Who We Are

Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based nonprofit organization serving veterans, first responders, and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. We work one-on-one with local warriors, providing case-coordination services in collaboration with an array of partners.

Our Mission: We Connect. Lead. Inspire.

Our mission is to connect warriors and their family members to resources and opportunities, lead them through the process of self-empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace them as valued neighbors and friends.

Supporting those who’ve served our country and community isn’t charity. It’s our honor

Our Vision

Our vision is to restore warriors with a sense of purpose and to empower the Upstate community to support our warriors and their families.

Our Staff

With faceted leadership experience and a passion for service, our team is equipped and ready to help warriors and their families. Many of us have walked in the same shoes as military service members and first responders, so we understand their needs personally. Fueled by patriotism and comradery, our goal is to offer guidance with compassion.

Charlie Hall, Lieutenant Colonel, USMCR

President

Theresa Thompson

Chief Operating Officer

Russell Thompson

Director of Programs

Elisabeth Schatke

Director of Development

James Mulak

Director of Warrior Advocacy

Joshua Colburn

Anderson County Warrior Advocate

Nica Carson

Anderson County Warrior Advocate Coordinator

Serge McAvoy

Greenville County Warrior Advocate

Rick Palmer

Greenville County Warrior Advocate Coordinator

Tim Conrad

Pickens County Warrior Advocate

Lauren Luna

Oconee County Warrior Advocate Coordinator

Lauren O’Dell

Spartanburg County Warrior Advocate

Todd Good

Warrior Intake Specialist

Charlotte Edwardson

Community Engagement Manager

Seana McPherson

Donor Relations Manager

Alexandra (Ali) Marshall

Donor Relations Manager

Shannon Sports

Career Services

John Kiehl

Career Services

Virginia Barnes

Family Services Program Manager

Jonathan Keever

Justice Involved Veteran Outreach (JIVO) Program Manager

Heather Valle Brown

Marketing & Communications Manager

Lindsay Escher

RHVC Operations Manager

Rose Simpson

SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program Manager

Herb Franklin

Spiritual Support Program Manager

Jimmy Pregel

Justice Involved Veteran Outreach (JIVO) Program Coordinator

Matthew Lostaglia

Outdoor Recreation Program Coordinator

Jack Sterling

Veteran Entrepreneurship Program Manager

Nicole Anderson

SSG Fox Suicide Prevention Program Coordinator

Sandra Drake

Office Manager

Vera Petronis

Executive & Administrative Assistant

Sophia Pettey

HR Consultant

Deanna Heger

RHVC Guest Relations

Board of Directors

Composed of leaders with extensive experience in business, civic, and military affairs, our board of directors provides strategic guidance for our work. They serve with knowledge, dedication, and heart.

Mastin Robeson Major General, USMC (Ret)

Chairman of the Board

Richard Hagins Commander, USN (Ret)

Vice Chair

Todd R. Flippin

General Counsel & Secretary

E. Smyth McKissick, III

Treasurer & Sustainability Chair

Dwight McPherson

Audit Chair

Jim DeMint

Endowment Chair

Amy Kissam-Sands

Compliance Chair

Marianna Black Habisreutinger

Director

Tee Hooper

Director

Dan Cooper

Director

Tracy Swinney

Director

Lillian Brock Flemming

Director

Darwin Simpson Major General, USA (Ret)

Director

Craig Brown

Director

Paul Sparks

Director

Michael R. Fee

Director

Charles T. Wong, Jr.

Director

Foster McKissick

Director

Ally Powell

Director

John Hyatt

Director

Jennifer Buckner

Director

Jennings Lyon

Director

Alan Campbell

Board Member

Charlie Hall, Lieutenant Colonel, USMCR

President

Justice John W. Kittredge

Director Emeritus

Ambassador David Wilkins

Director Emeritus

Michael Riordan

Director Emeritus

William M. Webster, IV

Director Emeritus

Financial Stewardship

We pledge transparency to those who invest in our mission.  View our federal tax forms and third-party audits below:

Candid 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency

We are proud recipients of Candid’s 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency, which demonstrates our commitment to sharing our progress and impact in our community.

Charity Navigator

We are proud to have received the highest possible rating by Charity Navigator for our overall financial health and organizational accountability and transparency.

Secretary of State Emblem

SC State 2021 Angel Charity

Upstate Warrior Solution received the South Carolina Secretary of State’s 2021 Angel Charity award based on expenditures to charitable programs, use of volunteer services, and nominations from the public. We are proud of this recognition and the hard work of our team in service of our veterans.

Compliance

Upstate Warrior Solution is dedicated to providing comprehensive and realistic support services to warriors and families.  Maintaining a professional work environment, internally and externally, is of paramount concern. All staff and volunteers should adhere to standardized processes intended to provide guidance and support while ensuring that our clients get the care that best fits their current needs. We are committed to providing a safe, impartial, and solution-focused environment.  And as such, all complaints will be handled consistently and reasonably.

If you would like to discuss an issue related to Upstate Warrior Solution, our services, or our staff,  and do not feel comfortable talking with your assigned advocate, or their director, please complete the information below.  These requests are directed specifically to the Compliance Officer.

Compliance Submission Form
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