MAPDA Ambassadors: Passionate Advocates for Community Engagement

With over 30 years of distinguished service in the government, Rear Admiral Steve Oswald, USN (ret.) has excelled in various high-profile roles within both the U.S. Navy and NASA. His remarkable career includes serving as a naval aviator, test pilot, Space Shuttle astronaut, and senior executive. As an astronaut, Steve made significant contributions to three Space Shuttle missions. He commanded the STS-67 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in March 1995 after previously piloting two missions aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1992 and 1993. From 1996 to 1998, he held the position of Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Operations at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where he oversaw the Space Shuttle, Expendable Launch Vehicle, and Space Communications programs. During this time, he also recognized the importance of community engagement in promoting safety and awareness in various fields, including drug abuse prevention initiatives. After retiring from NASA in early 2000, Rear Admiral Oswald served for nearly two years as Deputy Commander of a Washington-based Joint Task Force for Computer Network Operations, where his team defended more than three million Department of Defense computers and their associated networks. In 2002, Steve transitioned into a senior executive role at Boeing, serving as Vice President and Program Manager of Boeing’s Space Shuttle program. In this capacity, he supported United Space Alliance and NASA in the operation of the Space Shuttle system based in Houston, TX with additional operations at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and in Huntington Beach, California. In late 2008, Steve became the Vice President and General Manager of Boeing’s Intelligence & Security Systems (I&SS) business unit. Under his leadership, I&SS provided integrated solutions for intelligence and homeland security clients, including Customs and Border Protection and multiple intelligence agencies, while also promoting opioid awareness through various outreach programs. The unit boasted revenues exceeding $1 billion annually and employed more than 3,500 personnel at over 20 sites nationwide. RADM Oswald is a proud alumnus of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated in 1973 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and he completed his formal training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in 1978. Steve currently resides in Durango, CO, with his wife, former US Congresswoman Mary Bono.

Kim Waltrip is a distinguished filmmaker and philanthropist dedicated to her craft and committed to community engagement by shining a light on important social issues. Drawing from her personal experiences with the devastating loss of her step-son due to fentanyl poisoning, she harnesses the power of storytelling to raise awareness about the impact of opioid abuse on individuals, families, and communities. Through her work, she advocates for drug abuse prevention initiatives. Kim is a widow of ski legend Jon Reveal, a mother to Griffin Wade, stepmother to Stefan Reveal, and a grandmother of four, cherishing her family while striving to make a difference.

Emmy winning actress Eileen Davidson is known to millions of television viewers as Ashley Abbott on the number one rated daytime drama 'The Young and the Restless' and also as Kristen Dimera on 'Days of Our Lives.' She has made several Primetime television appearances, including being a regular on the series 'Broken Badges,' opposite Miguel Ferrer and Ernie Hudson. Additionally, she has starred in several feature films, including '7 Days to Vegas' alongside her husband Vince Van Patten, who also wrote the film. Eileen was one of the first actresses to appear on the pop culture reality show 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' for three seasons. Beyond her acting career, she actively participates in community engagement initiatives, focusing on drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness. She resides in Malibu, California, with her husband and their son Jesse, and she is also the stepmother of Duke and Vinny Van Patten.

Brooke Beare is an Emmy-winning journalist and government communicator with a strong commitment to community engagement. Graduating cum laude from the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California, Brooke began her broadcast journalism career at two NBC affiliates in Texas. During that time, she was fortunate enough to interview Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, several governors, and cover the breakup of the Space Shuttle Columbia from the ground. Over the next 16 years, she established herself as a respected investigative journalist, working in San Diego and eventually serving as the evening news anchor for the CBS affiliate in Palm Springs. In addition to her journalism work, Brooke is now the spokesperson and public information officer for the Riverside County District Attorney’s office, where she plays a vital role in drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness initiatives.

Anthony and Wanda boast 40 years of experience in the print and graphic industry, during which they have made significant contributions to community engagement. They relocated from Pasadena to establish and expand The Printing Place in the Coachella Valley, where they have supported various initiatives, including drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness programs. Additionally, Anthony served as a South Pasadena police reserve for 10 years, retiring in 1991. In 1996, Anthony and his wife Wanda opened the first of several World Gym fitness centers in the Coachella Valley. Through their printing company, they have supported numerous charitable events over the years.

Lita Brannan leads Libra Strategies, a government consulting firm that emphasizes community engagement in various sectors. Previously, she served as Vice President of Government Relations at Cboe Global Markets, Inc., where she was Cboe's sole Washington, DC-based associate, managing the company's government relations and representing Cboe on Capitol Hill. In this role, Brannan engaged with members of the House of Representatives and the Senate from both sides of the aisle, educating them and their staff about Cboe's business. She was crucial in communicating Cboe's positions on various issues facing the financial industry, including topics related to drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness, advocating for the industry as a whole. With more than 25 years of experience representing the derivatives industry on Capitol Hill, Lita has had a significant impact on legislative discussions. Before joining Cboe, she headed the Washington office of CME Group and spent 14 years in various roles at CME, including coordinating activities in Washington for its political action committee (PAC). Brannan holds a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University.

Doug Dvorak is the CEO of The Sales Coaching Institute, a worldwide organization that assists clients with sales & marketing leadership consulting, sales productivity, and customer success/experience management workshops. Mr. Dvorak has earned an international reputation for his powerful educational methods and motivational techniques, as well as his experience in all levels of business, corporate education, and success training. His background in sales, leadership, and management has allowed him to become one of the world’s most sought-after consultants, lecturers, and teachers. Doug is a master certified sales coach & trainer and certified management consultant, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing Management & Doctor of Laws, h.c. With over 30 years of experience leading and managing worldwide sales & marketing teams in the information technology and renewable energy sectors, he has also contributed to community engagement initiatives, particularly in drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness. Doug has served as CSO/CMO for WorldNet & Boca Research (NASDAQ: BOCI), leading 3 start-up technology companies to exceed over $35M in sales. He has extensive experience in coaching & mentoring sales organizations and executives across 50+ countries. Doug is a member of the National Speakers Association and an Advisory Board Member of “Best Buddies International, Inc.,” dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. In August 2014, Doug was inducted into the Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame, joining only 68 other motivational speakers in this prestigious club, including luminaries like Zig Ziglar, Ronald Reagan, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Bill Clinton. Doug is also a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest earned designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA). He has presented to over 1 million people on 5 continents.

Ceceilia Frazier is a 2023 graduate of Fordham University, holding a Bachelor of Science in psychology with an English minor. During her time at Fordham, she actively participated in community engagement initiatives, particularly those focused on drug abuse prevention, including projects aimed at opioid awareness in the Bronx and Queens, as well as efforts related to incarceration reform and community re-entry. Ceceilia interned for two summers on Capitol Hill and spent another summer in the financial services industry, where she concentrated on client communications and management. Currently residing in Washington, DC, she enjoys exploring the Capitol and visiting the city's music venues with friends.

Randy is a full-time resident of the Coachella Valley with his wife of 43 years, Kay. He retired twice, first after a 39-year banking career where he managed some of the highest producing mortgage teams in the country. In his final position as National Director of Home Building Services for a top 5 bank, Randy oversaw production that eventually exceeded $2 billion per year across 45 states. After leaving the mortgage banking world, he accepted the role of President and CEO of the Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, but is now happily fully retired. Randy spends most of his time writing, traveling with his wife, and trying to get his granddaughters to return his calls, while also consulting for non-profits in the Coachella Valley. His commitment to community engagement is evident as he has officiated over 40 weddings in the Valley since arriving in 2011. He previously served as Chairman of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership and was a board member of Lifestream Blood Services and the Boys and Girls Club of Coachella Valley. In addition to his work with local non-profits, Randy co-hosts the popular podcast, Big Conversations/Little Bar, with KESQ TV personality Patrick Evans. In 2018, Randy and Kay began to see the effects of the horrific issue of prescription and opioid drug use. This challenge prompted a conversation with Kim Waltrip, which confirmed his desire to be part of the solution. He is now committed to drug abuse prevention efforts and providing any time and energy needed to combat this issue that is taking away the people most dear to us.

Jenell VanDenBos, a 30-year resident of the Coachella Valley, California, raised her children in this vibrant community and is deeply committed to its growth and well-being. Passionate about the desert lifestyle, she enjoys year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, tennis, and aspiring to play golf, while also being an avid supporter of the local sports scene, including the Firebirds. Her expertise in real estate has earned her national recognition, ranking in the top 1% of Trulia agents nationwide. Jenell’s insights have been featured in both local and national publications, showcasing her professional prowess. Beyond her career, Jenell's commitment to community engagement is evident in her role as President of the Women Leaders Forum for three years, where she empowered local professional women and significantly contributed to community education. In 2023, she designed and hosted a symposium focused on drug abuse prevention and opioid awareness, which aired on KESQ and was supported by the Women Leaders Forum. Additionally, Jenell advocates for child welfare, having served as a supporter and past board member for Olive Crest, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse. She remains an active member of the Desert Valley Builders Association, staying deeply involved in the region’s real estate market and community development.