Board Biographies
Tom Griffin
US Army Infantry LtCol (ret.), CA State Guard COL (ret.), State Guard
Founder of VTC
27 years on the Board
Community Affiliations
- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Disabled American Veterans
- Purple Heart Association
- Vietnam Veterans of America
- Mil Officers Assoc of America
- Elks
- Assoc of Grads - WP
- Air Force Association
- San Carlos Church
- Italian Catholic Foundation
- Association of Pilots & Owners
With a passion of helping Veterans and enjoying his time around them and those who want to help Veterans in the most need, Tom Founded the Veterans Transition Center of California (Originally names the Veterans Transition Center of Monterey. He served as a professional soldier until retirement where he became a Licensed Professional Counselor with two Masters and two Doctorates in Psychology and Counseling. Tom worked as a Social worker with Child Protective services and retired as the MOVO Department Head. Tom is happily married with three children, 11 grandkids, and 4 chickens. In Tom's free time he enjoys focusing on his health, reading, listening to music, enjoying good food and wine, people watching, relaxing, traveling, and visiting friends and family.
Quentin Bennett
US Army
Seven years on the Board
VTC Program Graduate
After becoming one of many success stories as an Alumni of our programs, Quentin joined the Board of Directors and is currently working towards is MBA at California State University of Monterey Bay with an interest in becoming an analyst for the federal government.
Bard Mansager
LTC, US Army
Six years on the Board
Bard Mansager spent 2o years as an infantry officer and spent 30 years teaching math at the Naval Postgraduate School. He has been married for 50 years and has 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren.
Community Affiliations
- US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Clint Cowden
One year on the Board
Clint Cowden was raised in Wyoming, where his family ran corporate-sized cattle ranches. A love for agriculture led him to Cal Poly, SLO, where he received a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Systems Management (ASM) and a Master’s in Agricultural Education. Upon graduating, Clint moved to Napa designing vineyard irrigation and later to the Central Valley to start his precision agriculture consulting company. He later worked as lead scientist for J.M. Lord representing Coachella Valley growers. Clint entered education at West Hills College as Director of the Farm of the Future after 10 years in the classroom. Clint worked on increasing agriculture technology as a founding member of the Apps for Ag hack-a-thons and Ag Tech Roundtable tasked with increasing broadband in rural areas. Clint continues these efforts as Dean of CTE at Hartnell College, where they have expanded the advanced manufacturing program to include Mechatronics in static and dynamic environments. Clint oversees career technical programs as well as topnotch regional conferences including the Western Food Safety Conference and the Salinas Valley Ag Tech Summit.
Ralph Sirtak
Army - Major
27 years on the Board
Community Affiliations
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BSA Troop 134
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Marina City Volunteer
Born and raised in the Chicago area, Ralph graduated from DePaul University with a BSC in Math and Physics. He earned his Army commission through ROTC at DePaul and embarked on a diverse career journey, including roles as a preparer and store supervisor at H&R Block, a research analyst and test designer for the Combat Experimentation Development Command, a financial analyst at Natividad Hospital, and a budget/operations analyst at CTB: McGraw-Hill. His career culminated as a senior budget analyst at CSUMB. Ralph's commitment to service led him to join the board of the Veterans Transition Center just four months after its founder, Tom Griffin, launched the organization. Beyond his professional life, Ralph is a dedicated family man who enjoys reading, music, and traveling with his loved ones. Now retired, he looks forward to dedicating more time to fishing with his brother, embracing life's simple pleasures.
Phil Deppert
US Army Colonel
Two years on the Board
Phil originally heard about and supported the Veterans Transition Center while on active duty. Seeing the work we did then, inspired him to become part of the board two years ago to continue that support and give back to our Veterans.
Community Affiliations
- Defense Language Institue Foreign Language Center Foundation, Board Secretary
Bill Kelley
Joined Board:
More information coming soon!
Community Affiliations
Regina Mason
Joined Board July 2023
Community Affiliations
- NAACP, Life Member
- Friendship Baptist Church in Seaside, Member
- The Village Project, Inc. Cofounder
Born on the former Fort Ord Military base as a descendent of a military father Regina is a lifelong resident of Monterey County. She has worked as a social worker and spent most of her career in the field of social work. Registered with the board of behavioral sciences, mentoring girls and young women, becoming the Co-founder of the Mental Health Clinic and Family Resource Center, it is clear, Regina is dedicated to serving underserved community members. Regina lives as a mother, grandmother, sister, and wife with the love of spending time outdoors taking care of her Yearling horse Shadow and the agency's horse Jax, and learning about the cultures of others.
Mary L. Roberts, MD
Joined Board
November 2022
Community Affiliations
- Veterans Administration
Dr. Mary L. Roberts has worked as a physician for 39 years. She is Married to a Marine Biologist with 2 children and one grandchild. Mary Enjoys Biking, hiking, botanical illustration, knitting and reading
Allison Ryan
One year on the Board
Community Affiliations
Allison Ryan, a dedicated member of the Board of Directors at the Veterans Transition Center, brings a wealth of expertise to this nonprofit organization. With a distinguished 22-year career in the financial services industry and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chapman University, Allison is a standout professional who holds several prestigious certifications, including the highly regarded CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor(SM), and Accredited Domestic Partnership Advisor(SM) designations. She has also earned a Master of Science degree in Personal Financial Planning Major from the College for Financial Planning. Allison is wholeheartedly committed to providing tailored investment planning services that ensure financial security in retirement, address the challenges of higher education costs, tackle income tax complexities, optimize cash flow and craft strategic investment plans. In addition to her professional endeavors, Allison and her family call Carmel Valley home, underscoring her deep connection to the community served at the VTC.
Tony Tollner
US Navy, AW5 upon Honorable Discharge
Three Years on Board
Tony operated several restaurants on the Monterey Peninsula for almost 40 years prior to selling them in 2020. Shortly after he joined our board to serve Veterans and our community. He has a son and daughter and enjoys riding his motorcycle and refurbishing old homes.
Community Affiliations
- MKP I-Group
- Sun Street
- Family Resource Center
Sid Williams
US Army Command Sergeant Major at retirement
Six Years on Board
After serving for 27 years in the Army, Sid retired and became a property manager in Monterey County for about 20 years and working in the Veteran community to help improve their life in the surrounding area. When Sid finds a moment, he enjoys playing golf.
Community Affiliations
-County Military and Veterans Affairs Commission Chair, Treasurer
- United Veterans Council, Treasurer
- Local Chapter of the Enlisted Association
- Meals on Wheels, Driver