Our Board

Founder

The founder and CEO of A Soldier's Hands, collaborates with our interns, board of directors, and volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of our organization. She oversees packaging events, manages football canteens, and provides guidance to volunteers in letter-writing initiatives. Additionally, she establishes connections with schools and organizations for sponsorship, delivers speeches at various events, and occasionally takes charge of candy pick-ups.

Beyond her involvement with A Soldier's Hands, Trish serves as a Mary Kay consultant, dedicated to helping others feel beautiful in their own skin. Alongside these roles, she fulfills the roles of a wife and mother to her 3 daughters and son. 

Liaison of Military Affairs

A 1991 graduate of Auburn University, served 26 years in the Alabama Army National Guard, specializing in Armor and Cavalry. He retired in May 2019. Van Horn held various roles, including tank crewman, Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Company Commander, and more. He commanded a Cavalry Troop during Operation Iraqi Freedom and participated in Noble Eagle missions, relief efforts, and border missions. 

His notable awards include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and others. Currently, he serves as a civilian instructor at the US Army Armor School in Fort Moore, GA. Van Horn is a 2012 graduate of the United States Army Cavalry Leaders Course and holds various other Army course certifications. David was the commander of the first unit that kickstarted A.S.H., and now serves as our expert in all military work. 

Outside of his military career, he is married to Cayce Gordy Van Horn, has two sons, and resides in Auburn, AL, with their cats and Great Pyrenees dogs.

Chief Financial Officer

An accomplished senior executive, transforms companies by optimizing finance, accounting, and administrative functions globally. With 20 years of Fortune 50 experience, including roles at DuPont and Bristol-Myers Squibb, she excels in strategic leadership, fostering diverse high-performing teams.

As the Founder and CEO of Priorities Group, Inc., Pam serves as a fractional CFO for startups and entrepreneurs, offering expertise in finance and strategy. She is also a sought-after speaker at small-business conferences and the author of "Your First CFO: The Accounting Cure for Small Business Owners." Her experience helps A.S.H handle all things financial.

Pam holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA from the University of Delaware, is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania, and her impactful journey is detailed at www.PamPrior.com

Communications Director

Jennifer Prior is a writer, editor, and behind-the-scenes doer who loves helping good people do meaningful work in the world. She has spent the last decade working with start-ups in the biotech, finance, and publishing industries and has been fortunate to collaborate with some of the most talented, scrappy, and vision-driven teams out there.

Since 2021, she has led communications for A Soldier’s Hands, making sure supporters stay connected to the mission and to the service members they continue to show up for. Jennifer lives in Herndon, Virginia with her husband and their growing menagerie of rescues: two cats and a dog (so far!)

Broadcasting Management

Michelle McConnell is a seasoned media and radio professional with over 35 years of experience across Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Texas. She's worked with respected outlets including KRLD 1080 AM, WBLF Magnum Broadcasting, Metro Traffic, USA Radio News, WBAP, and KCBI. Michelle also spent 13 years as the Campus/Job Placement Director at the American Broadcasting School, mentoring future broadcasters.

Currently based in Texas, Michelle owns a family farm, a voice-over and production company, and freelances as a photographer. Driven by a passion for storytelling and community, she believes in the power of radio to raise awareness and inspire action. She’s been nominated for the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and Radio Music Awards, holds a Golden Mic from the Texas Association of Broadcasters, and even helped secure a Guinness World Record for a radio station. She’s also a certified storm chaser.

Creative Director

Mattee Stoicheff is a passionate advocate for honoring and supporting veterans, deeply influenced by her family’s military legacy. As the daughter and granddaughter of a U.S. Marine Sergeant who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and an Army Vietnam Veteran, Mattee has been inspired from an early age by the sacrifices made by those who serve. Her commitment to service is reflected in her dedication to volunteering for organizations that are larger than herself.

Currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Marketing, Mattee is enthusiastic about the power of marketing to create meaningful impact and drive change. Through her work, Mattee remains committed to keeping the stories of veterans alive, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten, and helping to make a difference in the lives of those who have and are currently serving our country.

Marketing Director

Francis Plata is a dynamic entrepreneur and media strategist, serving as the CEO of Forward Press Media,Co-Founder of Good To Go Visuals, and Chief Marketing Officer of Priorities Group Inc.

With expertise in AI-driven marketing, media production, and business operations, he helps brands and organizations amplify their impact through innovative digital solutions. Francis is passionate about storytelling, process optimization, and leveraging technology to drive meaningful engagement and business growth.