Richard Brookshire
CEO + Co-Founder
Richard Brookshire is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Black Veterans Project. As a storyteller, Richard leverages a background in political communications and digital advocacy to deliver strategic and dynamic social-impact campaigns. He is an alumnus of Morehouse College and a graduate of Fordham University. He holds an MPA in Urban & Social Policy with specialization in Media & Advocacy from Columbia University School of International & Public Affairs. A former infantry Combat Medic and U.S. Army veteran of the War in Afghanistan, Richard commentary and work has been highlighted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, PBS Newshour, theGrio and others.
Kyle Bibby
Co-Founder
Kyle Bibby is one of the co-founders of the Black Veterans Project. He also serves as the Chief of Campaigns at Color of Change, and as a Political Partner with the Truman National Security Project. As a former Marine Corps infantry captain and Afghanistan War veteran, Kyle is a proven leader dedicated to equal rights, social justice, and ending wars. Prior to his role at Color of Change, Kyle served as a Deputy Political Director for Common Defense, the largest grassroots membership organization of progressive veterans. Previously, Kyle was a Director at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), a non-profit agency with a social mission to remove all barriers to employment for citizens returning from incarceration. He’s served as a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) assigned to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the Executive Office of the President during the Obama Administration. In November of 2016 he transferred to the Office of Congressional Affairs for the US Agency for Global Media. He finished his fellowship as a legislative liaison to Congress. Kyle has received a Master in Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy.
Zella Vanié
Co-Founder + Board Chair
Zella Vanié is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work is at the intersection of strategy and design. Zella has spent their career helping organizations build inclusive products, craft stories, and push creative ideas to their highest potential. Most recently they worked as a Staff Product Designer at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Zella is a veteran of the U.S. Army and earned an MFA in Interaction Design from the School of Visual Arts.
MaCherie Dunbar
COO & Board Member
MaCherie Dunbar is the COO of Black Veterans Project, along with serving on its board. As COO, she is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and supporting strategic planning initiatives. As a board member, she brings her policy and legislative background to advance organizational objectives. She holds a B.A. in Communication with a Minor in Military Security Studies and has used her education, and personal experience, to be an advocate and lobbyist for military and veteran families. MaCherie is retired Air Force, having served as a combat engineer with two tours to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was featured by Google Doodle’s military voices initiative, has been a contributing author for VA budget recommendations as well as having served on the steering committee for the White House designated Task Force Movement to Trucking, and served as a key-note speaker for VA’s first LGBTQ+ Veteran Town Hall. She is also a political appointee, serving on the Washington DC Mayor’s Advisory Committee for LGBTQ Affairs, and serves on the board for the Veteran Multi-Service Center, working to expand initiatives for women and LGBTQIA+ veterans across PA, DE, and NJ. In her spare time, she operates as an independent consultant, owns an apparel brand, and is an artist."
Mary L. Tobin
Board Member
Mary L.Tobin is the Director of Brickyard Chapters and Programs, where she manages all of the volunteer Brickyard leaders and leadership development programs at More Perfect Union. Most recently, she served in the Biden-Harris administration as the Senior Advisor for Wounded Warrior, Veteran, and Military Family Initiatives at AmeriCorps. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the New York Institute of Technology. Mary is a proud combat Veteran, having served 10 years in the United States Army as a communications officer, including two combat tours in Iraq. In her spare time, Mary serves as the Vice President of the West Point Women Alumni Organization, Committee member for the West Point Alumni Organization’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and Co-Founder of the West Point African-American Alumni Association. She is a proud Godmother and an avid sports fan.
Dr. Ravi K. Perry
Board Member
Dr. Ravi K. Perry is a Professor of Political Science at Howard University and holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a M.A. and Ph.D. from Brown University, each in political science. An expert on Black politics, minority representation, urban politics, American public policy, and LGBT candidates of color. Currently, Dr. Perry is finishing a book that introduces the lives and campaigns of Black, and openly lesbian and gay elected officials in the United States.The proud son, grandson, great grandson, and great nephew of generations of family members on the Armed Forces, including but not limited to Army and Air Force; and the following conflicts: World War I, World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and formerly recommended by his hometown Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur to the Air Force Academy in 2001.
