About

About The Warrior Alliance

Our mission is to help Warriors and their families achieve a fulfilling civilian
life by promoting collaboration between the organizations that can support them
during the transition from military service.

Our Values

The Warrior Alliance core values are the principles that guide our choices as individuals and as an organization.
Committed
Trust
Accountable
Excellence
Learn & Grow
Committed
We dedicate ourselves to the mission, performing to a higher standard, and going the "extra mile" for our Warrior clients, team, and partners.
Trust
We do what we say we are going to do.
Accountable
We hold ourselves responsible for delivering expected results and outcomes.
Excellence
We strive to be the gold standard for the nation and work to meet and exceed expectations of each other and our community.
Learn & Grow
We are a learning organization devoted to growing the skills and knowledge of our organization and driving continuous improvement.

Who We Serve

We view all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, all eras, all discharge status, their families, and caregivers as Warriors and we are committed to their successful transition.

Warrior Engagement

Our team goes “the extra mile” to understand the needs of the Warrior community and leverages the force multiplier of collaboration to invite, engage, and serve.

Warrior Outreach

Leadership

Our day-to-day team of leaders who keeps us marching toward our mission.

Scott Johnson

President/CEO

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Mark Eister GSU Military Outreach Director
Mark Eister

Vice President, Operations

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Jarrad Turner

Director of Strategic Partnerships

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Jon Baesman

VP of Development

Jason Amerson

Jason Amerson headshot

Director of Information Technology

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Olivia Garrison

Community Integration Program Manager

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Jeremy Tindell

Program Manager,
Operation Double Eagle

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Patrick brown

Manager, Military Outreach

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Charlotte Gardner-Oliver

Intake Coordinator

Emily Waters
Warrior Navigator

Chantal Hill

Warrior Navigator

Roshae Allen

Warrior Navigator

Board of Directors

Community leaders, business executives and other key influencers who steer us in the right direction.

Hunter Hill

Board Chairman; Retired Georgia Senator, Executive SignatureFD

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Angela Blank

Overwatch Fund, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

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Linda Klein

Linda Klein

Senior managing shareholder at Baker Donelson. Past president of the American Bar Association.

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Max Hilsman

Max Hilsman

Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

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Dr. Jermaine Whirl

President of Augusta Technical College (ATC)

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Robert Mason

Managing Member of Mason Capital Partners

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John Thompson
Director, Risk Management for Cox Enterprises

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Scott Johnson

President & Executive Director

Scott is the Founder and President/CEO of The Warrior Alliance with over 30 years of experience as a corporate software and business/IT consulting services executive. He began his non-profit career by establishing two organizations in support of people with disabilities and transitioning military veterans. Scott’s business career spans numerous leadership roles in executive management to include business strategy and transformation, merger and acquisitions, organizational change management, sales and organization leadership, market development, global outsourcing and operational profit and loss. His business experience spans private and public sector as well as enterprise business development across the Americas, Europe, Far East and Asia. Mr. Johnson graduated with high honors from Michigan State University where he received a number of academic awards and is a founding associate of the University of Alabama’s Executive MBA MIS program.

Mark Eister

Vice President, Operations

Mark Eister is the Vice President, Operations at The Warrior Alliance and is responsible for the operational excellence, strategy, financial, administrative, and technology functions of the organization. Mr. Eister brings over 21 years of military service plus 10 years of direct support of veterans and their families. His most recent position was director of military and veteran services at a major university, where on multiple occasions his efforts resulted in being ranked the #1 Military and Veteran Friendly School in the Nation. Mr. Eister’s career in the U.S. Army culminated in the rank of E-9/Sergeant Major. Having served multiple overseas tours, a deployment to Afghanistan, and 15 family moves in 21 years, he fully appreciates the difficulties and sacrifices that service members and their families face. Mr. Eister also understands the unique challenges that veterans typically face as they transition from military to civilian life, which is why he is so passionate about helping veterans and their families thrive. Mr. Eister graduated from Liberty University with his Bachelor’s in Science degree (summa cum laude) and TUI University with an MBA (summa cum laude).

Jarrad Turner

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Jarrad Turner served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army for eight years as a 68W Health Care Specialist, 3rd Infantry Division.  Mr. Turner deployed twice to Iraq twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was wounded during an attack.  In 2010, he was medically separated from the military and was later admitted to the Shepherd Center Share Military Initiative for treatment for medical issues related to his injuries.  Mr. Turner has dedicated his post-military service to improving the quality and access to resources for his fellow veterans.  Since 2012, he has worked in various veteran service roles for the Atlanta VA Medical Center (VAMC), the Atlanta VA Regional Office (VARO), and as Senior National Service Officer (SNSO) for the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).   In 2017, he secured more than $2.2 million dollars in service connected benefits for WWP alumni in the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.  Mr. Turner graduated from Alabama State University with a Business Management degree in 1997.  During this time, he played football and participated in the gospel choir, and worked at the Southern Poverty Law Center.  Mr. Turner resides in the Atlanta area with his three children.  He enjoys coaching lacrosse, athletic endurance competitions, and participating in volunteer roles with numerous Atlanta area Veteran Services Organizations.

Jason Amerson

Director of Information Technology

Jason has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of Information Technology. Serving as Systems Engineer and Systems Administrator for state/city governments, police and private entities. His responsibilities have included data center build-outs/maintenance, records management, security, and client services. Mr. Amerson has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Systems Engineering with the Technology Association of Georgia.

Olivia Garrison

Warrior Outreach Lead

Olivia Garrison, Warrior Outreach Lead, brings many years of experience facilitating collaboration of Atlanta-based Veteran serving organizations. She began her service to others as an AmeriCorps alumni in 2012 and is especially passionate about assisting Veterans and their families.    As the local American Red Cross representative for the Community Blueprint in Atlanta, Olivia provided hands-on support of local Reservists, National Guard and Veteran populations in the face of emergencies. She also facilitated the group’s 39-member agencies to address Veterans’ issues and find actionable solutions, which then led to her accepting a volunteer role as Director of the Community Pillar for Vetlanta.   Olivia has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy University.

Jeremy Tindell

Operation Double Eagle Coordinator

Army Sergeant First Class, (Retired) Jeremy A. Tindell served as the former Brigade Career Counselor for the 15th Signal Brigade, located at Fort Gordon, GA. He entered the United States Army in 1998 and attended One Station Unit Training (OSUT) at Fort Benning, Georgia where he was trained as an Infantryman (11B). Upon graduating Airborne school and Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in Savannah, GA. He later trained in 2007 at Fort Jackson, SC where he was reclassified as a Career Counselor (79S).

His subsequent positions and duty assignments include:  Riflemen, Grenadier, Squad Automatic Rifleman, Machine Gunner, Team Leader, Company & Battalion Ammunition NCO, Bn S2 NCO, Bn Career Counselor

He has multiple deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom as part of Joint Special Operation Task Forces. He has also deployed to Afghanistan with an Aviation Task Force, all helping to fight the Global War on Terrorism.

Sergeant Tindell’s military schooling includes Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), Basic Non Commissioned Officers Course (BNCOC), Advanced Non Commissioned Officers Course (ANCOC); 75th Ranger Regiment’s Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP); Ranger School; Career Counselor Basic Course; Master Resiliency Trainers’ Course; Advanced Marksmanship Training; Advanced Close Quarters Combat Training; Modern Army Combatatives Level 1,2,3; Combat Life Savers Course; Personnel Security Management Course.

His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Campaign Stars, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal,Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star (4th Award), Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3rd Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), NATO Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Six oak leaf clusters and the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters. He has also been awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Action Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Army Parachutist Badge; Career Counselor Badge, the Korean Parachutist Badge, and South African Parachutist Badge.

Patrick Brown

Manager, Military Outreach

  Patrick is married with 4 children and has a bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise science from the University of Maine. A 9-year Army Infantry veteran that served in various duty stations, including Germany and Fort Benning, GA. Having served two overseas combat deployments and various training rotations in Eastern Europe before transitioning out of the military into a DoD contractor role for the US Army S.E.R.E school.

 

  He relocated back to Atlanta in 2017 and served as a military technical advisor for various film productions in the South East before transitioning to the non-profit sector as a Manager of Military Outreach with The Warrior Alliance.

 

 

Hunter Hill

Board Chairman; Retired Georgia Senator, Executive SignatureFD

SEN Hill graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in General Management and Civil Engineering, before joining the United States Army. He went on to graduate from the Airborne, the Air Assault, and the US Army Ranger Schools. In June 2001, Hunter took command of a rifle platoon with the 101st Airborne Division, which he led into battle in Afghanistan in 2002 and in Iraq in 2003. In addition to his combat roles, he also served as a General’s Aide in Iraq, and earned two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal and two Army Commendation Medals.

Angela Blank

Overwatch Fund, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

As a seasoned sales, marketing and branding professional, Angela Blank now dedicates her talents to building and growing causes that she is passionate about. Beginning her career at Graphic Solutions Group, Blank was a fundamental part of growing key brands.  From there, Blank became a Premium Sales Executive with Boundless Network. As a leader in building customer relationships and account management, Blank steered influential campaigns that widely increased brand response rates and overall marketing value. Angela Blank commits her diverse skills to enriching the community she resides in. In February 2017, Blank joined the University of Georgia Board of Visitors. As an ambassador for the university, Blank advocates for teaching, research and continued community service.   Angela also devotes her time to increasing exposure, funding, education and teen involvement in Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Georgia. Since 2013, she has served as the co-chair of Walk Like MADD 5k, the organizations largest annual fundraiser. With her leadership and strategic planning, MADD, the Atlanta Falcons and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation established a year-round partnership to expand MADD’s presence across the state of Georgia.

Linda Klein

Senior managing shareholder at Baker Donelson. Past president of the American Bar Association.

Linda Klein regularly counsels on business dispute prevention and resolution, contract law, risk and crisis management, media relations, ethics and governance.  She is particularly experienced in advising the construction, pharmaceutical and higher education industries.  She also advises lawyers, architects, accountants and other professionals at risk for large claims or their licenses.   Ms. Klein is a past president (CEO) of the American Bar Association, the largest voluntary professional association in the world.  Ms. Klein is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America®, Who’s Who in America and Chambers USA. She is regularly named to the Super Lawyers top 100 lawyers in Georgia.  In 1998, following her term as the first woman to serve as president of the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Trend Magazine named her one of the 100 most powerful and influential Georgians.   In the American Bar Association she previously served as chair of the House of Delegates, the association’s policy making body. She has also served as chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, and chair of ABA Day, the Association’s Congressional outreach effort. She is a recent member of the Council of the ABA Section of International Law and also serves as a columnist Law Practice Management Magazine. In 2013 Ms. Klein had the honor of being a McGlothlin fellow on the campuses of William and Mary’s Business and Law Schools. She delivered the commencement addresses at Georgia State University College of Law (2017), Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (2017), Pepperdine University School of Law (2016), and Washington and Lee University School of Law (2012), John Marshall Law School (2018).   In 2009 Ms. Klein was honored with the Randolph Thrower Award for Lifetime Achievement and was named to the YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. In 2004 the American Bar Association honored Ms. Klein with the prestigious Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Buckhead Coalition, on the advisory boards of Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. She is a past president of Southface Energy Institute, the Board of Directors’ Network, (now On Board), the Caucus of State Bars, and past chair of both the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Georgia and the Lawyers Foundation of Georgia. She also served a six-year term on Baker Donelson’s Board of Directors.  Ms. Klein has authored numerous published works. Her lecture schedule has included presentations in France, Sweden, Spain, Russia, Great Britain, Japan, Croatia, Poland and Canada, but most extensively in the southeast United States. She is a member of the American Law Institute, and a mediator and arbitrator, frequently serving as a neutral as well as a client advocate. WWW.BAKERDONELSON.COM Atlanta, GA 

Max Hilsman

Executive Director, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

An Atlanta native, Max attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. Upon Graduation, Max and his wife Ingrid moved to Germany where they lived for three years. While there, he was twice deployed to the former Yugoslavia in Bosnia and Kosovo where he served as both a Tank and Mortar platoon leader. Max finished his tour with the US Army at Ft Benning GA where he served as a Company Executive Officer for the Officer Candidate School.  Max is currently responsible for the Southeast Private Wealth Management business for Morgan Stanley – Helping our Ultra High Net Worth Clients address the complex financial issues which require highly specialized resources and a deep understanding of the concerns associated with significant wealth. Over the past 18 years, Max has held a series of leadership roles throughout the Southeast for the firm.  Outside of work, Max is a passionate supporter of numerous Veteran Support organizations and enjoys the adventures of being a dad to his two teenagers, Anna and Stuart.

Dr. Jermaine Whirl

President of Augusta Technical College (ATC)

Dr. Jermaine Whirl, an Aspen Fellow, is a nationally sought-after, award winning, authority in workforce and community college education. He currently serves as president of Augusta Technical College (ATC), a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. Before accepting the presidency at ATC, Dr. Whirl served as the chief academic, continuing education, and economic development officer of Greenville Technical College, and was responsible for the leadership of the college’s seven academic schools and continuing education division serving approximately 20,000 students a year on five campuses and three training centers. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics, finance, and organizational leadership he’s held deanships for a School of Business, School of Art & Design and Adult Education at several institutions in Georgia. He’s a graduate of the Executive Leadership Augusta Forum, Furman University’s Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI), the SC Economic Development Institute, Leadership Greenville Class 44, and Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2016. Dr. Whirl serves on regional and national boards, taskforces, and councils for organizations such as TD Bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Warrior Alliance, and the American Association of Community Colleges. Within the CSRA he serves on the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way of the CSRA Board, CSRA Regional Commission, and the CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon. He also holds an honorary board membership with the Morris Museum of Art and is a member of the Rotary Club of Augusta.

Robert Mason

Managing Member of Mason Capital Partners

Mason has invested in commercial real estate projects throughout the Southeastern US on behalf of the Mason family and their investment partners for over 25 years. Robert has also worked for some of the most respected firms in commercial real estate including CB Richard Ellis, Tishman Speyer, Hines, and Lincoln Property Company.  In total, Robert has been involved in over $4BN worth of transactions and has experience as a principal and an investor in office, hotel, multi-family, retail, and healthcare properties.  Robert is a Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude graduate of Vanderbilt University and has earned an MBA from The Wharton School with concentrations in Real Estate and Finance. 

John Thompson

Director, Risk Management for Cox Enterprises

John Thompson is Director, Risk Management for Cox Enterprises, a leading communications, media and automotive services company. 

He joined Cox Enterprises in July 2017 after retiring from the U.S. Army where he rose to the rank of Colonel, serving and commanding in a variety of conventional and special operations assignments.  Over his 30 year career he commanded at every level from company to brigade with his last command being the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment – The Night Stalkers. His strategic assignments include Joint Special Operations Command, The Pentagon, United States Forces Afghanistan and Defense Coordinating Officer FEMA Region IV.  He is a combat veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and several classified contingency operations.

Thompson is a graduate of the University of North Georgia, the Senior Military College of Georgia, and holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.  He currently serves as a board member on the North Georgia Corps of Cadets Association and Corps Advisory Council.  He is a proud father and grandfather of two children and 3 grandchildren.