Meet our Board of Directors
In any organization, it all starts and stops with the leadership team. Please take a few minutes to read and learn a bit about your Board of Directors here at Tactical Retreat Unplugged.
Matthew Brandt – Founder/President
Matthew is a 10-year veteran of the United States Navy and former Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Reagan White House as a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. He then served five-years aboard the U.S.S. Duluth LPD-6 and finally a tour as a Recruit Company Commander at Recruit Training Center, San Diego, CA. Matthew left the Navy and spent the next 30-years in law enforcement working as a Deputy Sheriff, Police and Detective Sergeant and after 9/11 took his leadership skills to the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. Matthew has been a professional speaker, trainer and is the author of two books on leadership. Matthew is a trauma survivor and has worked exceptionally hard to create Tactical Retreat Unplugged as a place of safety, wellness, inspiration and learning. Providing an off grid venue and transformational programs is what keeps Matthew alive today. He has B.A. Degree in Public Administration and an M.A. Degree in Organizational Management. Matthew resides in Tazewell, Virginia.
Anthony Graff – Vice President
Anthony “Tony” Graff is a 20+ year veteran of the United States Navy and former Chief Petty Officer. Tony held a multitude of assignments in his 20+ year career, including both shore and sea assignments. He has been a drug and alcohol counselor, trainer and is an exceptional motivator. After the Navy, Tony has worked with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Homeland Security and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Tony resides in Burelson, Texas.
Bethany Brandt- Secretary
Bethany Brandt is an integral part of Tactical Retreat Unplugged and has been involved in the creation, development and implementation of its facilities and programs from the very beginning. Bethany spent over 30-years in the orthodontic health care field in addition to raising her family along the way. She is the creative mind behind all that you see and find at Tactical Retreat Unplugged and provides our organization with the administrative strength it requires. Bethany resides in Tazewell, Virginia.
Craig Nelson- Board Member
Craig Nelson is a licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and family grief counselor. He has served for more than 32 years in the mortuary service and continues to this day. He has a vast amount of experience in the mortuary service and as you can imagine has dealt with a multitude of traumatic events in his life and career. Craig has recently began serving as a certified Celebrant for weddings and funerals. He has a positive attitude, a captivating demeanor and understands the grieving process in ways most of us can only imagine. Craig has an AS Degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science and a B.A. degree in Religious Studies from Oregon State University. Craig resides in Edmonds, WA
Pamela Dysart- Board Member
Pamela Dysart is a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota in the Family Social Science Department. Passionate about intercultural community engagement and service, she has taught English as a Second Language, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Armenia, volunteered in hospital settings, worked with immigrants and refugees, and hospice agencies. Her research interests include transnational resettlement, death and bereavement practices and prevention science.
Lisa Cruikshank- Board Member
Lisa is a proud daughter of a United States Marine. Emulating her father’s strong work ethic and dedication to serving others led her to a career in education. Lisa graduated from the University of Oregon, with a Bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric and Communications and earned a Master’s degree in education with an additional 60+ graduate credits, while raising three children. This has helped her, as a 20+ year veteran teacher, touch the lives of hundreds of students and their families. As a classroom teacher in a public school she has served on many committees advocating for increased efficacy in science, literacy and math. She is currently on the leadership team for safety and emergency protocols. Lisa believes in unity and was one of ten educators selected for the University of Vermont’s Asian Studies Outreach in Japan, bringing Japanese culture to rural Vermont schools. The hope in this endeavor; to make the world a little smaller in support of peace. Lisa resides in Montpelier, VT.
Jim Parkin- Board Member- Financial Advisor
Jim Parkin is a retired financial executive (Oregon CPA-inactive) who spent 35 years at Deloitte & Touche LLP, a global accounting, tax and consulting firm. He serves part-time as Executive in Resident at Oregon State University College of Business, teaching and mentoring first generation business and accounting majors. Jim is on the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army of North Texas, the largest social service provider in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He previously served as Chair of Oregon State University College of Business Advisory Council, where he continues to serve as a Council member. Jim has a passion to use his talents to help those in need. Jim and his wife Debby reside in Dallas, Texas.
Chessie- Retreat Support Dog
Chessie is a 7-year old golden lab/retriever mix and comes from a mother and father that were also therapy dogs in Texas. Chessie just wants to be with you, sit next to you and of course receive a good back scratch. She also gives great hugs. A quiet demeanor, she will provide necessary companionship, emotional support and will be available whenever you need here while at the Retreat.