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Challenge 22CHALLENGE 22
Challenge 22 board members together

Leadership with purpose

Board of Directors

Guiding the mission. Serving those still fighting.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Kurt Gies

Kurt Gies served 25 years in the United States Navy, from 1982 to 2007. In 2016, as chaplain of American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, he learned that 22 veterans were dying by suicide every day. He founded Challenge 22 in 2017, and under his leadership the organization has raised more than $650,000 for vetted nonprofits that prevent veteran suicide.

Kurt Gies served 25 years in the United States Navy, from 1982 to 2007. A University of Florida graduate with degrees in engineering, he was commissioned in 1987 into the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps, the Seabees, and became a registered professional engineer in Florida in 1994. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, he was recalled to active duty for two years, serving on the staff of General Tommy Franks at U.S. Central Command, where he led 300 men building the $160 million contingency headquarters in Qatar ahead of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was decorated with six military medals for his leadership and meritorious service. In 2016, as chaplain of American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, Kurt learned that 22 veterans were dying by suicide every day. He walked the West Orange Trail alone that first year and vowed never to walk alone again. He founded Challenge 22 in 2017, and under his leadership the organization has raised more than $650,000 for vetted nonprofits that prevent veteran suicide. He serves as commander of American Legion Post 63, and in 2023 Orange County named him District 1 Citizen of the Year. Kurt lives in Oakland, Florida, with his wife, Lana.

Challenge 22’s Board of Directors meets monthly to guide the organization, oversee its mission and support responsible stewardship. Funds raised support vetted nonprofit organizations helping prevent veteran suicide.

Austin Arthur

Chairman of the Board

Austin Arthur is a businessman and community advocate who has spent much of his adult life serving organizations throughout West Orange County. He co-founded Stars and Stripes Marketing Services, a marketing firm established with his brother, Zander, and Gymnastics USA in Winter Garden, which grew to become the largest gymnastics facility in Florida. Austin serves as Chairman of Challenge 22, where he is committed to raising awareness of veteran suicide and supporting veterans and their families. He also serves as President of West Orange Habitat for Humanity and in leadership roles with several other community and nonprofit organizations. Though a former firefighter-paramedic, Austin did not serve in the military, something that has helped shape his commitment to America's veterans. Having not served personally, I believe it is my duty to serve those who served. Austin lives in Winter Garden with his wife, Kellie, and their three children.

Mike Winslow

Vice‑Chairman of the Board

Michael Winslow serves as Vice President of Challenge 22, where he works closely with the founder and board to advance the mission of reducing veteran and first responder suicide. His approach emphasizes accountability, clear communication, and ensuring that every dollar raised directly supports proven, life-changing interventions. Outside Challenge 22, Michael owns Proforma Denali Marketing, a promotional products and branding company serving clients across the country. His business background strengthens his work on the board, helping Challenge 22 grow responsibly while staying true to its purpose. Michael lives in Satellite Beach, Florida, and is dedicated to supporting the men and women who serve our communities and nation.

Anna Reinhardt

Board Treasurer

Kari Russo

Board Secretary

Rodney Walls

Chaplain & Board Member

Lana Gies

Board Member

Jeff Brinkman

Board Member

Hadley Winslow

Board Member

Hadley Winslow brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, print, and promotional product strategy to her role on the Challenge 22 Board. As the owner of Proforma Denali Marketing and a MASI-certified industry professional, she is known for her thoughtful, hands-on approach to helping organizations strengthen their brand and expand their impact. Hadley has been involved with Challenge 22 since its inception, contributing to its growth and mission through dedicated service and collaborative leadership. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys time with her family, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and staying active through powerlifting.

TJ Chalmers

Board Member

TJ Chalmers is the founder of Self Improvement Fitness, where he integrates personal training with massage therapy. By combining evidence-based movement concepts and recovery principles, TJ helps clients elevate both their physical health and mental well-being. In his role as a Board Director for Challenge 22, TJ is dedicated to advocating for military members and veterans while actively working to end veteran suicide. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran himself, TJ built a strong foundation of leadership, discipline, and service during his military tenure, values that continue to drive his professional work and nonprofit advocacy today. At Challenge 22, TJ applies his experience in operational leadership, health advocacy, and community outreach to support strategic governance and further the organization's mission. Guided by the belief that "Movement is Medicine," he collaborates with fellow leadership to raise awareness, secure essential resources, and empower veterans and first responders on their path to recovery and strength.

Jordan Rubin

Board Member

Dr. Parker Mott, Psy.D.

Board Member

Dr. Mott completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, and earned both his Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Tampa, Florida. He completed his doctoral internship at the Clemson University Counseling Center in South Carolina and fulfilled his postdoctoral residency requirements in private practice. During this time, he served as Associate Director of a large group practice with locations in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers, Florida. His clinical training and professional experience have provided him with extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of a broad range of psychological and mental health concerns. Dr. Mott is the President and CEO of Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida, LLC (CPSCFL), located in Winter Garden, Florida. The practice employs six doctorate-level clinicians and has served individuals, couples, and families throughout Central Florida for more than 12 years. CPSCFL provides individual, marital, and family therapy, as well as comprehensive psychological assessments designed to identify and address a variety of mental health conditions. Dr. Mott is also a published author and periodically contributes to media reports and news publications on psychological and mental health topics. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Florida Psychological Association (FPA), and the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF).