About Us

Charles W. (Skip) Bowen, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MCPOCG), USCG (Ret), Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

cwbowen@fcef.com, 817.569.2260
Charles W. “Skip” Bowen served as the 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. Highlights of his 32-year Coast Guard career include tours as the Officer in Charge of Coast Guard cutters and stations in Connecticut and Florida, the District Seven Command Master Chief from 1999 to 2001, and Command Master Chief for Coast Guard Headquarters and Headquarters Units from 2002 to 2004. Master Chief Bowen holds a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Excelsior College and a Master of Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Touro University International. Master Chief Bowen’s first post-retirement position was as a senior program manager with CACI, a company in Fairfax, Va., focused on national security missions. In April 2011, he accepted a position with Bollinger Shipyards, the largest privately owned shipyard in the country, as the program manager of the Fast Response Cutter program. The following year he was promoted to Vice President of Government Relations for the shipyard. In addition to Bollinger Shipyards, Master Chief Bowen has served on the board or advisory council of many military-affiliated organizations, including the Armed Forces Retirement Home, First Command Financial Services, Broward Navy Days, Mission Readiness, Veteran’s United Home Loans, the Coast Guard’s National Retiree Council, and First Command Educational Foundation. In Master Chief Bowen’s spare time, he co-authored a leadership book called “Breaching the Summit” with a retired service senior enlisted from each of the other four military services and the National Guard.

THOMAS e. “TOM” KUHAR, CommandER, USCG (Ret), President

tkuhar@fcef.com, 817.569.2500

Tom joined FCEF as the President in May 2022. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the Foundation’s strategic planning, fundraising, program growth, and daily operations.

Tom’s experience was gained during his almost 25-year US Coast Guard career. Enlisting into the US Coast Guard Reserve in 1995, he was assigned to a Search & Rescue Station in Pensacola, FL. Upon graduation from college, he transitioned to the Active-Duty component. He was assigned to a Cutter, where he advanced to Boatswain’s Mate Third Class. Completing his Enlisted time at Marine Safety Office Morgan City, LA, he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School in 1998.

Tom’s 21-year Officer career included a variety of operational and staff assignments where he led teams addressing myriad operational and policy initiatives. These assignments included Commanding Officer of a Patrol Boat, Executive Officer of a maritime anti-terrorism team, Operations Officer of a deployable counterterrorism team, staff assignments managing law enforcement training programs, and Chief of the Joint Strategic Planning Division at the Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Counterterrorism and Defense Operations. His final assignment was as the Coast Guard Liaison and advisor to US Central Command. Tom retired from the US Coast Guard in 2019.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resources Management and Planning from the University of West Florida. Tom also holds a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College. He is a certified Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute. Tom is married with two children and resides in the Greater Tampa Bay area.

agodoy@fcef.com, 817.569.2809
Al is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering; Al has more than 20 years of experience in personnel training and development, in both private industry and at the college level. He is a certified facilitator/instructor by Development Dimensions International (DDI) and Zenger-Miller. He has extensive experience in personal finance classes in both English and Spanish. While in private industry, Al managed a training and development function of over 50 training and instructional developers, many with doctorate degrees, that supported a corporate-wide effort to automate and integrate all computer-based processes. While at FCEF, Al has been responsible for developing and managing various online financial education programs.

Lisa Kennedy, Development Specialist

lykennedy@fcef.com, 817.569.3401
A North Texas native, Lisa joined FCEF in March 2020 as a Development Specialist. She enjoys traveling, reading, arts and culture, and a good concert. Lisa and her husband, John, have two adult children and three grand-dogs and make their home in Arlington. Lisa has 20 years of non-profit experience, making her an excellent addition to our team.

jcmalwitz@fcef.com, 817.569.2634
Julie attended the University of North Texas, graduating summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree in Non-profit and Volunteer Management. She also holds a Certification in Applied Gerontology. Since 2011 Julie has helped develop and coordinate educational content for federal civilian employees on their unique retirement benefits. Her education and experience make her a great fit with FCEF’s federal civilian employee benefits and scholarship programs.

jamcree@fcef.com, 817.569.3156
Juls joined FCEF in July 2018 with more than 20 years of experience as a technical writer, curriculum development specialist, and training specialist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating Cum Laude. For 32 years, Juls served in many organizations as a volunteer and paid staff member as a military spouse. Her career highlights include working with the Army Family Team Building program, Cornell University assisting in the development of handbooks and facilitator guides for the Army’s Soldier and Family Program’s “Operation Ready,” developing curricula and training material for Army Community Service programs, and developing curricula in collaboration with Pennsylvania State University for the Office for Reintegration Program OSD/Reserve Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP). Juls is passionate about military families and has devoted her life to programs that create self-reliant, independent, and strong military families.

Michelle Nelson, Instructional Support Specialist

mnelson1@fcef.com
Michelle joined FCEF in January 2022 as the Instructional Support Specialist for the Take Command® program, working as a writer and editor. She has a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Washington and Elementary Education Certification from Western Governors University.

A military spouse for 28 years, Michelle served in many organizations as a volunteer. She has experience providing new military spouses training and information about what to expect from military life, including finances, insurance, healthcare, and family life. After 17 military moves, her family has settled in Minnesota. Michelle is dedicated to service members and their spouses; ensuring their transition into the military and life beyond is seamless.

smspidell@fcef.com, 817-569-3624
Sydney Spidell joined FCEF as the Office Assistant in 2022. She was born and raised in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and has always gravitated towards fine arts. Eventually, her interest in fine arts developed into a passion for Graphic Design, which she studied at North Lake College. Two of her favorite things are animals and vinyl records. If she’s not admiring her pets, Sydney can be found listening to records on her turntable. Sydney’s background in graphic design enables her to assist in the office and on special events in various areas. Her eagerness to dive into new tasks makes her a great asset to the FCEF team!

CHARLES W. (SKIP) BOWEN, MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE COAST GUARD (MCPOCG), USCG (RET), CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Sebastian, Florida

Charles W. “Skip” Bowen served as the 10th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2010. Highlights of his 32-year Coast Guard career include tours as the Officer in Charge of Coast Guard cutters and stations in Connecticut and Florida, the District Seven Command Master Chief from 1999 to 2001, and Command Master Chief for Coast Guard Headquarters and Headquarters Units from 2002 to 2004. Master Chief Bowen holds a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Excelsior College and a Master of Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Touro University International. Master Chief Bowen’s first post-retirement position was as a senior program manager with CACI, a company in Fairfax, Va., focused on national security missions. In April 2011, he accepted a position with Bollinger Shipyards, the largest privately-owned shipyard in the country, as the program manager of the Fast Response Cutter program. The following year he was promoted to Vice President of Government Relations for the shipyard. In addition to Bollinger Shipyards, Master Chief Bowen has served on the board or advisory council of many military-affiliated organizations, including the Armed Forces Retirement Home, First Command Financial Services, Broward Navy Days, Mission Readiness, Veteran’s United Home Loans, the Coast Guard’s National Retiree Council, and First Command Educational Foundation. In Master Chief Bowen’s spare time, he co-authored a leadership book called “Breaching the Summit” with a retired senior enlisted from each of the other four military services and the National Guard. Skip joined FCEF’s Board of Directors in November 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Ret.), CFP®, ChFC®, CLF®, Vice-Chairman; Retired

Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas

Fred enlisted in the United States Air Force in July 1970 and graduated from the USAF Academy in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (and a minor in Physics). He obtained his Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Oklahoma State University in 1980. During his tenure in the USAF, Fred completed Squadron Officers School, Marine Corps Command and Staff, Air Force Command and Staff, and Air War College. Fred served in numerous duty locations and instructed fellow pilots to employ T-38, AT-38B, A-10, and F-16 aircraft. Fred retired as a Lt. Colonel and Command Pilot with over 4,000 flight hours in fighter-type aircraft. After retiring from the Air Force, Fred joined First Command Financial Services (then USPA&IRA) in May 1996. Fred started in the Mildenhall, England, office as a Registered Representative & Agent. He was promoted to District Advisor in January 1999 for USPA&IRA activities across the United Kingdom. After two years, Fred was transferred to oversee and grow Germany’s Wurzburg/Schweinfurt/Bamberg markets. In 2004, Fred returned to the United States to serve as District Advisor for First Command offices in San Antonio and Houston. Fred has earned the Certified Financial Planner™, Chartered Financial Counselor, and Chartered Leadership Fellow designations. Fred enjoys traveling, swimming, woodworking, and his family (which now includes four perfect grandchildren). Fred is married to Cindy Torrance Offutt of Houston, Texas.  Fred joined FCEF’s Board of Directors in January 2016.

CPA, MBA, Treasurer Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, First Command Financial Services

Arlington, Texas

Sunday Grace is Chief Financial Officer and a Senior Vice President at First Command Financial Services. She is a member of the Executive Leadership Team, where she leads the company’s financial decisions and is responsible for all accounting, analysis, and reporting. Sunday began her career at First Command in 2005 after graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She is proud to be a part of an organization with the noble mission of “coaching those who serve in their pursuit of financial security.” Over her career, Sunday has achieved increasing levels of leadership, obtained the CPA and CGMA credentials, and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. She is an active Chicago Booth alumnus, working as an ambassador for the MBA program. Sunday enjoys running and scuba diving and spends much of her free time watching her daughter Jude perform in local theater productions. Sunday joined the First Command Educational Foundation Board of Directors in March 2019.

Command Sergeant Major, USA (Ret.), President, First Command Educational Foundation

Fort Worth, Texas

Bill joined First Command Educational Foundation in 2014. He served as the Director, Military Affairs from 2014 – 2018, Bill became the Director of Operations from 2018 – 2019, and Bill has served as the President from 2019 to the present. Bill is a retired Command Sergeant Major from the U.S. Army.  A career infantryman, he served in several military leadership positions, including Command Sergeant Major of the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command (IJC) Afghanistan, the V Corps, and the 1^st Armored Division, Wiesbaden, Germany. During his 28 years in the Army, Bill earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College, graduating Suma Cum Laude. Bill uses his Army and Joint Command background and leadership skills to help support our service members and their families.

Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

Fort Worth, Texas

Ron retired from First Command Financial Services after a 16-year career on January 1, 2010. During that time, Ron served as a financial advisor, district advisor in two offices (Colorado Springs and Denver, Colo.), regional advisor, and Vice President and Director, Advisor Operations-Midwest Division. Ron joined First Command in June 1994 following his 28-year career in the United States Air Force, having retired as Vice Commander, 20th Air Force. Following initial assignments as an intelligence officer and a tour in Southeast Asia, Ron spent most of his Air Force career in the intercontinental ballistic missile career field, where he held several command and staff positions, including assignments at the Pentagon and as Wing Commander, 44th Strategic Missile Wing, Ellsworth AFB, S.D. Ron graduated with a B.S. in Social Studies from Ball State University in 1965. He also earned master’s degrees in Public Administration from Golden Gate University in 1978 and International Relations and Strategic Studies from Salve Regina College and the Naval War College in 1986. Ron and his wife Myra currently reside in Fort Worth, Texas, where they enjoy golf, traveling, and spending time with their eight grandchildren. Ron joined FCEF’s board in January 2017.

Chris Kirkpatrick

Senior Business Rental Sales Executive, Enterprise Holdings

Fort Worth, Texas

Chris Kirkpatrick joined Enterprise Holdings in 2002 after graduation from Texas Christian University with a business degree, with a double major in Finance and Marketing. He was quickly promoted in the company, having served in various managerial roles, including Area Rental Manager. He was promoted in 2015 to his current position, Senior Business Rental Sales Executive. Today, Chris helps negotiate, create, design, and manage global car and truck rental programs for large companies headquartered in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.  He has been recognized for his achievements in growth, profitability, customer service, training, and development by Enterprise Holdings Executive Management. Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children.  He enjoys keeping up with TCU football and St. Louis Cardinal baseball in his spare time.  Chris joined FCEF’s board in January 2016.

Kellie Richter

Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer/Chief Experience Officer, First Command Financial Services

Fort Worth, Texas

Kellie Richter joined First Command Financial Services as Chief Marketing Officer in 2016 with over 25 years of industry experience. As Chief Marketing Officer, Kellie is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the company’s marketing efforts to drive the company’s growth, including brand development and communications, market awareness, and client value creation to increase customer satisfaction and retention. Previously, Kellie had served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Provasi Capital Partners, a Dallas-based investment company, as Senior Vice President of Marketing Strategy at AIG Retirement, and Vice President of Products and Marketing at Ameriprise Financial Services. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a Master of Business Communications degree and St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Kellie holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 63 securities registrations. Kellie is married, has two sons, and joined FCEF’s Board in September 2019.

Captain USN (Ret.), Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, First Command Financial Services

Fort Worth, Texas

As Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff at First Command, Dennis serves as the primary liaison between the corporate office and worldwide field force. He coordinates various strategic initiatives and leads a team of operations professionals to ensure all field personnel has the proper support and resources needed to be effective.  Following a successful 26-year career in the Navy as a submarine officer, Dennis joined the company as a Financial Advisor in South Carolina in 2013. He served active duty and retired military families and federal employees in the Charleston community in this role. In 2017, he was promoted to District Advisor of the Charleston area. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Field Force Training. In this capacity, he led a team of experts to develop and deliver a unique training program designed to improve advisor productivity.  A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree, Dennis holds Series 6, 7, 63, 65, and 24 securities registrations plus life and health insurance licenses. Dennis and his wife, Mara, are blessed with seven children. He enjoys camping and spending time with his family.

Rear Admiral USN (Ret.), Founder, and Managing Principal, The Atkin Group

Arlington, VA

Tom Atkin is the Founder and Managing Principal of The Atkin Group, which provides strategic and operational advice to senior government and corporate executives.  Before founding The Atkin Group, Tom served as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security. He was responsible for Department of Defense (DoD) strategy and policy on cyber, countering weapons of mass destruction, space, homeland defense, critical infrastructure, and defense support to civil authorities.  Before serving in DoD, Tom was a Director in Raytheon U.S. Business Development for Homeland Security. He was responsible for linking technological, engineering, and service solutions to maritime, border, public safety, and other security-related requirements in the domestic and international market.  Tom retired from the Coast Guard as a Rear Admiral in 2012 after more than 30 years of service in various operational and strategic roles. His senior leadership positions include Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Investigations; Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Transborder Security on the National Security Council; Commander of the Coast Guard Deployable Operations Group; and Chief of Staff to the DHS/FEMA Principal Federal Official for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His Pentagon assignments were Chief, Maritime Homeland Security and Defense Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense; and Chief, Counter-Terrorism Branch, Chief of Naval Operations (Deep Blue).  He is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences. He holds a Master of Science in Management Science from the University of Miami.