Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee consists of community leaders and organizations who have a passion for public media, cinema, storytelling, the military, and veterans.
Committee members provide meaningful support during the planning of the festival, including promotions, speaker recommendations, media relations and film selection. They also judge submissions to the local film showcase and vote on the award finalists.
The 2021 Advisory Committee Members (as of 2/1/22)
Derek Abbey, Ph.D., President & CEO of Project Recover; Major, USMC (Ret.)
Dr. Derek Abbey is the President and CEO of Project Recover. Project Recover is a collaborative effort to enlist twenty-first-century science and technology in a quest to find and repatriate Americans missing in action since World War II, to provide recognition and closure for families and the nation. Dr. Abbey served 23 years in the Marine Corps and extensively in higher education prior to his current position.
Linda Ball, Grant Writer, KPBS
Linda Ball is a grant writer at KPBS. She researches, writes and submits grant proposals, as well as conducts all follow-up requirements for grants awarded. She is involved in KPBS community engagement projects including Community Conversations, a program designed to explore issues important to the region with a goal of inspiring community dialogue around them.
Maria Cain, Community Advocate & Volunteer, Military Spouse
Maria is a current military spouse and homemaker with over twenty years of experience in understanding the interworking of military communities. While placing her early education career on hold, she devoted her time to support her husband’s military career while assisting in raising and mentoring their son and daughter. Understanding the commitments and struggles young military families face, Maria enjoys volunteering with multiple organizations that support military service members and their families. She is an avid beachgoer, loves visiting different places, and enjoys hiking our San Diego County trails with military and civilian spouses in the community.
Jodi Cilley, Founder & President, Film Consortium San Diego
Jodi Cilley is a long time filmmaker, entrepreneur and educator. She has been teaching video production since 2004 and has taught video and editing at UC San Diego Extension Digital Arts Center, Platt College and the Media Arts Center San Diego. She has produced over a hundred projects including web series’, short films, TV specials, documentaries and commercial projects and produced Film Indiego, a 6-Part TV Series for KPBS. She has a BS in Sociology from Boston College and an MBA with specializations in entrepreneurship and management from San Diego State University. As the founder and current president of the Film Consortium San Diego and the founder and producer of the annual San Diego Film Awards and San Diego Film Week, she is working to build a strong local film industry and to increase exhibition, distribution, funding and employment opportunities for local up and coming film talent. She currently is an adjunct professor at San Diego City College in the Radio, Television and Film department and recently produced, co-wrote, directed and co-edited the 2020 San Diego Film Awards.
Rik Deskin, Actor & SAG-AFTRA Seattle President; USAF Veteran
Rik Deskin is an actor and the SAG-AFTRA Seattle local president. He is a proud SAG-AFTRA and Equity member, and a longtime advocate for the film industry. Rik is the current chair of the SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel and Families Support Committee. Rik has a BFA in acting from Cornish College of the Arts and is a USAF veteran. His most recent work can be seen in The Devil is in the Details, B U M, and The Scottish Play. Rik’s next project is the Cold War documentary, Cold Warriors.
Alison Faith, Clinical Nurse Specialist; Commander, USN (Ret.)
Alison Faith is a Medical-Surgical Clinical Nurse Specialist and combat veteran of the US Navy. Her 20
year career as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer included assignments throughout the United States and Italy.
Additionally, she deployed on the USNS Comfort for a humanitarian mission and to Afghanistan in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Recently she transitioned from a successful career in the
military to the role of Adjunct Nursing Professor at Point Loma Nazarene University. Alison is active with
the Navy Nurse Corps Association Southern California and enjoys volunteering at her children’s school, Tri City Christian.
Bradley Garner, MBA, Director of Talent Acquisition, Workshops for Warriors; MSgt, USAF (Ret.)
As a Talent Acquisition Manager Brad’s scope of leadership encompasses 
support of General Atomics Corporate Services, Energy and Electromagnetic Systems. Prior to General Atomics Brad worked for Scripps Healthcare following completion of over 20 years of military experience in the U.S. Air Force. Brad considers anyone in the service community as his family and he strives to support and create positive outcomes in their search for the next career.
Keshia Javis-Jones, Director of Operations, Workshops for Warriors; USMC Veteran
Keshia Javis-Jones is the Director of Operations at Workshops for Warriors (WFW), a nonprofit that trains, certifies, and places veterans into advanced manufacturing careers. Keshia is a 10-year U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who is honored to have held the titles of Funeral Honors Coordinator, Female Search Team Advisor, and USMC Toys for Tots Coordinator. She is proud of her current work with WFW where she helps lead fellow veterans to meaningful advanced manufacturing careers.
Joey Jerome, Director, Military Relations & Program Enhancement, ASYMCA; US Navy Veteran
Joey Jerome currently serves as the director of programs and military operations for the Armed Services YMCA San Diego. Throughout his 24-year career in the US Navy, he served as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman with multiple tours of combat overseas. During his time in service, he trained personnel in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) and led the High Risk of Capture team for personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. While working in Europe under President Bush’s administration, he had the opportunity to create the medical evacuation for President Bush’s final trip through Africa. Upon retirement from the US Navy, Joey achieved his master’s degree in social work from USC and has helped people from all walks of life, especially Veterans, to lead healthy, successful lives.
Heather Kelly, Senior Manager, West Region, Travis Manion Foundation; Gold Star Spouse
Heather Kelly is the Senior Manager of the West Region for the Travis Manion Foundation. While managing programming in the West, her responsibilities run the gamut of what TMF offers – working closely with veterans returning to civilian life, the surviving family members of those who make the ultimate sacrifice, and fostering America’s next generation of leaders. In addition to her work at the Travis Manion Foundation, Heather is co-author of The Knock at the Door: Three Gold Star Families Bonded by Grief and Purpose with Ryan Manion and Amy Looney Heffernan, published November 2019. Heather, Ryan, and Amy, three Gold Star family members linked forever by unimaginable loss, share their inspiring and unlikely journey that began on the worst day of their lives. In addition to her daily duties as Senior Manager, Heather continues to serve the community through TMF initiatives including Operation Legacy projects and Survivor Expeditions for other families of the fallen. She is honored to work in the company of like-minded individuals, all seeking to strengthen America’s national character.
Todd Kennedy, Director, Military & Veterans Program at SDSU; First Sergeant, USMC (Ret.)
Todd Kennedy oversees the development and implementation of several Barron Veterans Center programs at San Diego State University. He represents the university at various regional, state, and national venues and is an advocate, adviser, and troubleshooter for administrative and transition challenges faced by the military student body. He completed a 22-year career in the United States Marine Corps and earned his undergraduate degree in History in 2016. Todd maintains involvement in several volunteer ventures and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Anthropology where his research focus is on military and veteran identity.
Victor LaGroon, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances, City of Hope; US Army Veteran
Victor LaGroon currently serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances at City of Hope. Here he also heads veteran hiring and retention strategies for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. Victor was appointed as the first Director of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs for the City of Chicago from 2015 to 2018 & served as Chairman of the Advisory Council on Veteran Affairs. He recently received a certification in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. Victor credits his diverse experience to his time spent with the 10th Mountain Division, US Army, where he served as an Intelligence Analyst and was medically retired in 2006. Today, Victor has had the honor to serve as the Chair of the Black Veteran Empowerment Council where he advocated for policy changes for more equitable utilization of benefits for African American Service members and Veterans.
Bob Lawrence, Former Broadcast Military Reporter; Staff Sergeant Air Force Reserves (Ret.)
Bob Lawrence aimed to fulfill his goal of trying to make a difference in someone’s life in his more than 30 years of experience at Channel 10. Now retired as of June 2015, that is still his goal. Having served in the military as a staff sergeant in the Air Force Reserves, Bob found his calling as the military reporter at Channel 10 exposing the work and commitment of our young men and women in uniform. Currently, Bob still hopes to make a difference in his position on the board of directors for the USS Midway Museum, a member of KPBS’s GI Film Festival Advisory Committee, and as an emcee for other veteran and military events.
Sheldon Margolis, Former Executive Director, The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park; Captain, USN (Ret.)
Sheldon Margolis is a combat veteran of the US Navy. His 30 year Navy career included serving as an executive officer in Vietnam and as a commanding officer of the USS Lynde McCormick (DDG-8). He holds an MSEE from the Naval Postgraduate School and an MBA from Mary Washington University. Throughout his military career, and continuing still, he is active with the Boy Scouts, Jewish War Veterans, Military Order of the World Wars, and on the board serving as treasurer of the San Diego Chapter of the United States Navy League. He is the immediate past president and CEO of the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park.
Lisa Marcolongo, Media Relations and Veterans Specialist, Elizabeth Hospice
Lisa Marcolongo is the media relations and veterans specialist at The Elizabeth Hospice. She is an active member of the Family Life Affinity Group (FLAG) with the San Diego Veterans Coalition and is a co-chair of the San Diego County Hospice-Veteran Partnership (SDCHVP). Lisa is currently a co-chair of the San Diego North Business Chamber Military Advisory Committee. The Marcolongo family was featured as one of four families in Sesame Street’s prime time show, “Coming Home: Military Families Coping with Change.” The TV segment and support materials help children and their families cope with injuries, visible and invisible.
Nico Marcolongo, Senior Manager, Operation Rebound, Challenged Athletes Foundation; Officer, USMC (Ret.)
Nico Marcolongo is a veteran of the Iraq conflict who served 14 years as a marine officer. He leads the CAF Operation Rebound program for injured veterans and first responders and is also the founder of the Buddy Bowl Charity Flag Football Tournament Series. Nico is an original member of the GI Film Festival San Diego Advisory Committee.
Maggie Meza, Chapter Director, Blue Star Families San Diego
Maggie has over twenty five years of experience volunteering, advising, holding numerous executive board member positions, and fundraising for numerous organizations that advocate for military families. As a Military spouse, Maggie understands the needs and concerns that affect military families. She recognizes how important it is for military families to be connected not only within their installation but also the outside communities. Maggie has served as an Advisor to the Exceptional Family Member Program and Navy Marine Corps Relief Society facilitating positive changes and experiences for families stationed to Camp Pendleton. Prior to working for BSF, Maggie was the President of a nonprofit raising money for scholarships for military dependants and grants for local nonprofits that aide military families.
RanDee McLain, LCSW, Complex Care Coordination Manager-West, Wounded Warrior Project; USN Veteran
RanDee McLain is a proud US Navy veteran that spent time in Iraq, Kuwait and Spain. After being medically separated in 2009, RanDee went on to earn her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and her Master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Military and Veteran’s programs. Her passions include serving post-9-11 veterans, specifically those that are justice-involved and/or those who have difficulty transitioning. She is currently a Complex Care Coordination Manager for the Wounded Warrior Project and continues to be active in the veteran community and the greater San Diego community. In 2014, RanDee was named the San Diego County Veteran of the Year.
Ann Marie Price, Senior Account Executive, Scatena Daniels Communications; Military Ally
Ann Marie joined the Scatena Daniels Communications team in 2015. Her organizational prowess, perseverance, and knack for writing helps her achieve top-tier media results locally, regionally and nationally. Ann Marie has nearly a decade of public relations experience, working with education, arts, science, nonprofit, hospitality, transportation, public affairs and lifestyle brands. She is passionate about working with active duty military and veterans, and sharing their untold stories and talent with the world.
Martha Rañón, Executive Vice President, Southern Caregiver Resource Center
Martha Rañón is the Executive Vice President at Southern Caregiver Resource Center. As the leading provider in San Diego County for caregiver services including programs for military and veteran families, Martha is proud to lead the education and outreach team at SCRC. Her first-hand knowledge of being a caregiver coupled with her passion to connect under-represented communities with vital health care services is what has motivated her to be an advocate for family caregivers. She can be seen at public speaking events conducting presentations, workshops, conferences, including recording podcasts, videos, and live stream classes with the hopes of empowering family caregivers everywhere.
Amber Robinson, Vice President & Communications Director, American History Theatre; US Army Veteran
Amber Robinson is an Army Combat Veteran, non-profit leader, and writer. She served ten years in the Army as a journalist and public affairs soldier and leader, completed three combat tours to Afghanistan and is the recipient of the coveted Bronze Star. She is a co-founder and the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for The American History Theater started in 2014. Through this unique organization, she advocates for her fellow veterans hosting workshops and special projects which use theater and creative movement to pave new pathways in healing Post Traumatic Stress and PTS associated with Military Sexual Trauma. She is a contributing writer to the San Diego Veterans Magazine and a published poet. She is proud to be a part of the GI Film Festival’s Advisory Committee for 2020.
Daniel Romero, Director, San Diego Military Family Collaborative at SAY San Diego
Danny Romero has worked within the nonprofit sector in San Diego for well over a decade. Serving as an AmeriCorps member, he supported low-income neighborhoods across San Diego initiating community-focused programs to address neighborhood needs. In time, Danny expanded his work into diverse communities across San Diego utilizing education and technology to support upward mobility of community members. Currently, Danny serves as SAY San Diego’s senior program director overseeing all military-focused programs including the San Diego Military Family Collaborative.
Jennifer Santis, Community Liaison, Mental Health Systems & Courage to Call
Jennifer has been a part of the Courage to Call team for five years. She currently serves as co-chair of the San Diego Military Family Collaborative (SDMFC) and formerly served as Communications Chair with the San Diego Women Veterans Network. Jennifer is also involved with the Domestic Violence Council, and Alcohol Policy Panel, as she is truly committed to delivering caring service to veterans, military families, and community partners.
Denise Scatena, Founding Partner and Public Relations Professional, Scatena Daniels Communications
As founding partner of Scatena Daniels Communications, Denise Scatena has nearly 25 of strategic communications experience. She has the ear of the top media powerhouses and community influencers in San Diego County and beyond. Denise has won multiple awards from the San Diego Press Club, and is the PRSA SD/IC 2020 Deborah Baker PR Professional of the Year.
Sheila Traister, Actor, Director, Writer, Educator; SAG-AFTRA Colorado President & National Board Member; USAF Veteran
Sheila is a USAF veteran and an award winning actor, director and writer for stage and screen. She created the acting department at the Colorado Film School and has a private coaching practice with global reach. She serves on the national SAG-AFTRA Military Personnel and Families Support Committee and has dedicated the past 27 years as an elected SAG-AFTRA leader. Sheila starred in the short film REWIND which screened at GIFF San Diego 2021.
Nancy Worlie, Interim General Manager, KPBS
Nancy Worlie is the interim general manager for KPBS, San Diego’s public media organization. Before joining KPBS in 2003, Nancy was the managing editor of Las Vegas ONE, where she helped renovate its hour-long evening newscast and launched a new morning show as well as a political interview program. Nancy has also served as broadcast director for the late U.S. Senator Harry Reid, D-Nevada, in Washington, D.C., where she worked with the national, state and local media.
