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Board Biographies

Tom Griffin

US Army Infantry LtCol (ret.), CA State Guard COL (ret.), State Guard 
Founder of VTC
27 years on the Board

Community Affiliations​

- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Disabled American Veterans
- Purple Heart Association
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Mil Officers Assoc of America
- Elks
- Assoc of Grads - WP
- Air Force Association
- San Carlos Church
- Italian Catholic Foundation
- Association of Pilots & Owners

With a passion of helping Veterans and enjoying his time around them and those who want to help Veterans in the most need, Tom Founded the Veterans Transition Center of California (Originally named the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey). He served as a professional soldier until retirement where he became a Licensed Professional Counselor with two Masters and two Doctorates in Psychology and Counseling. Tom worked as a Social worker with Child Protective services and retired as the MOVO Department Head. Tom is happily married with three children, 11 grandkids, and 4 chickens. In Tom's free time he enjoys focusing on his health, reading, listening to music, enjoying good food and wine, people watching, relaxing, traveling, and visiting friends and family. 

Bard Mansager

LTC, US Army

Six years on the Board

Bard Mansager spent 2o years as an infantry officer and spent 30 years teaching math at the Naval Postgraduate School. He has been married for 50 years and has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren.

Community Affiliations​

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- US Coast Guard Auxiliary

Quentin Bennett

US Army

Seven years on the Board

VTC Program Graduate

After becoming one of many success stories as an Alumni of our programs, Quentin joined the Board of Directors and is currently working towards is MBA at California State University of Monterey Bay with an interest in becoming an analyst for the federal government.

Ralph Sirtak

Army - Major

27 years on the Board

Community Affiliations​

Born and raised in the Chicago area, Ralph graduated from DePaul University with a BSC in Math and Physics. He earned his Army commission through ROTC at DePaul and embarked on a diverse career journey, including roles as a preparer and store supervisor at H&R Block, a research analyst and test designer for the Combat Experimentation Development Command, a financial analyst at Natividad Hospital, and a budget/operations analyst at CTB: McGraw-Hill. His career culminated as a senior budget analyst at CSUMB. Ralph's commitment to service led him to join the board of the Veterans Transition Center just four months after its founder, Tom Griffin, launched the organization. Beyond his professional life, Ralph is a dedicated family man who enjoys reading, music, and traveling with his loved ones. Now retired, he looks forward to dedicating more time to fishing with his brother, embracing life's simple pleasures.

Bill Kelley

US Army Corps of Engineers COL (RET)

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7 years on the board

 

Community Affiliations​

  • Youth Football, Baseball & Soccer Coach

  • China Peak Volunteer Ski Patrol - 39 Years

  • Sea Otter Classic Search & Rescue Driver

  • LCM Management Board Member

Bill’s Uncle Tom served on a US Navy Destroyer in the Pacific during WWII, was a retired Fire Fighter, and wound up a Homeless Veteran. Graduating from West Point in 1963, Bill earned Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering, Physics, and Business Administration during his service career.  His teaching career included 3-1/2 years in the Physics Department at West Point and, after retirement, 5 years at the Naval Post Graduate School Math Department.  Happily married to Carole for 57 years, they have 2 sons and 6 grandchildren. His family spent 10 summers designing and building a family ski cabin at 7500 feet in the Sierra National Forest. Currently, he is a Self-Employed Consultant operating his own Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.

Regina Mason

Joined Board July 2023

Community Affiliations​

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- NAACP, Life Member

- Friendship Baptist Church in Seaside, Member

- The Village Project, Inc. Cofounder

Born on the former Fort Ord Military base as a descendent of a military father Regina is a lifelong resident of Monterey County. She has worked as a social worker and spent most of her career in the field of social work. Registered with the board of behavioral sciences, mentoring girls and young women, becoming the Co-founder of the Mental Health Clinic and Family Resource Center, it is clear, Regina is dedicated to serving underserved community members. Regina lives as a mother, grandmother, sister, and wife with the love of spending time outdoors taking care of her Yearling horse Shadow and the agency's horse Jax, and learning about the cultures of others.

Mary L. Roberts, MD

Joined Board

November 2022

Community Affiliations​

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- Veterans Administration

Dr. Mary L. Roberts has worked as a physician for 39 years. She is Married to a Marine Biologist with 2 children and one grandchild. Mary Enjoys Biking, hiking, botanical illustration, knitting and reading

Allison Ryan

One year on the Board

Community Affiliations​

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Allison Ryan, a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at the Veterans Transition Center, brings a wealth of expertise to this nonprofit organization. With a distinguished 22-year career in the financial services industry and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University, Allison is a standout professional who holds several prestigious certifications, including the highly regarded CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM), and Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor(SM) designations. She has also earned a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning Major from the College for Financial Planning. Allison is wholeheartedly committed to providing tailored investment planning services that ensure financial security in retirement, address the challenges of higher education costs, tackle income tax complexities, optimize cash flow and craft strategic investment plans. In addition to her professional endeavors, Allison and her family call Carmel Valley home, underscoring her deep connection to the community served at the VTC.

Tony Tollner

US Navy, AW5 upon Honorable Discharge

Three Years on Board

Tony operated several restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula for almost 40 years prior to selling them in 2020. Shortly after he joined our board to serve Veterans and our community. He has a son and daughter and enjoys riding his motorcycle and refurbishing old homes.

Community Affiliations​

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- MKP I-Group

- Sun Street

- Family Resource Center

Sid Williams

US Army Command Sergeant Major at retirement

Six Years on Board

After serving for 27 years in the Army, Sid retired and became a property manager in Monterey County for about 20 years and working in the Veteran community to help improve their life in the surrounding area. When Sid finds a moment, he enjoys playing golf.

Community Affiliations​

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-County Military and Veterans Affairs Commission Chair, Treasurer

- United Veterans Council, Treasurer

- Local Chapter of the Enlisted Association

- Meals on Wheels, Driver

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