Staff

James Schenck

James Schenck is the PenFed Foundation CEO and the President & CEO of PenFed Credit Union.  Since April 2014, James grew PenFed’s assets from $17.6 billion to $35.5 billion, increased membership from 1.3 million to 3.8 million, and generated $1.2 billion in net worth. In 20 years on the PenFed leadership team, James led nearly […]

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Andrea McCarren

Andrea McCarren is the President of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes.  Prior to joining PenFed, Andrea was a nationally recognized television journalist who discovered her calling by reporting on veterans’ issues. Her work was honored with 25 Emmy Awards and dozens of other accolades. Among her proudest accomplishments: raising and training six life-changing service

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Jennifer Baird

Jennifer Baird is the Managing Director of Development at The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, bringing more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, donor relations, and strategic development. A relationship-driven fundraiser at heart, Jennifer believes meaningful impact begins with connection – taking the time to listen, build trust, and align donor passion with

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Anibal González Mictil

Anibal González Mictil is a creative strategist and storyteller dedicated to amplifying the mission of serving military personnel, veterans, and their families. As Senior Manager of Marketing at The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, he leads brand strategy, digital content, and multi-channel campaigns that drive awareness and inspire giving. With a background in multimedia production

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Chris Sowder

Chris Sowder is the Director of Finance at the PenFed Foundation, where he leads the financial oversight of the organization and its related programs. He plays a central role in managing the Foundation’s Veteran Entrepreneurial Funds, financial reporting, and strengthening relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. Chris brings over two decades of experience in

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Elizabeth Fitzpatrick

Elizabeth Fitzpatrick is the Project and Operations Manager at The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, where she oversees day-to-day operations and drives the successful execution of key initiatives that advance the organization’s mission. With a focus on strategic planning, cross-team collaborations, and logistics, Elizabeth ensures programs run smoothly, resources are managed, and impact is maximized.

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Mary O’Kane

Mary O’Kane is the Content and Campaign Producer at The Penfed Foundation for Military Heroes, where she brings the foundations mission to life through impactful storytelling and strategic campaigns. With a focus on digital strategy, creative storytelling, and cross team collaboration, Mary turns key moments and partnerships into opportunities to inspire giving and increase awareness.

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Melany Claros

Melany Claros is the Digital Media Coordinator at The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes, where she leads the strategy and execution of digital content across the Foundation’s website and social media platforms. With a strong background in marketing analytics and digital storytelling, Melany brings an audience-first approach to enhancing online visibility and engagement. She previously

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Sophie Konopaske

Sophie Konopaske is the Events and Development Coordinator at The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes. In her role, she manages the full scope of event logistics, from behind-the-scenes planning to on-site execution, and serves as a key liaison with staff, vendors, and sponsors to ensure each event’s success. Prior to this role, Sophie supported the

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