Washington, DC – November 11, 2026 – The Command Purpose Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans to reclaim their identity, reorient to a new mission, and rise as civilian leaders after military service, announced today the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, alongside the launch of a $1 million fundraising campaign. This strategic expansion of leadership and resources will enable the organization to bring its life-changing programming to thousands of transitioning veterans every year.
The incoming board class brings decades of combined experience across military leadership, corporate strategy, and global brand partnerships. Their expertise arrives at a pivotal moment as Command Purpose scales its operations to provide essential community, story, value, and purpose to a growing network of veterans nationwide. This is a program designed by veterans, for veterans that have served our country and beyond.
“The addition of these extraordinary leaders to our Board marks a critical milestone for Command Purpose and we are excited for the future of the organization,” said Leigh DeBord, Executive Director of Command Purpose. “We feel honored to have these impactful leaders supporting our organization. Their vast expertise, combined with our $1 million fundraising initiative, will be what allows us to scale our impact and reach thousands of additional veterans each year.”
Introducing the 2026 Command Purpose Board of Directors Class:
- Alycen McAuley, Chief Business Officer, WNBA Washington Mystics: A seasoned sports marketing executive, Alycen drives transformative business growth and builds passionate fan communities. She brings a deep dedication to using the power of organizations to advance female leadership and create opportunities for women. “What really drew me to Command Purpose was the opportunity to be part of something making a meaningful difference in women’s lives,” said McAuley. “These are women who have already demonstrated extraordinary commitment, leadership, and resilience through their military service. They deserve that same level of commitment and support as they navigate their next chapter.”
- Michelle Faison-Oldham, Sr. Global Brand Partnerships Manager, T-Mobile: With over 20 years of experience building businesses and strategic partnerships across Fortune 500 companies and government, Michelle previously led T-Mobile’s Federal Civilian business. Deeply connected to the military through her grandfather’s WWII service and her parents’ meeting at Camp Atterbury, she is a passionate advocate for community-building. “Women veterans bring extraordinary leadership, discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure—qualities that are invaluable in the corporate world but too often overlooked,” noted Faison-Oldham. “I believe I can help bridge that gap, opening doors and creating opportunities for these remarkable women to thrive.”
- PJ Sullivan, Managing Associate, Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP: PJ is an experienced litigator representing clients in complex civil litigation and regulatory investigations. He brings over 17 years of combined service as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, currently serving as a Lieutenant Colonel. “Finding purpose and community in my transition from active duty service to law school and legal practice was critical,” shared Sullivan. “I am honored to have the opportunity to be a part of an organization that provides precisely that kind of support to fellow veterans.”
- Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld Bravo, Associate, Jones Day: A senior associate focusing on complex trial issues and appeals, Sophia previously served four years on active duty as a military prosecutor in the U.S. Army JAG Corps. As both a veteran and an active-duty military spouse, she intimately understands the challenges of stepping out of uniform. “I experienced a strong loss of identity and community when I left the Army in 2024; I wish I had known about Command Purpose during my own transition,” said Chua-Rubenfeld Bravo. “Finding a sense of professional purpose in the civilian world is something I’m still working on today, and I am especially excited to join the Board at this juncture as Command Purpose is preparing to scale.”
Orienting Towards the Next Mission: The $1 Million Fundraising Goal To support the operational expansion spearheaded by the new board, Command Purpose is officially launching its $1 million fundraising campaign. The funds raised will be reinvested into the veteran community we serve through digital base camp, the Flagship Program, and other offerings as we continue to grow and scale.
By reaching this $1 million milestone, Command Purpose projects it will serve thousands of veterans annually, ensuring they receive the resources and community necessary to reorient and rise post-service.
“With this new leadership team in place, we are well-positioned to hit our $1 million goal,” added Erringer Helbling, Co-Founder. “But we cannot do it alone. We are calling on our community, corporate partners, and impact-oriented citizens to join us in making this vision a reality.”
For more information about Command Purpose, the new board members, or to contribute to the $1 million campaign, please visit commandpurpose.org or follow the organization on Linkedin.
About Command Purpose Founded in 2020, Command Purpose Foundation serves as the base camp where veterans reclaim their identity after military service. Designed by veterans for all veterans and leaders, they provide a foundation for veterans to harness their unique value and assume positions as leaders, mentors, and pillars in society.