Mission statement
Our mission is to improve the quality of life for service members, Veterans, and their families through a total care network of Veteran support organizations.
WHO WE ARE
Helping achieve a fulfilling civilian life
With respect and honor, The Warrior Alliance promises to deliver to service members of all eras, and their families, connection to the highest of quality resources and opportunities, so that your military service may be maximized for a better future.
OUR HOME
The Warrior Alliance is an official community partner of the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Braves Foundation (ABF). We moved our headquarters to the Battery Atlanta with a generous gift from the ABF, and host Veteran, National Guard/Reserves, and Community Partner events at our facility and throughout the sports and entertainment venue.
WHO WE SERVE
We view all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, all eras, all discharge status, their families, and caregivers as Warriors and we are committed to their continuum of care after military service.
Service Members
Full-time service members in the U.S. Armed Forces serving domestically or deployed overseas. National Guard and Reserves are not full-time but may be called into service at any time.
Veterans
Individuals that have completed their military service and have transitioned to a civilian lifestyle. Retired Veterans are those that served a total of a minimum of 20 years.
Families
Immediate family members related by blood, marriage, or adoption (spouse and dependents) to a current member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including one who is deceased.
Caregivers
A family member, friend, or acquaintance who provides care and assistance for, or who manages the care of, a current or former military service member.
OUR VALUES
The Warrior Alliance core values are the principles that guide our choices as individuals and as an organization.
OUR REACH
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, The Warrior Alliance directly serves the local Greater Atlanta area and Warriors throughout the state of Georgia. Our reach extends nationally through a network of like-minded veteran service organizations.
OUR TEAM
Our day-to-day team of leaders who keeps us marching toward our mission.
Max Hilsman
Board Chairman, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management
An Atlanta native, Max attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon Graduation, Max and his wife Ingrid moved to Germany where they lived for three years. While there, he was twice deployed to the former Yugoslavia in Bosnia and Kosovo where he served as both a Tank and Mortar platoon leader. Max finished his tour with the US Army at Ft Benning GA where he served as a Company Executive Officer for the Officer Candidate School. Max is currently responsible for the Southeast Private Wealth Management business for Morgan Stanley – Helping our Ultra High Net Worth Clients address the complex financial issues which require highly specialized resources and a deep understanding of the concerns associated with significant wealth. Over the past 18 years, Max has held a series of leadership roles throughout the Southeast for the firm. Outside of work, Max is a passionate supporter of numerous Veteran Support organizations and enjoys the adventures of being a dad to his two teenagers, Anna and Stuart.
Angie Blank
Philanthropy/Community Affairs
Angela Blank is a former sales and marketing professional who now dedicates her time to philanthropic efforts surrounding her passions. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Warrior Alliance, a non-profit that assists veterans with their transition into purposeful and meaningful civilian lives in an effort to reduce veteran suicides. Angela also serves on several other boards such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta, Shepherd Center/SHARE, Operation Rally Point (Atlanta) as well as an Honorary Board Member of TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors). Angela is a founding member of the Veterans Community Fund (formerly Overwatch Fund), a committee of associates from across the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses, who prioritize grant making for Veteran Service Organizations (501C3) on behalf of the Arthur M Blank Family Foundation.
Angela is the mother of three fabulous children, two wonderful son-in-laws and five amazing grandbabies.
Hunter Hill
Executive Director; Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
SEN Hill graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Management and Civil Engineering, before joining the United States Army. He went on to graduate from the Airborne, the Air Assault, and the US Army Ranger Schools. In June 2001, Hunter took command of a rifle platoon with the 101st Airborne Division, which he led into battle in Afghanistan in 2002 and in Iraq in 2003. In addition to his combat roles, he also served as a General’s Aide in Iraq, and earned two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal and two Army Commendation Medals.
Brian Boutte
Global Director of Community Engagement, Chick‑Fil‑A
Mr. Boutte is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an Army officer for five years. He joined Chick-fil-A Restaurants as the Global Director of Community Engagement in 2020 to expand efforts in new markets and support international expansion. Prior to joining Chick-fil-A, Brian held several executive roles in sales, marketing, and general management with Mobil Oil, The Coca-Cola Company, and over 15 years with the General Electric company.
Dr. Jermaine Whirl
President, Savannah State University
Dr. Jermaine Whirl is the 15th President of Savannah State University, Georgia’s oldest public Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, most recently served as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a role he held since November 2020 – March 2025. Whirl’s career includes nearly 20 years of service as a faculty member and administrative leader at public colleges and universities in his home state of South Carolina and in Georgia. He previously worked at several institutions, including Greenville Technical College (GTC), Savannah Technical College (STC), Georgia Southern University (GSU) and East Georgia State University (EGSU).
He has received many awards for his work, including GSU’s 2024 George and Lucy Armstrong Alumni Award, the Leadership Award from the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce, the Paragon Award for new presidents from Phi Theta Kappa and the Soul Awakening Award of Excellence from Perry Broadcasting of Augusta. Whirl is a member of the Georgia Titan 100 2025 Hall of Fame class. Georgia Trend also recognized him as a Notable Georgian honoree in 2025 and listed him on its 2024 40 Under 40 list of the state’s most successful and civic-minded people under age 40.
Linda Klein
Baker Donelson, Senior Managing Shareholder
Linda Klein regularly counsels on business dispute prevention and resolution, contract law, risk and crisis management, media relations, ethics and governance. She is particularly experienced in advising the construction, pharmaceutical and higher education industries. She also advises lawyers, architects, accountants and other professionals at risk for large claims or their licenses. Ms. Klein is a past president (CEO) of the American Bar Association, the largest voluntary professional association in the world. Ms. Klein is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Who’s Who in America and Chambers USA. She is regularly named to the Super Lawyers top 100 lawyers in Georgia. In 1998, following her term as the first woman to serve as president of the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Trend Magazine named her one of the 100 most powerful and influential Georgians. In the American Bar Association she previously served as chair of the House of Delegates, the association’s policy making body. She has also served as chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and chair of ABA Day, the Association’s Congressional outreach effort. She is a recent member of the Council of the ABA Section of International Law and also serves as a columnist Law Practice Management Magazine. In 2013 Ms. Klein had the honor of being a McGlothlin fellow on the campuses of William and Mary’s Business and Law Schools. She delivered the commencement addresses at Georgia State University College of Law (2017), Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (2017), Pepperdine University School of Law (2016), and Washington and Lee University School of Law (2012), John Marshall Law School (2018). In 2009 Ms. Klein was honored with the Randolph Thrower Award for Lifetime Achievement and was named to the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. In 2004 the American Bar Association honored Ms. Klein with the prestigious Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Buckhead Coalition, on the advisory boards of Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. She is a past president of Southface Energy Institute, the Board of Directors’ Network, (now On Board), the Caucus of State Bars, and past chair of both the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia. She also served a six-year term on Baker Donelson’s Board of Directors. Ms. Klein has authored numerous published works. Her lecture schedule has included presentations in France, Sweden, Spain, Russia, Great Britain, Japan, Croatia, Poland and Canada, but most extensively in the southeast United States. She is a member of the American Law Institute, and a mediator and arbitrator, frequently serving as a neutral as well as a client advocate. WWW.BAKERDONELSON.COM Atlanta, GA
Robert Mason
Managing Member of Mason Capital Partners
Mason has invested in commercial real estate projects throughout the Southeastern US on behalf of the Mason family and their investment partners for over 25 years. Robert has also worked for some of the most respected firms in commercial real estate including CB Richard Ellis, Tishman Speyer, Hines, and Lincoln Property Company. In total, Robert has been involved in over $4BN worth of transactions and has experience as a principal and an investor in office, hotel, multi-family, retail, and healthcare properties. Robert is a Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Vanderbilt University and has earned an MBA from The Wharton School with concentrations in Real Estate and Finance.
Scott Cunningham
Vice President, Broadcasting & Fan Experience, Atlanta Braves
As Military Brat, being raised on Air Force bases across the nation and Europe during his first 21 years, Scott Cunningham is no stranger to the military-family lifestyle. At the age of 12 he moved to Madrid, Spain, then graduated High School from Ramstein, Germany. He attended his first 2 years of college in Munich at the University of Maryland, Munich Campus then returned to the states to finish at Florida International University in Miami, Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication.
Scott is currently the Vice President of Broadcasting & Fan Experience for the Atlanta Braves. He and his team are responsible for the Game Presentation at Braves home games at Truist Park as well as all Special Events for the organization. He is also the Braves liaison to all television and radio companies broadcasting Braves games. He has worked for the Atlanta Braves since 2005. Previous teams he has worked with include the Florida Panthers, Florida Marlins and Miami Heat.
Scott has been married to his wife, Ligia, for 33 years and live in Suwanee, GA. Together they have two daughters, Sarah (30) and Emily (26).
Chief Brian Marcos
Chief Smyrna Fire Department
Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos began his career with the Smyrna Fire Department in 2006 and was promoted through the ranks to Deputy Fire Chief in 2014. He was recently appointed by the Mayor and Council to the position of Smyrna Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director.
Named one of the 50 Most Influential Hispanics in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2021 | Named Chief Fire Officer of the Year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs | Cobb Life Magazines “20 under 40”.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for LiveSafe Resource, The Warrior Alliance, and The Cobb Chamber Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. Brian is the Georgia State Director for the Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs, Founder and President of the United Leadership Program, and is the Area 7 District Vice President for the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs.
Brian is a graduate of the 2017 Leadership Cobb Program and served as the 2024 Co- Chair. He completed the Executive Leadership Program for Manager and Directors through Kennesaw State University (KSU).
Marcos has a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, and a master’s in public administration from Columbia Southern University.
Scott Johnson
President/CEO
Scott is the Founder and President/CEO of The Warrior Alliance with over 30 years of experience as a corporate software and business/IT consulting services executive. He began his non-profit career by establishing two organizations in support of people with disabilities and transitioning military veterans.
Scott’s business career spans numerous leadership roles in executive management to include business strategy and transformation, merger and acquisitions, organizational change management, sales and organization leadership, market development, global outsourcing and operational profit and loss. His business experience spans private and public sector as well as enterprise business development across the Americas, Europe, Far East and Asia. Mr. Johnson graduated with high honors from Michigan State University where he received several academic awards and is a founding associate of the University of Alabama’s Executive MBA MIS program.
Mark Eister
Vice President, Operations
Mark Eister is the Vice President, Operations and is responsible for the operational excellence, strategy, financial, administrative, and technology functions of the organization. He has over 21 years of military service plus 10 years of direct support of veterans and their families. His most recent position was Director of Military and Veteran services at a major university, where his efforts resulted in being ranked the #1 Military and Veteran Friendly School in the Nation.
As an E-9/Sergeant Major, Mr. Eister served multiple overseas tours, a deployment to Afghanistan, and 15 family moves in 21 years. As a result, Mr. Eister can relate to the unique challenges that veterans face as they transition from military to civilian life. He graduated from Liberty University with his bachelor’s in science degree (summa cum laude) and TUI University with an MBA (summa cum laude).
Terrill Hill McFarland
Vice President, Corporate & Strategic Relations
Terrill Hill McFarland is the Vice President of Corporate and Strategic Relations, bringing over 20 years of experience across nonprofit, military, and healthcare sectors. She has a distinguished career that includes roles such as Supervisory Program Specialist for the Navy and Marine Corps, Deputy Director of Military Health for Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, and National Vice President of Military & Outreach Services at the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In these positions, Terrill has led transformative initiatives to support military families and veterans, showcasing her expertise in strategic impact and community service.
As a military spouse of a veteran, Terrill offers a deep personal understanding of the military community’s challenges and needs. Her strategic vision is underpinned by her academic achievements, including a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Howard University and a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Harvard University. Her blend of practical experience and academic excellence positions her as a key driver of impactful solutions and strategic alliances.
Olivia Garrison
Director, Community Engagement
Olivia is the Director of Community Engagement and joined The Warrior Alliance in 2018. She brings many years of Community Partner management experience and facilitating collaboration of Atlanta-based Veteran serving organizations.
Ms. Garrison began her service to others as an AmeriCorps alumni in 2012 and is especially passionate about assisting Veterans and their families. As a former American Red Cross representative for the Community Blueprint in Atlanta, Olivia provided hands-on support of local Reservists, National Guard and Veteran populations in the face of emergencies. She also facilitated 39-member agencies to address Veteran issues and find actionable solutions. Olivia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and master’s degree in public administration from Troy University.
Ellen Kinsey
Director, Events and Communications
Ellen Kinsey, CMP is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing all communication strategies and event planning activities to further the mission of TWA.
Ellen brings over a decade of experience in strategic event planning, stakeholder engagement, and non-profit communications, most recently serving as Director of Alumni Programs for Georgia State University. In this role, she spearheaded several large flagship events while leading a team to deliver a broad range of programs that resulted in a 57% increase in engagement over her tenure. Her ability to execute impactful events is matched by her talent for developing communication strategies that elevate the brand, foster relationships, and increase support.
Ellen’s father-in-law is a retired Army E-9/Sergeant Major and Vietnam War veteran, and her brother-in-law is a retired Army Staff Sergeant, both contributing to her profound respect for all Warriors and her passion for the mission of TWA. Ellen has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Texas and a master’s degree in sports administration from Georgia Southern University.
Jeremy Tindell
Program Manager, Operation Double Eagle
Jeremy joined The Warrior Alliance in 2019 and serves as the Program Manager for Operation Double Eagle. As an Army Sergeant First Class, (Retired), Jeremy served as the former Brigade Career Counselor for the 15th Signal Brigade, located at Fort Gordon, GA. He entered service in 1998 and attended One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia where he was trained as an Infantryman (11B). Upon graduating from Airborne school and Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, GA.
After multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Joint Special Operation Task Forces, Mr. Tindell trained at Fort Jackson, SC where he was reclassified as a Career Counselor (79S).
Patrick Brown
Military Outreach Manager
Patrick’s role in The Warrior Alliance is the Manager of Military Affairs with over six years of experience providing direct support of veterans and their families. He has over eight years of military service including five years as an Airborne Ranger where he deployed in multiple overseas combat tours. Mr. Brown also served as a Resistance Instructor to the Survive, Evade, Resist, and Escape (SERE-C) school at Fort Rucker, AL. SERE training is mandatory for pilots and Army special operations personnel and is designed to help prepare troops to “return with honor” if they are isolated or captured by the enemy.
Patrick also served as a subject matter expert in the Film Industry, training actors in military tactics, and later won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award for the blockbuster movie ‘Avengers: Endgame’. Having transitioned from the military within the last ten years, Patrick fully embraces the sacrifices that service members and their families make during their time in service, and he understands the transition challenges inherent to attaining a thriving civilian life. Mr. Brown graduated from the University of Maine with his bachelor’s degree in health sciences.
Norman Zoller
Legal Services Strategic Advisor
Norman is the Strategic Advisor for the Veteran Legal Services Network. An Army veteran, Norman Zoller served almost seven years as a field artillery officer, including two tours in Vietnam (Special Forces [’64-’65]; 82nd Airborne Division [’68-’69]). He later served 15 years as an Army lawyer in the National Guard and Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. His awards include the Combat Infantry and Senior Parachutist Badges.
Zoller managed Hamilton County, Ohio, courts for nine years. He then became the first Clerk of Court for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit (’81-’83), and then the Circuit Executive, retiring in 2008. During 2009-2018, Zoller helped initiate the GA State Bar’s legal assistance program, benefiting service members and veterans. Since 2023, he has been legal assistance coordinator for The Warrior Alliance, helping provide legal assistance through its Veterans Legal Services Network. In addition to his M.A. degree (Public Administration) and law degree, he is licensed in GA and OH and admitted before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11 th Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and U.S. Supreme Court.
Charlotte Gardner-Oliver
Intake Coordinator
Charlotte Gardner-Oliver joined The Warrior Alliance in January 2020 and serves as the Intake Coordinator/Navigator, where she is responsible for first-line Warrior assistance. She has a deep passion for serving and positively affecting veterans and their families by helping them with their unmet needs, often from a spiritual perspective.
Charlotte’s passion comes from a long line of family members who served in all branches of the military. Her father served in the Army and both of her grandfathers served in the Marine Corps. Two of her great, great uncles served in the 1860’s. Her family’s combined military service includes 140 men and women and many who are still serving. Charlotte has over 20 years of professional office experience, ranging from Executive Administration, Events Planner, Chief of Staff, Disaster Case Manager, STL/Strike Team Lead, and Mortgage Banking. She attended Kaplan University and received training certifications with GEMA and NIMS.
Sherri Allen
Legal Assistance Manager
Sherri Allen is the Legal Assistance Manager for The Warrior Alliance. She is a practicing trial lawyer specializing in Catastrophic Personal Injury and Military and Veterans Law. Attorney Allen is the Chair of the City of Sandy Springs Board of Appeals and serves on the board of Solidarity Sandy Springs. She is licensed to practice law in Georgia, California (inactive) and Washington (inactive) and is accredited to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
Attorney Allen has received national awards for her legal expertise and has been recognized by Georgia and Washington State Bar Associations for her pro bono legal services to underserved communities. She has been recognized nationally for her expertise in Military and Veterans Law and as one of the top 100 Black lawyers in the U.S. In addition to being a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Attorney Allen is a member of Georgia Association of Black Women Lawyers, the Gate City Bar Association, Sandy Springs Bar Association, and the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association.
Emily Waters
Warrior Navigator
Emily Waters has been a Warrior Navigator with The Warrior Alliance since January 2022. Prior to TWA, Emily worked at the Georgia Department of Veterans Service for five years as a Veteran Service Officer at the Cartersville, GA office, where she served as Office Manager. Emily has dual major bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology, graduating from Nevada State College and a Master of Science in Social Work, with a focus on Military Social Work from the University of Louisville. In August 2022, she was certified as a Peer Support Specialist in Mental Health by GMHCN (Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network).
Emily is a veteran of the US Air Force, having served from 2006 to 2010 in Security Forces/MA Police. She comes from three generations of Air Force and Navy veterans on both her mother and father’s sides of the family, and her husband comes from three generations of Army and Air Force veterans and is himself a retired combat disabled Air Force veteran.
Chantal Hill
Warrior Navigator
Chantal Hill is a Warrior Navigator with an enthusiastic heart to serve activity duty, veterans, and their families. She is a military dependent who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology from the University of West Georgia.
Chantal is an active volunteer in the Atlanta community, where she focuses her energy and efforts to decrease veteran homelessness and increase awareness of services and support for veterans in need. She joined The Warrior Alliance with an extensive career experience in the social services realm, working from a holistic approach to assist veterans and veteran families. Chantal fully embraces the motto, “GREATER SERVICE, GREATER PROGRESS”.
Sarah Burke
Warrior Navigator
Sarah Burke brings more than two decades of distinguished experience supporting elite military and government programs to her role as a Warrior Navigator. Her career includes managing critical initiatives for the Department of Defense, U.S. Army Europe, U.S. Air Force, and Department of Commerce, where she was entrusted with high-level responsibilities in program management, data analysis, logistics, and interagency collaboration.
A proud Army Ranger spouse, Sarah has long championed the well-being of military families—leading Family Readiness Group (FRG) efforts and dedicating her life to strengthening the communities that support those who serve.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the New York Institute of Technology and is certified in CrossFit, Yoga, and Firearms Instruction, reflecting her holistic approach to wellness, discipline, and leadership.
