Board of Directors



Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our society. Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization. 



David Crisafi

Founder/Executive Director

I co-founded this organization because as someone whose father wasn't actively involved in his life, I understand the struggles a young man goes through without that much needed guidance from a positive male role model.

In addition, I have been working in law enforcement for 20 years and my experience has shown me the direct impact a fathers absence can have on a young man's success, as 85% of incarcerated youths come from fatherless homes.

I am also currently pursuing my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and will seek to be a Licensed Professional Counselor. I've coached youth sports and been heavily involved in youth mentorship for 20 years. I have two sons, Michael (11) and William (14).

Ken Jordan

President and Board Chair

My birth father left my mom and I when I was 2 and I spent a number of my formative years without a male role model at home. The mission of L.A.U.N.C.H. for Life speaks to me as a result of my own experiences, and I am humbled to support this amazing organization that shapes the future of young men.

Before starting my own business in 2022, I spent 25 years as technology leader in two large companies that were highly committed to community engagement and service. I personally had the opportunity to lead the largest workplace giving and volunteerism program in the US and hope that I can share my experiences with L.A.U.N.C.H.

In my personal life, I have been married for 30 years and have 2 children (now adult men). I love most sports, spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and supporting local restaurants and small businesses.


Genevieve Hancock

Treasurer

I am a single mother who has stepped in and supported my son as both parental figures, as well as intentionally sought positive male role models and organizations for my 14-year old son and other children in my life who are in similar situations. I have an extreme appreciation and value the impact that a strong support system has on youth and aim to be a part of the solution.

I have been a CPA and accountant for 15 years, starting with internal audit and public accounting, specializing in technical accounting and financial reporting before moving into a more generalist role for public filers and private equity backed organizations in financial leadership positions. I currently own my own financial advisory firm as a consultant out of Daytona Beach, Florida.

I have volunteered with children's organizations, domestic violence, and sexual assault organizations for nearly two decades. I am a lifelong learner, and enjoy rock climbing in my free time, as well as spending time with my family. I have one amazing son, Joshua (14), and am currently the legal guardian for another wonderful child, Liam (5).


Jane van Tienen

Programs Chair

It’s my privilege to serve on the Board and as a volunteer to help bring L.A.U.N.C.H for Life, to life! A senior executive with over 20 years international experience in public sector security and risk management, I’m a passionate strategic leader, driven to work with others to deliver a safer and kinder world.
 
I am committed to the mission of L.A.U.N.C.H for Life. A regular mentor myself, I firmly believe in the power of positive role models, and safe, trusted connections to empower the next generation to reach their potential. Compassion, creativity, and collaboration are my guiding values and I love bringing them to the forefront in working with fellow L.A.U.N.C.Hers to develop, curate, and deliver our program.


Chuck McCarthy

Marketing Chair

Growing up I was incredibly lucky that my Mom and Dad were both a huge part of my life. I am still incredibly close with both parents and truly don't know where I would be without the guidance they have continued to provide year after year. The impact my parents, and specifically my Dad, have had on my life is the reason the L.A.U.N.C.H for Life mission really resonated with me. I am very honored and glad to be a part of it. 

I spend my days as the Director of Client Services for Xponent21, a local Richmond digital advertising agency. I have been in the marketing game for approaching a decade at this point, and before that, I spent my time playing guitar in a rock band (these days I am not quite as cool as I used to be, I know...). When I am not working, music still serves as my main passion but otherwise love all things sports. Soccer, snowboarding, paddleboarding, mountain biking...and of course watching them!



Amy Ford

Board Member

Every day, my children and I reap the benefits of being loved, supported, and protected by two great men, my father and my husband. Neither had their father present, but they had other positive male role models who mentored them as boys and instilled in them the values necessary to be compassionate, motivated, and loving men.


As a mother to a teenage boy and a tween girl, I now understand that it truly does take a village. The L.A.U.N.C.H for Life “village” allows me to learn and contribute in a meaningful way. I am truly honored and humbled being given the opportunity to lead the Mom and Guardian Support Group. I look forward to partnering with the moms and guardians, learning from each other, and contributing to the growth and development of the mentees. 


I have worked in banking and finance for over 20 years. As a Sr. Executive leading major programs and change initiatives, I have had the opportunity to chair several employee networks in support of Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace and increased employment opportunities for people who are differently abled. My goal is to further support the community and leverage my professional skills to enable the continued growth and impact of L.A.U.N.C.H. for Life.



Annmarie Neiman

Board Member

Having been a divorced single mom of 3 children for seven years, I learned fast that one person cannot do everything and that raising children truly takes a village. One of my greatest beliefs is that human beings are meant to support and serve one another. While the mission of L.A.U.N.C.H. is to provide mentorship to young men , I recognize that it is equally as important to provide support to our moms and guardians.


I currently work in Finance for HCA and have seen the impact a large, service based corporation can make on a community when resources are used for the greater good of helping our peers. The initiation of L.A.U.N.C.H. has inspired me to apply that service based mentality and desire to want to support people to other areas of my life outside of work. My kids and I have served various organizations in the Richmond area such as the Clover Hill PTA, Chesterfield Food Bank, Homeward and St. Gabriels.


I look forward to seeing the impact L.A.U.N.C.H. will have on the lives of our very special young men and am excited to be a part of it by building relationships with our moms and guardians. 


Brian Tannenbaum

Board Member

It is an honor to serve as a Board member for such an amazing program as L.A.U.N.C.H. Growing up, I was fortunate to have both of my parents not only in the picture, but also involved in my life. I was also able to see many friends and family members who did not have that male influence and how much this impacted their day-to-day lives. Having the opportunity to be that positive male presence in these young men’s life as a mentor is extremely rewarding. Having the privilege of being able to map out and facilitate the graduate program for our mentees is an added bonus.

When not mentoring and serving on the Board for
L.A.U.N.CH, I am working as an Agile Delivery Lead for a Fortune 500 finance and technology company who shares a very similar passion for volunteerism. Having had this culture of paying it forward embedded into my very being, I am very much invested in the mission of L.AU.N.C.H. I believe that the world is a better place when we all support, learn from and teach each other. Everyone has something unique to offer and I am passionate about leading individuals to that realization and watching them develop their skill-sets to share with others. 

Outside of work, I have been married for 13 years, (14 this December) and have two beautiful little girls and a very entertaining beagle jack-russell who provides countless hours of fun. I enjoy all things fitness and anything that challenges you to push past your comfort zone in a positive way. 



Pushkal Basavaraj

Board Member

Pushkal is a seasoned finance leader, entrepreneur, and real estate
investor and currently serves as a Partner and Managing Member for 1850
Investments LLC and its affiliates. Along with his two partners, Pushkal sits on
the firm’s investment committee and management team making overall strategic and investment decisions.

Pushkal joined the L.A.U.N.C.H. for Life board with the goal of community
involvement and mentorship. As a resident of Richmond since 1990, Pushkal has seen the city and surrounding counties grow and wishes to be a part helping its various communities.

Pushkal earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia
Commonwealth University. He and his wife, Shambhavi, are proud parents to
their beautiful daughter, Vara.

Ronan Flynn

Board Member and Mentor

The youngest of three, I grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where I was very fortunate to have two active parents in my life. When I immigrated, I was again very lucky to have a string of positive influences to help me get on my feet and establish myself in the USA. Being involved with LAUNCH is a great way for me to give back and thank the great role models that I have had.

Professionally, I have been in operations management for almost 30 years, with the last 24 of those inside a Fortune 100 company that is very committed to giving back. I was fortunate to lead volunteering efforts across multiple geographies, driving a positive impact in local communities.

Melissa and I are married for over 20 years, and we have two amazing and active daughters. I love food, soccer and cycling, and spend as much time outside as I can.


Brian De Luca

Board Member and Mentor

I am privileged to serve on the Board of L.A.U.N.C.H for Life. I feel fortunate to have been raised by two caring and involved parents, and I have deep gratitude for all of the positive influences in my life. As the father of four children, I have learned a lot about what it means to be a positive role model, which has reinforced the importance of serving the youth of our community.


By day, I serve as a Vice President at Capital One, where I have worked for over 20 years leading multidisciplinary organizations across a variety of business lines. By night (and weekends), I serve as father to Nick, Ben, Alex, and Caroline and husband to my lovely wife Emily. 


I am compelled by the fundamental importance of the L.A.U.N.C.H mission, and I am eager to support the growth of the organization and the individuals it supports.


Alicia Shields

Secretary

Our family of four moved from Buffalo, NY to Richmond about 7 years ago and didn’t know anyone. And while we’ve made many friendships over the years, we were still feeling the void of a real sense of community. We realized that most people find that in their church, but we knew that wasn’t for us. So my family decided that we should look into volunteering and see if we could build more relationships while giving back. 


Boy, did we get lucky when I happened to learn about L.A.U.N.C.H for Life from a podcast about local Richmond organizations! As the mom of teenage children, I understood how much boys need at this age and how those needs can often get overlooked or misunderstood because they don’t have the maturity to communicate them just yet. I love the fact that L4L not only provides mentorship for these boys but for their moms too. 


So now all four of us participate in as many events as possible because we enjoy it so much. My husband, Dean, has become a mentor, both kids volunteer when they can, and I am now proud to help out as secretary. It has been such a joy to see these young men grow throughout the year, and I am incredibly proud when I have the opportunity to “brag” about the program. And I truly believe that we have found the community that we were looking for. The Shields family might be “giving back” but honestly, the mentees and everyone involved in L.A.U.N.C.H have given to us even more than we could have ever asked for! 


When not at L4L events, I am a full-time Realtor and enjoy anything creative/artsy, yoga, kayaking, taking little hikes, and snuggling our two labs.




Stephanie Gilliard

Board Advisor

I am privileged to serve as a Board Advisor for L.A.U.N.C.H for Life. I have been practicing law for 20+ years and have served on several Boards of Directors. I love being an attorney but I love giving back to the community even more. Therefore, it’s a win-win for me to provide guidance to the L.A.U.N.C.H Board of Directors as they execute overseeing the organization.
 
I am committed to the mission of L.A.U.N.C.H and I look forward to witnessing all of the good work they will do with our future leaders.


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