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Dr. Vanessa Meade is a U.S. Army veteran and the project manager and co-chair of the steering committee for Operation Mary Louise.

Vanessa is an assistant professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage and she has a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. She is a licensed psychologist and licensed clinical social worker in Alaska.

A focus of her work is veterans issues in Alaska and mindfulness-based interventions in clinical and community practice. Vanessa has also worked with veterans as the founder of a non-profit for women veterans in Alaska and has facilitated mindfulness-based residential and online programs for veterans in Alaska and other areas of the United States.

Penney Champney is a United States Marine Corps veteran and the co-chair for the Operation Mary Louise Steering Committee.

Penney has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as a Master’s in Economics and International Relations. Penney served in the Marines for five years and was an overseas contractor prior to coming to Alaska. Her background is in finance, accounting, taxes, business management, and risk assessment covering a broad spectrum of industries including mainstream for-profit organizations, government entities, and nonprofit agencies.

Penney’s passion is to be connected to her mission to have an impact within her community and give back to others. Penney’s interests include social justice, veterans, and rescued animals. She is an active volunteer with several local nonprofits including veterans’ organizations, AARP Taxaide, and fostering dogs for the Matsu Animal Shelter.