology Manager for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. He is responsible for supervision, implementation and maintenance of the Air Force Enlisted Village’s computing and communication needs. He ensures the secure and effective operation of all computer and communication systems, related applications, hardware, and software used at the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for his current position, Regan served as the Building Operations Supervisor at Hawthorn House and as the Maintenance Supervisor at Crestview Convalescent Hospital.
Regan’s education and training includes an Associate’s Degree in Computer Engineering Technology, and he holds certifications in Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security, CompTIA Network, and CFOS/T.
Ryan Price is the Sales Director of Bob Hope Village for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Ryan is responsible for Bob Hope Village occupancy level for 400+ apartments and manages the Benevolence Program.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active-duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for his current position, Ryan was the Community Relations Director. He was an active member of many local chambers of commerce, served on several nonprofit board of directors, and chaired multiple committees.
Ryan spent 12 years in commercial sales, specializing in government accounts. He was the Regional Director of Marketing and Sales for a nationwide commercial furnishings dealership.
Ryan is a graduate of the Air Force Security Police Academy and embarked on a diverse military career spanning over 25 years. His career culminated as the Superintendent, Plans and Support Division for Air Mobility Command’s Expeditionary Operation School, Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Crystal Rowell is the Hawthorn House Administrator for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Crystal is responsible for providing care for up to 75 residents and operations of assisted living and memory care at the largest senior living community in Northwest Florida.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Prior to being selected for her current position, Rowell served as the Director of Rehab with Select Rehabilitation at Hawthorn House. Rowell is a Speech-Language Pathologist and has worked in multiple settings including nursing homes, home health, assisted living, independent living and schools since beginning her career in 2001.
Rowell’s education includes a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Disorders from Florida State University. She has an assisted living facility core certification.
Carla Reinlie is the Director of Development for the Air Force Enlisted Village, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. She works with the President/CEO to create and implement development programs. She is responsible for identification, cultivation, and solicitation of significant and major philanthropic commitments from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support AFEV’s strategic objectives.
The mission of the Air Force Enlisted Village is to provide a home to widows of retired Airmen, mothers of active-duty service members, and retired military couples. The AFEV is a unique partner in the community to include special relationships with the area’s military installations.
Carla has more than 25 years in the non-profit sector, serving most notably as the Director of Development for Northwest Florida State College and as Director of the Annual Fund at Loyola University, New Orleans.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s Degree in Music from Louisville University.
Todd Simmons is a Business Coach, Leadership Expert, and the Founder and President of Courageous Leadership Alliance. Simmons is an authentic voice in the leadership arena and excels in the art of building top-performance teams and redesigning organizational culture to achieve maximum effectiveness. He aims to deliver and communicate his experience & knowledge to assist leaders of tomorrow decipher the art of leadership.
As a seasoned educator & business leader, Simmons strives to build a coalition of change agents sharing a common aim for building a society of courageous leaders. He shares an incredible passion for helping the community and loves helping individuals in their pursuit of happiness & success. Simmons’ greatest source of inspiration comes from witnessing ordinary people achieve extraordinary goals.
Simmons served 25 years in the U.S. Air Force nurturing & developing the leaders of tomorrow and has led countless aspiring students towards the road of professional development. As the Command Chief for Air University, he encouraged, inspired, and led 50,000 resident and 120,000 non-residents Air Force affiliated students annually.
Tony is the Assistant Vice President, Security Operations and Investigations where he leads a team of more than 200 personnel that are responsible for the physical protection of all USAA facilities, personnel and assets. Additionally, his team conducts background screening for all employee candidates and third-party resources.
Prior to joining USAA, Tony served in the United States Air Force for 29 years. He retired on January 1st, 2010. His military career culminated in his selection as the Command Chief Master Sergeant, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii.
Tony joined USAA in July of 2010 and assumed his current position in March 2020. He holds two associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Wayland Baptist University and an MBA through Touro University International. He also attended various executive leadership courses including: Enterprise Management Seminar, Change Management, UNC-Chapel Hill; Gettysburg Leadership Experience, Gettysburg College; Leadership Development Program, Center for Creative Leadership. He completed the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) course through Harvard University in June 2015.
Chief Markin entered the Air Force during the Viet Nam era, August 1972. Upon completion of Security Police training as a Distinguished Graduate he was selected for special duty with the Air Force Presidential Honor Guard, Bolling AFB, Washington D.C. Four years later he was assigned to the 4th Security Police Squadron (SPS), Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina. In 1978 he transferred to the 834th SPS, (now the 1st Special Ops SFS) Hurlburt Field, Florida.
In August 1980, he was assigned to Whiteman AFB, Missouri, followed by an assignment to Spangdahlem AB, Germany, in 1983. During his next two assignments, Ramstein, AB Germany and Peterson AFB, Colorado he was selected for special duty as the Superintendent, Elite Guard, Headquarters, United States Air Forces in Europe and Headquarters Air Force Space Command. In 1990, he was assigned to Incirlik AB Turkey. At Incirlik AB he was a senior leader in Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM, Operation PROVIDE COMFORT and NORTHERN WATCH. During DESERT STORM he crafted the base defense plan which integrated over 500 security forces and a Patriot Missile Battery for the first ever "wartime composite wing," which launched over 4,000 sorties and dropped over six million pounds of ordnance on Iraq.
In September 1993, he was assigned to Fairchild AFB, Washington as the Security Police Manager, later serving as the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Senior Enlisted Advisor. His next assignment as Senior Enlisted Advisor was with the 89th Air Wing, "Home of Air Force One," Andrews AFB, Maryland. In 1998 he was selected as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for United States Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. In this capacity he was the senior enlisted advisor to the Commander-in-Chief, USSTRATCOM responsible for Air Force and Navy strategic nuclear forces supporting national security objectives. The Chief says one of the most memorable moments in his career was with USSTRATCOM, sailing with submarine crews on the SSBN Rhode Island and Alabama. The Chief retired in November 2000.
The Chief re-entered the workforce in 2001 as Headquarters Air Mobility Command (AMC) Security Forces, Branch Chief for Antiterrorism. In this capacity he served as the MAJCOM Security Forces authority and expert on all matters relating to Antiterrorism (AT) and Force Protection. A milestone in his career, the Chief was the senior security designer and planner for the $61M upgrade projects for all AMC installation entry points. Upgrades included canopy’s, enhanced security lighting, cameras, pop-up barriers, search and screening facilities, bullet resistance glass and visitor control facilities. In recognition of his combatting terrorism accomplishments and a pioneer in the development of Air Force and DoD Unified Facility Criteria for building codes, he was promoted to HQ AMC, Deputy Director Information Protection and Mission Assurance. In April 2014 he retired from that position in the rate of GS-14. In December 2015 the Chief once again re-entered the workforce as Director, Business Development for Veterans United Home Loans (VUHL), resigning from that position in May 2021.
His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with silver oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters (one for heroism), and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
The Chief attended the Dynamics of International Terrorism School, Hurlburt Field Florida, and Army Ranger Course at Camp Rudder, Florida. He is married to the former Cathy Culberson of Rome, GA.
Alexia Brown currently serves as the 1st Special Operations Wing Budget Analyst for Special Operations funding.
She served in multiple capacities during her 30 years with the Air Force culminating as Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) Financial Management and Comptroller Directorate’s Chief Enlisted Manager. Brown currently serves as the Finance Chair for Air Force Special Operations Command’s Women’s Leadership Symposium Committee.
Brown’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of La Verne, CA, and a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
Whit Peters is Senior Counsel at the Washington, DC, law firm of Williams & Connolly, LLP, and was the 19th Secretary of the Air Force. Mr. Peters joined Williams & Connolly in 1978. In 1995 he joined DoD as its Principal Deputy General Counsel and was later confirmed as the Undersecretary (1997-99), Acting Secretary (1997-1999), and Secretary (1999-2001) of the Air Force.
Mr. Peters joined the Navy in 1969, was commissioned as an Ensign in June 1969, and was the Information Systems Division Officer at Fleet Intelligence Center Atlantic (now JICLANT), Norfolk, Virginia, through February 1972, when he left active duty. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1972 and then served in the Navy Reserve through 1979.
He has served on the Boards of the Air Force Aid Society, the Air Force Enlisted Village, the Air Force Academy's Falcon Foundation, the Air Force Association, and Little Folks School in Washington, D.C. He recently completed a three-year term as the National Chairman of the Air Force Association. Mr. Peters was also Vice Chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Future of the Aerospace Industry, Chair of the DoD Advisory Committee on Roles of Civilian and Military Attorneys in the Military Services, and a member of the Advisory Committee on the Structure of the Air Force, the Defense Science Board, and the Defense Advisory Committee on Streamlining and Codifying Acquisition Law. Prior to his government service, Mr. Peters was the Chair, Rules of Professional Responsibility Review Committee of the D.C. Bar, a member of the D.C. Bar Rules Committee and the Rules Committee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and a member of the Legal Ethics Committee of the D.C. Bar.
Mr. Peters received a B.A. degree from Harvard College in 1968, an M.Sc. (Economics) from the London School of Economics, and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, where he was President, Harvard Law Review. He clerked for Judge J. Skelly Wright on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and for Associate Justice William J. Brennan, Jr., on the Supreme Court.
Mr. Peters was awarded the Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service on three occasions and the Army, Navy, Air Force and NRO Exceptional Civilian Service Medals. He was also the first Air Force Secretary to be awarded the Order of the Sword, the highest award noncommissioned officers can grant to Air Force leaders.
Tom Rice has owned and operated the Magnolia Grill in Fort Walton Beach for the past 24 years.
Rice is active in the local and military communities. His community service includes Veterans Tribute Tower Committee; Chair of the Veterans Florida Board of Directors; Executive Committee as Treasurer for Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida; Executive Committee as Secretary for Salvation Army of Okaloosa & Walton Counties; Chair of the West Point Society of Northwest Florida Service Academies Appointments Board for Florida.
Because of his community service, Tom has received the following awards and achievements: Florida Veterans Hall of Fame Class (2017), Commemorative Partner for the USA’s 50th Vietnam War Commemoration Committee (2016), and Northwest Florida Daily News’ Person of the Year (2015).
Tom served in the United States Army for 27 years including Active Duty and Reserve Duty. He retired as a First Sergeant.
His education includes an Associates of Arts Degree from Okaloosa-Walton Junior College.
Victoria Gamble currently serves as a Major Account Manager for Southern Industrial Equipment.
She served in multiple capacities during her U.S. Air Force career culminating as Air Mobility Command Chief stationed at Scott Air Force Base.
Gamble’s education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Studies from the University of Maryland University College and a Master of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle University.
Mollie Raymond is married to General John “Jay” Raymond, the first Chief of Operations, United States Space Force. Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, she met her husband during his first assignment in Grand Forks, ND. After graduating from the University of North Dakota, Mollie’s first move was to Vandenberg AFB, where she began her life as a military spouse. Since then, Mollie has traveled the world with over 19 moves before her husband’s retirement in November 2022.
Mollie has long been a champion for military spouses and families, working tirelessly to support them by promoting family engagements, building genuine connections, and creating a strong sense of community. She is an avid supporter of families through her selfless service in numerous military philanthropies and support organizations to include Hiring Our Heroes, Blue Star Families, and the Air Force Enlisted Village.
As a strong advocate of military spouse employment, Mollie has served as a member of the Military Spouse Career Coalition, which helps connect spouses with career resources and education. Mollie was also asked by Representative Terri Carver to testify on behalf of military spouses before the Colorado House Education Committee. The testimony was instrumental in the passing of HB18-1095, which streamlined the processes for making teacher certifications easier to acquire for military spouses moving to Colorado.
Inspired by her peers and mentors, Mollie is passionate about fostering relationships and advocating for Key Spouse Programs. She has been a Key Spouse Mentor for various organizations including Air Force Space Command, United States Space Command, and the United States Space Force. Additionally, Mollie has served as an Ambassador and military family advocate for Easterseals DC MD VA and as an Advisor for several military spouses clubs.
With the stand-up of the sixth and newest branch of the Armed Services, Mollie is humbled to have serve alongside Jay during such an historic time. She is the recipient of the Medal for Distinguished Public Service, issued by the Department of Defense in October, 2022. Mollie and Jay have been married for 35 years and are blessed with three adult children, Christina, Amy and Garry.
Mr. Johnson retired as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of 12th Air Force/Air Forces Southern in 2008. He went to work for a local hospital and then a DoD contractor. Mr. Johnson is currently employed with Lockheed Martin.
He has an MBA from Columbia Southern University and has served on many boards. He is a Life Member of the Air Force Sergeants Association.
Scott Townsley currently serves as a Managing Principal at Trilogy Consulting, LLC. He is a consultant, educator, and innovator focused on aging services and the longevity economy.
Tinsley’s education includes a Juris Doctorate from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Maj. Gen. (ret) Sean L. Murphy retired as the Deputy Surgeon General, Office of the Surgeon General, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Arlington, Virginia. He directed operations of the Air Force Medical Service, composed of a $6.1 billion, 44,000 person integrated health care delivery system serving 2.6 million beneficiaries at 76 military treatment facilities worldwide. He oversaw the daily functions of the Air Force Surgeon General's office with offices in Washington, D.C., Fort Detrick, Maryland, Falls Church, Virginia and San Antonio, Texas. Included in these functions were clinical operations and quality, aeromedical evacuation, global force management, readiness, strategic medical plans, programs and budget, medical force management and medical information systems management. General Murphy coordinated AFMS operations through major commands, joint service agencies, the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs), the Defense Health Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
General Murphy is a 1981 distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and obtained his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland. General Murphy is board certified in pediatrics, qualified in aerospace medicine and has a master’s degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He has commanded at the flight, squadron and group levels in both the deployed and home station environments. General Murphy has served at the Joint Combatant Command level as the U.S. Southern Command Surgeon and previously as the Pacific Air Force Command Surgeon, the Air Force Medical Operations Agency Commander and the Air Combat Command Surgeon.
He married Karen Clarke (now Karen Murphy) in 1984. They have a married son and daughter and two granddaughters and plan on spending the rest of their life in Wilmington, NC enjoying family, life and serving the community and those in need.
