| SEA SERVICES LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION |
Board of Directors
| Chairperson of the BoardLieutenant General Lori Reynolds, USMCLieutenant General Lori Reynolds graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1986. She was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Marine Corps and assigned as a communications officer. Commands in the operating forces include command as a LtCol of 9th Communication Battalion from 2003-2005 where she deployed the battalion to Fallujah Iraq in support of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force from 2004-2005. As a Colonel, she commanded 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group from 2009 – 2011 where she deployed the MHG to Camp Leatherneck Afghanistan. In that capacity, her command built and she commanded Camp Leatherneck, the home of NATO Regional Command Southwest. She also commanded AO Belleau Wood, the area of operations surrounding Camp Leatherneck. Read moreIn the supporting establishment, she commanded Recruiting Station Harrisburg PA as a major. As a Brigadier General, from 2011-2014, she commanded Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region Parris Island SC, where she was responsible for recruiting and training 30,000 new Marines a year. Her staff positions include staff and leadership billets at Marine Corps Systems Command, Headquarters Marine Corps C4 and the Joint Staff J6. From 2014-2015, following her time at Parris Island SC, she served as Principal Director, South and Southeast Asia, Office of Secretary Defense for Policy. From 2015 – 2018, she has commanded the Marine Corps component of United States Cyber Command, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command. Currently, she is serving as the Deputy Commandant for Information, US Marine Corps. She is a graduate of the Naval War College and the Army War College. Her decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, The Legion of Merit, and The Bronze Star Medal. |
 | Chair of the Board EmeritusRear Admiral June Ryan, USCG (RET)Rear Admiral June Ryan is a motivational speaker, Success Trainer, and coach, drawing upon her 35 years of military service and formal certification in the Success Principles – Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want To Be®, by Jack Canfield, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul®. During her career, June was a trailblazer, achieving many historical firsts for women – including the first enlisted woman in the Coast Guard to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral, the first woman to serve as the Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the third woman in our nation’s history to serve as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. Read moreShe served in a wide variety of leadership roles including five command positions; two aboard Coast Guard cutters, three regional units ashore; including Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District (Great Lakes Region) that spanned 8 states and a 1,500-mile international maritime border. June holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Bowling Green State University, and a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from the University of South Florida. Her personal military awards include the CG Distinguished Service Award, two Defense Superior Service Medals, three Legion of Merits, and six Coast Guard Meritorious Service Medals among others. She wears the Presidential Service Badge, the Secretary of Homeland Security Service Badge, the Advanced Boat Force Operations pin, and Coast Guard Cutterman pin. When not speaking or volunteering, June enjoys spending time with her husband of 30+ years and their high school-aged daughter. Visit June at:
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| SSLA PresidentLieutenant Colonel Jenny Storm, USMCLieutenant Colonel Jenny Storm currently serves as SSLA President. She has also previously served as Treasurer and USMC Representative and has been a member of SSLA for 14 years. Jenny spent her first seven years in the Corps on active duty, both deployed and stateside. She left active duty after giving birth to her first child, joining the reserve component where she has had the opportunity to command, travel overseas, and serve and participate in countless training and staff billets. She’s served a total of 21 years and counting. Jenny has enjoyed an exciting and successful career as a Marine officer while also growing her family, embracing her role as a mother and wife. She could not have done this without the mentorship and support of key individuals throughout her career. She continues to stay motivated to serve in the Corps, in part, to provide that same leadership, mentorship, and encouragement to others. More women – and mothers – need to be at the table, and she strives to serve as another example to junior servicewomen. Jenny holds three different master’s degrees from various institutions: Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management, and Master of Arts in Leadership. During her non-working hours, she enjoys spending time with her kids playing games, doing puzzles, and introducing them to new places and experiences. Contact her at sslapresident@gmail.com |
| SSLA Vice PresidentLieutenant Corinne Powers, USCGLT Corinne Powers is the Executive Vice President of the SSLA Board of Directors. Her board responsibilities are comparable to those of an Executive Officer, responsible for the overall operations management, execution and support of the SSLA board, mission and vision. Corinne is also a JWLS Co-Chair for 2020 and 2021. Corinne was enlisted for nine years and earned her officer commission through the US Coast Guard’s Pre-Commissioning Program for Enlisted Personnel (PPEP) and acceptance to OCS. She transferred to the Coast Guard Reserves upon acceptance to the Reserve Program Administrator Corps in 2016. Her current assignment is as the first Reserve Training Manager for the US Coast Guard, serving as the primary liaison between the CG Training System and the CG Reserve Component, as well as performance consultation, curriculum management and ‘C’ School Reserve Quota Course Management for 200+ advanced training courses. She holds a Master of Science in Quality Systems Management from the National Graduate School, a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University, and a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from St. Joseph’s College, and will begin pursuit of the Naval War College JPME-2 certification and Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2020. Corinne’s involvement in SSLA is deeply routed to the significant impact that JWLS had on her career after attending her first symposium in 2008 as an E-5. She has been an active member of SSLA ever since and has served in various positions on the SSLA Board of Directors and 2018 JWLS Co-Chair. Her commitment to SSLA stems from a deep desire to advocate for and improve the overall experience, retention, diversity, equity and implementation of positive and inclusive policies for women across the uniformed services. She is married to a fellow Coastie and has three rescue dogs, and spends her free time singing, learning guitar and ukulele and entertaining friends with the latest creations from her kitchen. Connect with her at: sslavicepresident@gmail.com |
| SSLA SecretaryLieutenant Cherisa Friedlander, NOAALieutenant Cherisa Friedlander is currently serving on SSLA’s Board as Secretary. Her responsibilities include keeping a record of the monthly minutes, organizing and improving the retention of critical documents, and representing a unique perspective of the nation’s smallest seagoing uniformed service, NOAA Commissioned Corps. Cherisa has been an officer in the NOAA Corps for 8 years, serving in missions that support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She recently spent a year in Antarctica as the station chief of NOAA’s Atmospheric Baseline Observatory and is currently serving in Newport, RI as the Operations Officer aboard the fisheries survey vessel NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow. Cherisa comes from a big service family, with her father having served over 30 years in the US Navy and her brother, also a Lieutenant, currently serving in the US Navy. Serving in NOAA Corps allows her to join her passions of science and service and she is always seeking out opportunities for leadership and self-growth. Cherisa holds a B.S in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island and a M.S in Applied Marine and Watershed Science from California State University Monterey Bay. Cherisa loves the water and can usually be found at the beach swimming, snorkeling, exploring lighthouses, and hunting for sea glass. Connect with her at: sslasecretary@gmail.com |
| Vice President of AdministrationLieutenant Commander John Dittmer, USNR (RET)LCDR John Dittmer, USNR-Ret is the Vice
President for Administration on the SSLA Board.
His responsibilities include serving as contracting
officer, liaison with external organizations, and registration agent for the
Association. He was also SSLA’s Founding
President. John served 17 years in the Navy & Navy Reserve, before medically retired from the Service in 2005. During his time in Service, he served as a Surface Warfare Officer and Fleet Support Officer with tours in San Diego (CA), Denmark, Washington (DC), Guantanamo Bay, Italy, and Bosnia. He is currently serving as a Lead Technologist as a contractor supporting the DISA JSP, specializing in Cybersecurity. He has a BA in Political Science & History from Marquette University, a MA in Computer Systems Management from Webster University and he is professionally certified as a CISSP-ISSMP, PMP, GSLC, GCED, GCCC, and GLEG. LCDR Dittmer is also a 1997 graduate of the Naval War College. John’s involvement in SSLA since 1992 stems from his experience as a man in a predominantly female career field which made him passionate about issues related to gender integration among the Uniformed Services. Connect with him at: ssla.vpa@gmail.com |
| SSLA TreasurerMaster Chief Leilani L. Cale-Jones, USCG-RET
Master Chief Leilani “Lani” Cale-Jones enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in July 1987. She served across our beautiful country including a tour in Hawaii. While on active duty, she spent the first half of her career in the Yeoman rating and the last half as a Command Master Chief with her last tour as Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, an advisor position to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard and Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard. During her career, she was greatly appreciative of the opportunity she had to represent women and ensure perspective of all was considered in policy formation. She retired 31 October 2018 after over 31 years of faithful service to the Coast Guard and the nation. Lani earned her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) to enlist in the USCG and has gone on to hold a Masters Certificate in Quality Systems Management, a Green Belt in Six Sigma and an MBA in Strategic Leadership. She is currently majoring in Surveying and Geomatics. Lani started her own business as a licensed home inspector in WA and OR and licensed UAS pilot. She enjoys being outdoors and every minute she gets to spend with her daughter and grandchildren when she can get them. Her daughter is married to a USAF TSgt and they are currently stationed in San Antonio, TX. She currently resides in Kelso, WA with her wife, Barbie. Lani has attended the Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium every year for the past 15 years growing more and more inspired with every event at the leadership and motivation of the women in the services to serve and lead. Retention and ascension of women within the military ranks is must and she is excited to be a part of the SSLA with it’s vision to “Empower a network of strong and inspirational women leaders who serve”. Connect with her at: sslatreasurer@gmail.com |
| SSLA Vice President For MembershipMajor Margaret Snyder, USMCMajor Maggie Snyder is the VP of Membership on the SSLA Board. Her responsibilities include managing new and current memberships, developing new member initiatives, and maintaining social media and the official SSLA website. This position allows her to interact with all members in the organization on a more personal level while utilizing her IT skills to manage the member database. Maggie’s 11 years in the Marine Corps have provided her with many unique experiences, to include billets in logistics, information operations, IT management, and executive level administration. She is currently serving as the Officer in Charge for Marine Wing Support Detachment 24 at MCB Hawaii. Maggie is passionate about challenging the status quo and working to create change in outdated policies. She also loves to coach young women in weightlifting and CrossFit to help build strength, confidence, and discipline. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Maggie’s hobbies include weightlifting, DIY projects, and hiking the beautiful trails in Hawaii. She is married to a Naval Officer and they have a chocolate Labrador! Connect with her at: sslamembership2@gmail.com
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| SSLA Vice President for ChaptersOperational Specialist 1st Class Kendall Slaughter, USNOperational Specialist First Class (Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist) Kendall Slaughter was born in 1986 in Jackson, California. In 2009, Petty Officer Slaughter joined the Navy and reported to boot camp at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL. After completing her recruit training she attend Apprenticeship Training in Great Lakes, IL. Her first tour of duty was the USS Oscar Austin DDG 79 in Norfolk, VA. From there she transferred to the AMC Passenger Terminal Norfolk where she served until 2012. Petty Officer Slaughter then went on to serve on the USS Barry DDG 52 from 2012 to 2016 where she completed a nine month Ballistic Missile Defense deployment executing Operation Active Endeavor, Operation Relentless Shield, Exercise Noble Dina, Exercise Proud Mant Read moreDuring her tour on the USS Barry she advanced to Petty Officer Third Class, Petty Officer Second and finally Petty Officer First Class and received her Enlisted Surface Warfare designations and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. Prior to her departure, USS Barry homeport shifted from Norfolk VA, to Yokosuka Japan. In July 2016, she transferred to Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, FL where she executes the President’s Nation Drug Control Strategy in the Western Hemisphere. While there, she was selected Senior Service Member of the Quarter, Second Quarter in 2017 and Fourth Quarter 2018 and nominated for Senior Service Member of the Year in 2017 and 2018 and Joint Operation Center Operator of the Year for 2018. |
| SSLA Public Affairs OfficerLieutenant Commander Theresa Carpenter, USNLCDR Theresa Carpenter, USN, APR+M, is the public affairs officer on the SSLA Board. Her responsibilities include communication strategy for the organization, to include media coordination, public outreach, website management and social media marketing. She also serves as the public affairs adviser for SSLA’s event contractor and other subcontracts as required. She is also the JWLS co-chair for 2019, 2020, and 2021. She is an active duty Navy public affairs officer and in her last assignment, she trained, mentored and assessed all west coast Navy public affairs and visual information teams just prior to their deployment. Her next assignment will be at Joint Enabling Capabilities Command in Norfolk, Va. There, she will stand up crisis communication cells and train combatant command public affairs teams to support emergent full spectrum operations. She has a Masters of Arts Degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies from San Diego State University. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Naval War College, with a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies, specializing in Information Operations and has an accreditation in public relations (with a military emphasis) from the Public Relations Society of America. Theresa’s involvement in SSLA stems from her experiences in predominantly male work environments, which solidified her desire to improve retention for women so that more servicewomen are at the highest leadership positions, diversifying the military’s dominant coalitions, and therefore able to make the most influential and outcomes-based policy decisions. Connect with her at: sslapao@gmail.com |
SSLA Awards CoordinatorVacant |
| USN Board Of Directors RepresentativeChief Warrant Officer 3 LaTresha Williams, USNA native of Savannah, GA, CWO3 Williams enlisted in the Navy December 1997. She graduated Seaman ATD, Great Lakes, IL. and reported to the USS WASP (LHD-1) in March 1998 serving as a Deck seaman. In February 2000 she reported onboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) where she was advanced to BM3 while deployed it was the first asset on station during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Additionally, she earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare and Enlisted Air Warfare qualification. Read moreCWO3 Williams transferred in March 2002, reporting to Navy Recruiting District Atlanta. During this tour she received two Medium Stations of the Year awards. In June 2005 she reported onboard USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52) in San Diego, CA. While there she completed three deployments, one of which was a SOUTHPAC (Partnerships of the Americas) and selected as Sailor of the Year. In February 2009, Afloat Training Group San Diego was her next duty station. She was selected for Chief Petty Officer and N80 (Seamanship) Trainer of the Year. In October 2012, as a plank owner she served as Divisional Leading Chief Petty Officer onboard the Navy’s newest LPD, the USS SOMERSET (LPD-25). While onboard she was promoted to Departmental Leading Chief Petty Officer that culminated in her selection to be commissioned as a 7111/CWO in Naval History. In April 2016, she commissioned to Chief Warrant Officer (7111) and transferred to USS New York (LPD 21) as the Ships Boatswain. Onboard she obtained the qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer during the TRIDENT JUNCTURE 2018. She is currently enrolled at University of West Georgia working towards a Bachelors of Organizational Leadership to be completed 2020. Currently she serves as the Maintenance Officer at Naval Station Mayport, in Mayport Fl. CWO3 Williams' personal decorations include Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals (7), several campaign medals and 2019 CAPTAIN Joy Bright-Hancock Leadership Award. |
| USMC Board Of Directors RepresentativeMajor Christine M. Taranto, USMCMajor Christine Taranto is the USMC Representative on the SSLA Board. Her responsibilities include serving as an active advocate and ambassador for SSLA’s mission as well as providing counsel, encouragement, and insight regarding issues concerning the USMC. Christine has 13 years in the Marine Corps and has served in various billets in all three Marine Expeditionary Forces. She is currently serving as the Logistics Officer for the 3rd Marine Regiment at MCB Hawaii. Christine is passionate about opening the dialogue between men and women to discuss unconscious gender bias and the achievement of gender parity, especially when it comes to reproductive rights. She is a champion for women lifting each other up and loves connecting people. Christine holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the United States Naval Academy, a Master of Science in Material Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Masters of Military Studies from Marine Corps University. Christine's hobbies include running, reading, baking bread, being a cheerleader for her husband’s triathlon adventures, and snuggling with their French Bulldog, Chief. Connect with her at: ssla.usmc@gmail.com |
| USCG Board of Directors RepresentativeCommander Nan Silverman-Wise, USCGNan Silverman-Wise is a career Reservist with the Coast Guard and a senior project manager with the Department of Energy. As SSLA's Coast Guard Representative, Nan brings more than 20 years of leadership experience as a project manager and professional leader, ensuring that personnel coming up the professional ranks have the tools they need to be successful. She also works with teammates and clients as a facilitator, strategist, coach, and often times, as a personal mentor. No matter which hat she's wearing, her professional outlook is to inspire organizations and future leaders to come together and perform as highly functioning teams. She understands personnel and resources, sees both the work and the people as important, actively listens to what people say, and trusts her intuition to identify individuals’ strengths that allow all to be valuable contributors. Throughout her dual careers, Nan worked a wide range of missions across many organizations -- from marine safety to defense readiness in the Coast Guard and from process development to team building in her civilian life. She commanded Coast Guard Port Security Unit 308 in Kiln, Mississippi with Reserve and Active Duty staff from 10 states and is currently leading a Joint Service Reserve team at U.S. Southern Command in Doral, Florida. Nan holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Engineering Management from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University. When she’s not working and inspiring others to perform, Nan enjoys spending time with her husband exploring new cities, towns and waterways. Contact her at: ssla.uscg@gmail.com |
