The Support Team
NEIL MULLANEY
Executive Director
Neil Mullaney, Col (Ret) USAF, has a passion for our community and desires to use his extensive military and business career to further HOW’s mission. Prior to HOW, Neil served as the Chief Operating Officer for Humana Military. He proudly served 24 years with the United States Air Force, including four combat tours and two combat commands.
Learn more about Neil:
A Heart for Service. A Head for Leadership.
From Colonel to COO – It’s Harder than It Looks
Development and Community Engagement
Development Director
With a passion for supporting the HOW community, Laura uses her strong business acumen to spearhead development strategies and cultivate partnerships that provide purpose. She strongly believes in fostering individual and community philanthropic relationships to achieve donor goals while aligning with HOW’s mission and vision.
MK METYKO
Community Engagement Manager
Mary Kathryn (MK) has a deep personal passion for mental health and has over a decade of experience working in mental health for veterans and first responders. She is excited to be part of HOW and further the mission.
Communications Manager
Faeda has a passion for visual communications in the nonprofit world. She has over 20 years of experience as a brand, design, and marketing professional serving multiple industries. She joined the HOW team in 2017.
Volunteer Program
Volunteer Program Director
As a longtime HOW supporter, Camille was excited to lend her vast expertise in kayak fishing and volunteer management to Heroes on the Water full time. She is the wife of a Houston PD Homicide Investigator – Retired and believes wholeheartedly in the HOW mission.
Learn more about Camille: Healing Through Volunteering
MARÍA CASTAÑEDA
National Program Coordinator
Before Heroes on the Water, María was a Federal Agent, Computer Lab Manager and Assistant Community Outreach Patrol Officer. She and her husband Rudy lead the Rio Grande Valley Texas chapter.
Learn more about Maria: Healing Starts Here | We Are Their Family Now
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Jason Austin is a long-time participant and believer in Heroes on the Water. SFC Austin spent the majority of his military career as a Military Policeman and is the recipient of the Purple Heart along with many other commendations.
Learn more about Jason: My Purple Heart is at Heaven’s Gate | Watch Video
PRISCILLA MONTOYA
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Priscilla is a long-time supporter and volunteer helping military members and their families alongside her husband, who is retired from the Air Force. Priscilla’s passion is to help people and put a smile on each person that crosses her path. She believes in the HOW mission and looks forward to supporting our volunteers.
Learn more about Priscilla: Invisible Injuries
Therapeutic Programs
Therapeutic Programs Director
As one of the volunteers who worked in the early days of HOW alongside founder Jim Dolan, Joe has a long-time passion for Heroes on the Water. His current role allows him to do two things he loves – support others and kayak fish.
Learn more about Joe: Fatherhood, Family and Fishing
PAUL MARTIN
Therapeutic Programs Manager
Before Joining the Heroes on the water team, Paul was a Sergeant in the Army and locksmith. He and his wife Dawn lead the BAMC therapeutic program and recently assumed a new roll allowing him to support all other therapeutic programs.
Research Coordinator
Shelby began her journey with HOW as a recreational therapist (CTRS) bringing participants to the BAMC therapeautic program. She joined the team as the Research Coordinator to research the experiences of HOW participants and share the benefits with others. Shelby also works full-time at Texas State University teaching future recreational therapists.
Finance
RANDY RAMLER
Finance and Administration Director
With over 30 years U.S. and international experience in corporate accounting, finance and general management, Randy oversees the financial area of Heroes on the Water. He is a CPA with a Master’s Degree in International Management.
