2026 Summit County Stand Down

Meet Our Workshop Speakers

Explore approved presenters, workshop topics, intended audiences, and scheduled sessions. Additional speakers will appear here as they are approved.

Bryan A. McGown

Bryan A. McGown

Bryan A. McGown is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant with more than four decades of military, public-service, Veteran-service, nonprofit, and community leadership experience. He has served in operations, outreach, case management, Veteran services, and nonprofit technology roles, including more than a decade supporting the Summit County Stand Down.

Sessions:
08:00 AM – 08:45 AM — Training Area A
09:00 AM – 09:45 AM — Training Area A

Nonprofit Operations & Growth

How nonprofit leaders can strengthen operations, streamline workflows, coordinate people and resources, and build systems that support sustainable mission growth.

Intended Audience: Veteran Service Organizations / Nonprofits, Volunteers / Community Members, Nonprofit executives, board members, program managers, volunteer coordinators, and anyone responsible for operations, donations, or member/donor engagement.

What you'll take away: Attendees will leave with practical, low-cost ways to manage nonprofit operations, improve donation and volunteer recordkeeping, strengthen donor and member engagement, reduce administrative friction, and build repeatable processes that support sustainable growth.

Learning Objectives: Attendees will identify practical ways to organize nonprofit workflows, improve donation and activity recordkeeping, strengthen donor and member engagement, establish repeatable follow-up processes, and use simple systems to improve accountability, continuity, and sustainable organizational growth.

Marilyn Sansom

US Bank /Jack Harlan

Retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jack E. Harlan served more than 24 years in leadership and personnel management roles. A former Drill Instructor and Division Personnel Officer, he now dedicates his time to helping veterans and families build financial confidence through education on budgeting, homeownership, financial wellness, and veteran resources.

Session:
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM — Training Area B

Mission Financial Readiness

Veterans & Military Family Finances All Levels

Join retired Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Jack E. Harlan as he shares practical strategies to help veterans achieve financial success. Drawing on decades of leadership experience and his current work in banking, Jack will discuss budgeting fundamentals, financial planning principles, credit management, and VA home loan opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable tools to strengthen their financial foundation and work toward their personal and family financial goals.

Intended Audience: Veterans, Volunteers / Community Members, General Audience / Anyone Interested

What you'll take away: Gain practical, veteran-focused strategies for budgeting, managing credit, planning for financial goals, and navigating VA home loan opportunities. Leave with actionable steps to strengthen your financial future and build long-term financial confidence.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to: • Create and maintain a practical budget. • Understand key financial planning principles for short- and long-term goals. • Identify strategies to build and manage credit responsibly. • Understand the benefits and requirements of VA home loans. • Locate resources and tools that support veteran financial wellness and homeownership success.

Tim Hauser

Veterans Assurance Network/ Tim Hauser

Tim Hauser — Veteran, Advocate, and Executive Director of Veterans Assurance Network Tim Hauser is a U.S. Air Force veteran and one of Ohio’s leading voices in veteran advocacy, Hauser played an instrumental role in helping get the PACT ACT passed. He also championed the passing of Ohio SB 225 that designates September 22 as Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention Day. With Veterans Assurance Network Tim is the organizer of Rally Against Suicide held every September

Session:
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM — Training Area A

how to tell a veteran is in crisis and how to help them

Suicide Prevention & Crisis Resources All Levels

Veterans Assurance Network (VAN) is dedicated to equipping communities with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize when a veteran is in crisis and to respond with confidence and compassion. This presentation focuses on understanding the warning signs of suicidal ideation, the unique stressors veterans face, and practical steps anyone can take to intervene early. Participants will also learn about the local and national resources available to support veterans in crisis, ensuring no one is left to struggle alone. Through education and awareness, VAN empowers communities to save lives and stand united in the fight against veteran suicide.

Learning Objectives: learn what the warning signs are that a veteran is in crisis and the resources available to help that veteran.

DeAndre Nixon

DeAndre Nixon

Proficient Pro LLC

Navy wartime Veteran with 20+ years of business experience, combining mission-driven leadership with entrepreneurial strategy. Holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Baldwin Wallace University. Certified Master Life Coach, business consultant, and entrepreneur. Learn how to apply military-style planning to define your vision, achieve goals, and execute with confidence.

Session:
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM — Training Area B

From Camouflage to CEO: Strategies for Veterans Starting a New Business

Veterans & Military Family Entrepreneurship & Small Business Beginner

The battlefield and the boardroom require the exact same core DNA: discipline, decisive leadership, rapid adaptability, and a commitment to the mission. But transitioning from executing a chain of command to building your own business from the ground up requires a shifting of your tactical gears.

Session:
01:00 PM – 01:45 PM — Training Area B

Clarity: Mapping Your Next Tactical Move

Veterans & Military Family Employment & Careers Beginner

Treating personal goals with the same strategic precision as a military operation. How to define a clear vision so you can execute it flawlessly.