Board of Directors

Our Leadership Team: Committed to Empowering Paralyzed Veterans

The Colonial Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America is proudly led by a dedicated group, composed of a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five Board Members. Together, they guide our mission to restore hope and quality of life for veterans, their families, and caregivers facing spinal cord injuries or diseases. With a commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and rehabilitation, our board ensures that veterans in Delaware, Maryland, DC, and New Jersey receive the benefits and support they’ve earned through their service. Our board of directors conducts regular performance assessments and adheres to a conflict-of-interest policy to ensure transparency and accountability.

COLONIAL CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kathleen Fitzpatrick – President

A U.S. Army veteran, PVA member, and individual living with Multiple Sclerosis since 2001, Kathleen brings a lifelong commitment to service, governance, and veterans’ advocacy. She served over nine years in the U.S. Army as a Medic and Operating Room Specialist, with assignments including Walter Reed Army Medical Center and service in South Korea. Professionally, she served as Vice President of Operations for a national nonprofit, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and strengthening fiscal controls and organizational governance. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Women Veterans Program and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee.

Ann Adair – Vice President

Ann Adair brings decades of leadership in veterans’ health care, advocacy, and nursing to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. She first became involved with PVA in 1998 while serving as Associate Director of Medical Services, where she spent more than 11 years monitoring and evaluating SCI Centers and VA Medical Centers nationwide. Her career includes senior roles with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, service as Active-Duty Military Liaison to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees at NATO Headquarters in Sarajevo, and military service as a Major in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She has held numerous national and chapter leadership roles within PVA and is the recipient of the 2021 Joseph Singleton Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jerrod Harris – Secretary / National Director

Jerrod is a U.S. Army veteran living with Multiple Sclerosis and a past Colonial Chapter HEART Program participant who brings mentorship, advocacy, and lived experience to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He currently serves as Colonial Chapter Secretary and National Director and is a member of the PVA National M.S. Committee. He has also served on the Colonial Chapter Advisory Committee, as a Peer Connections Mentor for the M.S. Society, and as a Colonial Chapter Mentor for Veterans with M.S. Jerrod was honored with the Joseph Singleton Award in 2024. Through his dedication, mentorship, and personal experience, he supports veterans and individuals in the disabled community while fostering hope, empowerment, and connection.

Chris Bryant – Treasurer

Chris Bryant is a United States Army veteran and AH-64 Helicopter Repair Technician who brings dedication, service, and operational expertise to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He has served as Colonial PVA Treasurer since 2020 and as Event Coordinator, and he has been an active Board member since that time. Chris has participated in numerous outreach programs and mentorship initiatives, gaining firsthand experience of the transformative impact of the Chapter’s work. Through his service and leadership, he is committed to advocating for veterans, supporting the disabled community, and ensuring the Chapter continues to thrive.

Jennifer Small – Board Member

Jennifer Small is a U.S. Army veteran, living with Multiple Sclerosis, devoted wife, and mother of two who brings extensive experience in community outreach, mentorship, and program development to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. She has served as co-chair of the Colonial M.S. Program and chair of the Colonial Chapter Creators, and she has been an active peer mentor through the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Jennifer has hosted chapter events including “Chill and Chat” and represented the disabled community at the 2024 Advocacy and Legislation event in Washington, D.C. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to inclusion, Jennifer supports the strategic growth and mission of the Colonial Chapter.

Carson Widdoes – Board Member

Charles “Carson” Widdoes is a U.S. Air Force veteran living with a spinal cord injury who brings extensive leadership and community service experience to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He has served as a Board Member since 2021 and has been a volunteer with the Chapter since 2019. Carson currently serves as Commander of VFW Post 7687 in Chesapeake City, Maryland, and has held numerous leadership roles in veterans and civic organizations, including Quartermaster for District 10 VFW, Trustee for Elkton VFW, President and Vice President of the Cecil County Fireman’s Association, and Vice President of Maryland FOP #123. Through his dedication, advocacy, and service, Carson supports the mission and strategic growth of the Colonial Chapter.

John Pepe – Board Member

John Pepe is a United States Navy veteran and dedicated leader who brings years of service, mentorship, and organizational leadership to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He has served the Chapter in numerous roles, including Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Director, VAVS Representative, and Peer Mentor for both Colonial PVA and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. John has been actively involved in member outreach, chapter operations, and financial stewardship, including supporting the implementation of QuickBooks Online. Through his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to advocacy, John continues to support the mission and long-term strength of the Colonial Chapter.

Robert Reuter – Board Member

Robert brings decades of leadership and financial expertise to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He has served the Chapter in multiple roles, including Treasurer in 2022, Acting President from 2018–2019, Vice President from 2012–2018, and Board Member from 2009–2012. As Treasurer, he has collaborated closely with the President and Board of Directors during a period of significant growth, serving as Chair of both the Finance and Executive Committees to ensure the Chapter meets its financial oversight responsibilities. Robert’s experience, strategic insight, and dedication strengthen the governance and mission of the Colonial Chapter.

Victor “Haze” Diaz – Board Member

Victor “Haze” Diaz is a U.S. Air Force veteran living with Multiple Sclerosis who brings governance expertise, strategic planning experience, and a strong commitment to innovation and member engagement to the Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Appointed to the Board in January 2026, he has already contributed as Chair of the Election Committee and Chair of the SOP Review Committee. A graduate of the HEART Program, Haze also serves as editor of the Chapter newsletter The Ramp and produces videos featured on the Colonial PVA website. Through his dedication, vision, and advocacy, he supports the Chapter’s mission to restore hope and improve the quality of life for disabled veterans.

Robert Thomas – National President

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Matthew Peeling – National Secretary

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The Colonial Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, is the only congressionally chartered veterans’ service organization dedicated solely to veterans with spinal cord injuries or diseases. Our Board of Directors oversees advocacy, fundraising, and programs like sports and recreation, which promote rehabilitation and self-confidence for our 300+ members. Board meetings, executive committees, and other committees meet regularly to ensure strategic alignment with our mission to improve veterans’ lives.

Board of Directors Meetings

Members are invited to attend the Colonial Chapter’s monthly Board of Directors meetings. Held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 11:00 am at our office located at 700 Barksdale Road, Suite 2, Newark, DE 19711 or virtually on Microsoft Teams.

Attend a BOD Meeting