Our Board of Directors
SAVI is governed by a volunteer board that brings military, nonprofit, and business experience to one mission: making sure Veterans receive the federal benefits they earned.
Dr. Adrianne Phillips
Dr. Adrianne Phillips, Founder and Board President, is a 100 percent service-disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran and founding board member who established SAVI in response to the critical need for structured transition support for Veterans. With more than 18 years of experience in the federal benefits sector, she brings expertise in strategy, governance, and operational systems design to advance SAVI's mission. Adrianne holds a Doctorate in Business Administration with research focused on AI-driven pricing optimization and applied decision-making.
Dr. Jeffrey Daniels
Dr. Jeffrey Daniels is a Navy Veteran who began his service in Nuclear Power School, supporting shipboard nuclear reactor systems. After transitioning, he built a career of more than 20 years in electrical testing and leadership while earning degrees from Thomas Edison State University, National University (MBA), and Walden University (DBA, 2024). Jeffrey remains passionate about educating Veterans and colleagues on federal benefits, empowering others to understand and maximize the opportunities available to them.
Timothy Riffe
Timothy Riffe is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, entrepreneur, and technology executive with experience spanning military service, financial services, and AI systems development. After eight years of service, including combat deployments in Iraq, he built a career advising clients at firms such as Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and JPMorgan before leading the development of secure, AI-driven platforms focused on life planning and Veteran transition. Timothy is passionate about equipping Veterans and families with the clarity, tools, and strategic direction needed for long-term stability and success.
Hector Milan
Hector Milan is a senior operations and program management leader with more than two decades of experience driving enterprise initiatives, operational efficiency, and strategic execution across complex organizations. He serves as Assistant Vice President of Operations and Project Management, overseeing a portfolio of initiatives supporting acquisitions, mergers, and new business development. A former Department of Defense leader, Hector is committed to building high-performing teams and applying operational excellence to mission-driven organizations that create lasting impact.
Samuel Howard
Samuel Howard is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2018 after 28 years of service, completing his career as deputy director and executive officer of the recruit training regiment in California. He serves as senior program manager of business development and corporate strategy at Dendreon Pharmaceuticals and holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Central Michigan University, and Marine Corps University. Samuel is passionate about supporting Veterans as they move into civilian careers, especially in the life sciences.
Driving SAVI's mission
Our Board of Directors plays an indispensable role in shaping SAVI's future through strategic guidance, dedication, and expertise.
Key responsibilities
- Strategic leadership. Provide strategic oversight that aligns SAVI's initiatives with its mission, contribute three to six hours a month, and serve as Board Sponsor for at least one board-approved project.
- Governance and oversight. Attend quarterly board meetings, oversee strategic plan implementation, and foster a culture of excellence and transparency.
- Financial stewardship. Meet the minimum give/get contribution policy, support fundraising, and contribute to budget development and oversight.
- Community engagement. Represent SAVI in the community, use your networks to advance SAVI's goals, and take part in SAVI events.
What we expect of board members
- Strategic thinking: contributing ideas that drive SAVI's growth and impact
- Commitment: strong dedication to SAVI's mission and values
- Leadership: taking ownership of responsibilities and inspiring others
- Collaboration: working effectively with fellow board members, staff, and volunteers
Join SAVI's board
SAVI's board is not recruiting right now, but we welcome interest at any time. Directors must be based in California. Share your interest, and we will reach out when a seat opens.
Watch who we are (opens in a new tab)
SAVI does not discriminate based on age, gender, sexual orientation, or ability. Veterans and their family members are encouraged to apply.
Give a Veteran a year of support
Your gift funds the one-on-one coaching that turns earned benefits into received benefits. Right now, it is building toward the first full-time coach who reopens our doors.
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