Director

Betsy C. Montañez has over seventeen years of recruiting, career counseling, and Veterans Affairs experience. Her expertise and “leadership by example” approach as an advocate, a mentor, counselor and facilitator has garnered her respect and recognition as a “go to” team leader.

Associate Director

Ida holds an MA in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University and a BBA in Business Administration from Berkeley College. She has over 20 years of experience in higher education. Her expertise is in student financials, academics and student veteran services.

Communications Strategist

Richard Brookshire is a seasoned communications strategist, filmmaker and nationally renowned veteran advocate. He holds a BA from Fordham University, an MPA from Columbia University SIPA, and is a graduate of New York Film Academy’s Documentary Conservatory. The co-founder of Black Veterans Project, he is a former U.S. Army infantry combat medic and veteran of the war in Afghanistan.

Onboarding Coach

Marine Corp. veteran with 9 years of experience working with a multitude of veteran service organizations, veteran offices in higher education, and corporate veteran hiring initiatives.

Career Counselor

Preston Burger (he/him) has over 15 years of experience in workforce development. He has worked in various industries, including talent acquisition, higher education, non-profit youth and family services, and the performing arts. Preston earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Dance from Princeton University, his Master of Science in Education from Long Island University, and an Advanced Certificate in Project Management from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.