Leadership

Paul Thoma

Chief Marketing Officer

Paul Thoma joined the SFF in January 2022 to lead the foundation’s internal/external brand strategy, strategic partnerships, operations and fundraising as the Chief Marketing Officer. Paul graduated with BUD/S Class 286 and served at SEAL Team Seven where he did 2 deployments and multiple augments in support of the Global War on Terrorism, Operation Enduring Freedom, War in Africa, and the War in Iraq. Paul has been a longtime supporter and Advisor to the SEAL Future Foundation, first as the FOB (Forward Operating Base) Director of Los Angeles, CA and most recently as the “Accelerator” Director – a position developed that covers the vast extent of Paul’s involvement throughout the organization’s structuring, development, and strategy. Paul has spent the majority of his time operating in the film and television industry as an actor, writer and producer where he’s learned how to effectively communicate through storytelling and brings those skills & resources to the SFF to help communicate the impacts of combat experiences and the transition from active duty into the civilian world after 20 years of war.

Anne Marie Phelps

Director, Engagement

Anne Marie Phelps joined the SEAL Future Foundation in January of 2018 and brings with her a background in nonprofits, event coordination and special projects planning. Anne Marie realized her passion for nonprofits during a college internship at Best Buddies Arizona where she served on the event committee for 3 years. Prior to joining the SFF, Anne Marie was the Program Manager & Coordinator for the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation where she was proud to help coordinate major events. Between living on Coronado Island and having cousins who are Navy SEALs, Anne Marie has a strong connection to the SEAL Community and is honored to serve through the SFF.

Anne Marie received a BS in Business Management from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.

Joey Fio

Director, Health Support Operations

Joey Fio joined the SEAL Future Foundation in August of 2021 to lead the operations of the SFF’s Health Support Program, ensuring that the SFF continues to take care of the health needs of SEALs after they leave service.  Joey started and graduated with BUD/S class 289 and served in the SEAL Teams for 10 years where he was a medic at SEAL Team 5, deploying to CENTCOM and PACOM. Joey earned various military awards including a Navy and Marine Corps commendation with “V” for Valor.  Joey received a full ride wrestling scholarship at the University of Oklahoma where he received a B.A. in Political Science.  Joey also received a B.S. in Financial Management from National University.

Emily Lees

Director, Events

Emily Lees joined the SEAL Future Foundation in July of 2020. Emily is passionate about helping SEALs and families pivot from the military to civilian life, and she brings a unique perspective to the team as the spouse of an active duty SEAL for the last 14 years. She and her family have lived in San Diego, Germany, New Hampshire and Stennis, MS, while assigned to multiple Naval Special Warfare commands. Prior to joining SFF, she worked with CEO Ty Bathurst at a military-focused nonprofit, and was an elementary school teacher in San Diego. Emily received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Louisville, where she was an NCAA swimmer. She also received a MA from the University of Southern California.

Justin Hoagland

Health and Wellness Customer Success Manager

Justin Hoagland joined the SEAL Future Foundation in January of 2022 to manage customer success of the SFF’s Health Support Program, ensuring that the SFF continues to take care of the health needs of SEALs after they leave service. Justin started and graduated with BUD/S class 290 and was medically retired from the SEAL Teams after 9 ½ years of service. Justin served at SEAL Team 5 as a combatives instructor and sniper, deploying to PACOM and CENTCOM. Justin was selected as Advanced Training Command Junior Sailor of the Quarter for his performance as a sniper instructor. Justin received a B.S. in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis from Norwich University.

Anthony Page

Director, Mentoring

Anthony Page joined the SFF in January 2022 to lead the SFF’s mentoring program and intake operations. Anthony graduated with BUD/S Class 254 and served at SEAL Team Two where he did three deployments and finished his career at TRADET as a SOUC Instructor. Anthony started a consulting company advising several companies and organizations on strategy, leadership development and culture. Additionally, Anthony co-created and drug and alcohol prevention program for youth sports encompassing lifestyle choices that effect human performance that is currently incorporated in high school and colleges throughout the United States. In his most recent role, Anthony served as Warrior Challenge Mentor, New York/New Jersey, training, and screening potential candidate to enter the pipeline to become a SEAL.

Nick Montoro

CEO Executive Project Manager

Nick joined the SEAL Future Foundation in November of 2021. While nearing the completion of his undergrad at Temple University, Nick’s collegiate experiences had allowed him to uncover a strong sense of patriotism and personal desire to serve others. After seeing a social posting of an internship opportunity with SFF back in June of 2020, Nick had been a part of the team in intern/volunteer capacity. Nick’s true care for the SEAL community and dedication to serve the great warriors within it has allowed him to gradually take on more responsibility and ultimately earn the right to become a full-time teammate of the SFF leadership team.

Nick received a BS in Sport Business from the School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at Temple University.