Executive Team

Lisa Dinga

President, CEO, Co-Founder

Working in the non-profit sector for 40 years, Lisa Dinga is excited to bring her diverse philanthropic and nonprofit expertise to serve Grace & Valor and their clients. Over the years many family members have served in the Military and currently my Granddaughter is serving. That, along with friends serving in Law Enforcement, she learned how needs often extend beyond available resources. After having a community needs assessment completed and speaking with both the military and law enforcement communities, Dinga and 4 other professionals joined together to help fill that void with Grace & Valor. Dinga’s career has been dedicated to helping nonprofits and foundations grow in their strategic vision, fundraising and leadership capacity, resulting in increased capacity to fulfill their mission. She also developed a platform on which multiple nonprofits came together to create supportive, collaborative partnerships, which improved outcomes for their clients. Born and raised in St. Louis she has 3 grown children and 6 granddaughters whom she loves immensely. Her faith guides her and she has lived her life trying to make a positive difference in the lives of others. What is one random act of kindness you could do today that might bring a smile?

Sue Wagener

VP, Board Treasurer, Co-Founder

Sue serves as the Vice President and Treasurer of our organization, bringing decades of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to those who serve our communities and our nation. A passionate advocate for active and retired military personnel, first responders, and their families, she has devoted countless hours to supporting causes that strengthen and uplift others. In addition to her role with Grace & Valor, Sue proudly served for seven years on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis County Police Family Association, where she worked to support law enforcement officers and their families through community outreach, fundraising, and family-focused initiatives. Sue’s integrity, servant leadership, and steadfast dedication to giving back make her an invaluable member of our leadership team and a trusted advocate for the mission of our organization.

Susan Crane

Board Chair, Co-Founder

Born and raised in St. Louis, Susan Crane has dedicated much of her life to serving others and strengthening her community. Her passion for helping those in need has been shaped by several years of volunteer service supporting military members, veterans, and their families, along with volunteer work for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Susan brings more than 25 years of experience in sales, technology, and business development, having held leadership positions with AT&T, Mitel, and Tech Electronics. Throughout her career, she has built strong relationships and earned a reputation for integrity, collaboration, and helping others find solutions. As Chair of Grace & Valor, Susan is honored to help lead the organization’s mission of supporting military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, and their families with compassion, dignity, and practical assistance.

MaryLynne Henning

Board Secretary, Co-Founder

Mary Lynne has dedicated more than 50 years to providing executive-level administrative leadership, building a career defined by professionalism, discretion, and unwavering support for organizational success. She currently serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO of GrayMatter Systems.

Mary Frances Ditter

Logistics, Board Member, Co-Founder

Mary Frances Ditter has dedicated more than 40 years to serving her community through both her professional life and volunteer efforts. As the owner of a licensed in-home daycare facility for 32 years, she positively impacted the lives of countless children and families, while her family’s fireworks stand became a beloved community tradition for over 40 years. As a proud American, Mary Frances has always believed in giving back and support those who serve others. Through decades of volunteer service, she has demonstrated unwavering patriotism, compassion, and a deep desire to strengthen the communities she proudly calls home.

Board Members

Ann Ellis

Dir. of National Accts. - Government

My professional background has been in government healthcare sector, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Hospitals for the last 14 years. As the Director of National Accounts-VA, I manage the sales and distribution of our products, which are offered on Formulary, Federal Supply Schedule, and open market. I am passionate about improving health and wellness by providing the best pharmaceutical and medical products for the healthcare sector. I have a strong track record of increasing revenue, market share, and customer satisfaction, thanks to my strategic partnerships, aggressive pricing, and high-quality products. I have a business administration degree and a minor in marketing from the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business, which equipped me with the skills and knowledge to excel in my field. I am also skilled in pharmaceuticals, orthopedics, laboratory, various hospital specialties, disease management, team building, and management, which enables me to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to my clients with strong professional relationships. Most of all, I love serving our veterans who sacrificed so much for us.

Karen Green

Founder

Karen Kares

Karen Green is a native of St Louis. She is the founder of Karen Kares for Those Who Serve and a passionate advocate for first responders and their families. She is dedicated to organizing community events and fundraisers. Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to service, Karen works to make a lasting impact in the St. Louis community.

Nancy Pollock

Community Volunteer

Boeing (Retired)

Nancy Pollock holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a Masters Degree in Human Resources. She retired from the Boeing company after 25 years of service, serving the last ten years in the Ethics Department. Nancy and her husband of 51 years, Rick reside in St. Charles and are the proud parents of one son, two granddaughters and one great-granddaughter. Nancy and Rick have been actively involved in Moolah Shriners for almost 30 years. Nancy has served as president of the Moolah Temple Club. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys reading, doing Legos and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks.

Jenny Roff

Educator

Fox School District

Jennifer Roff is an educator with the Fox C-6 School District who is passionate about helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. She also brings more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit administration, grant management, communications, and organizational leadership. Throughout her career, Jennifer has enjoyed building relationships, supporting meaningful initiatives, and helping organizations make a positive impact in their communities. Jennifer’s connection to Grace & Valor became deeply personal when her daughter, Claire, enlisted in the Missouri Air National Guard. Through that experience, she gained a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made not only by service members and first responders, but also by their families. She is honored to serve on the Board of Directors and is committed to supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Missouri. Whether in the classroom or through her volunteer service, she believes that compassion, connection, and a strong community can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Nicol Schmidt

National Benefits Consultant

Orlando Family Foundation

Born and raised in St. Louis, I grew up in my family’s catering business, where I developed a strong work ethic and a passion for serving others. Today, I am a National Benefits Consultant, partnering with businesses across the country to provide innovative healthcare coverage solutions that meet the unique needs of employers and their employees. I am blessed to be married and the proud mother of four adult children. Being “Grandma” to one grandchild, with another on the way, has quickly become one of life’s greatest joys and highlights. Giving back has always been an important part of who I am. I am honored to serve my community through my family’s nonprofit, the Orlando Family Foundation for Charities, and I look forward to expanding that service by supporting veterans in our community. Above all, my faith guides my life. I have a heart for serving others, love the Lord, and strive to make a positive difference wherever He leads me.

Advisory Board Members

Major General (Ret.) Will Blaylock

Executive Director

MO National Guard Assoc.

MAJOR GENERAL (retired) William (Will) B. Blaylock II Major General (ret) Will Blaylock currently is the Executive Director of the Missouri National Guard Association, a non-profit organization the supports the Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard. Major General William B. Blaylock retired in March of 2023 after serving as the Commanding General of the 35th Infantry Division from July 2019 - March 2023. During his tenure, the division deployed as the command and control for Task Force Spartan in the Middle East. Prior to this assignment, he served as the Deputy Commanding General – Support for the 35th Infantry Division. He commanded at all levels down to Company Command. Previous assignments include the Director of Logistics and Engineering (J-4), at the National Guard Bureau in Washington, DC., Chief of Staff, Missouri Army National Guard; Commander, 35th Engineer Brigade; Director of Plans (J-5), Missouri National Guard; Commander, 1140th Engineer Battalion; Chief of Information Management Branch, Missouri National Guard; and Executive Officer, 1138th Engineer Battalion – Baghdad, Iraq. In his civilian career, MG Blaylock retired in 2017 as the Chief Information Officer for the Rockwood School District located in west St. Louis County, Missouri. He served in the school district for 28 years beginning as a classroom teacher and transitioning to the Technology Department. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), the Bronze Star Medal and the Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal. MG Blaylock graduated from Parkway North High School in 1984. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1988. He earned a Master’s Degree in Education Technology from Webster University in 1994 and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the Army War College in 2011. He is married to Jill and they have two sons – Ian and Austin who reside in St. Louis County. Will and Jill attend Central Baptist Church in Eureka, MO.

Jon Grander

Principal Consultant

ERA Group

Jon Grander brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in operations, commercial real estate, cost optimization, crisis management, and organizational transformation. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant with ERA Group, helping organizations identify savings and improve performance. Previously, Jon served as Chief Operating Officer of DCM Group and held senior leadership roles with Caleres and Lowe’s Home Centers. Throughout his career, Jon has worked closely with law enforcement on security, loss prevention, crisis response, and other operational matters, giving him a deep appreciation for those who serve and protect their communities. He is a published thought leader and speaker whose faith guides his belief that strong communities are built through service, compassion, and meaningful connections. A longtime St. Louis resident, Jon is married and has three children and one grandchild. He also serves on the Wildwood Family YMCA Board. Jon is honored to serve on the Grace & Valor Advisory Board and support military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, and their families.

Kevin McCarthy

Community Volunteer

Kevin has entertained radio listeners, locally, nationally and internationally, he has also Co-hosted and Produced a national syndicated Travel Planning radio show as well the Travel Planners TV Show as well as his voice is easy recognizable from all his voice over work with local businesses. St. Louis is blessed to have his talents for not only entertaining, and hard hitting news reports, but also supporting local charities by serving on Boards, Advisory Boards, Committees and serving as a MC at many charity galas, including: United Cerebral Palsy; International coordinator of “Day of the Child”; Operation Liftoff; Daughters of St. Paul; Help Concerts; Multiple Sclerosis Association; American Cancer Society; March of Dimes; American Lung Association; Leukemia Society, Parkinsons Disease Association, Youth In Need. Co-Host (On Camera Talent) St. Louis Variety Club Telethon and Co-hosting KICK; Internationally syndicated International Council of Kickboxing. With a military background himself, as well as family members serving, he is excited to serve on the Grace & Valor Advisory Board, where together no one walks alone. Kevin has a wide range of valuable talents and media experiences. From 1972 through 1982, as a well-known radio personality, you could hear him on KCFI, KWWL, WCVS, WMAY, KIRL, SKLQ, KADI and KSD FM. From 1982-1995, he was a Broadcaster and well-known radio personality with CBS-KMOX/KHTR/KLOU Morning & Afternoon Drive Personality, News Presenter, Traffic Announcer, Music Director, Promotions Director, Public Affairs Director, Talk Show host & production. 1982-1995, Broadcaster, CBS-KMOX/KHTR/KLOU; Morning & Afternoon Drive Personality, News Presenter, Traffic Announcer, Music Director, Promotions Director, Public Affairs Director, Talk Show host & production. Reported live at the royal wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. Reported live at the fall of the Berlin Wall. Developed KMOX/CBS Eastern European broadcast and arranged for Visa, Passport, and Press ID’s; travel arrangements; and broadcast locations from Berlin, Prague, Budapest, Warsaw, and Moscow. Coordinated the first live talk show from Saudi Arabia. Reported from Moscow on Provide Hope Food Flights. Coordinated International Good Will Project between Russia and the United States of America to include planting a tree from George Washington’s estate on the Russian “White House” lawn with the Vice-president of Russia and planting a tree from Leo Tolstoy’s estate in Arlington National Cemetery.

Peggy Snyder

Community Volunteer

Supports Many

Ben Wohlschlaeger

VP Operations & Logistics

Tacony Corporation

Ben Wohlschlaeger is Vice President of Operations & Logistics at Tacony Corporation, where he oversees supply chain, business analytics, and operational strategy across multiple facilities. He specializes in building scalable systems, improving efficiency, and using data to drive better business decisions. Outside of his professional role, Ben is a proud husband and father of 2 daughters who values time spent with his family. He enjoys being outdoors—whether traveling, exploring, or tracking down a new bird species for his life list—and brings a disciplined, service-oriented mindset shaped by his time as a U.S. Marine.

Interested in being considered for the Board or Advisory Board?

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