After 35 years as an Army spouse and nonprofit professional, Carolyn Crissman uses the experience she gained while serving and leading multiple nonprofits, spouses’ organizations, and other military affiliated positions to lead the Council for Military Spouse Clubs (CMSC).  She is dedicated to assisting military spouse clubs around the world become more efficient and effective by sharing resources, providing support and advice, and connecting fellow change makers for better collaboration.

After 26 years of volunteer service and a work experience in the nonprofit sector, Heather brings extensive experience as both a military spouse and organizational leader. A former U.S. Air Force member, she has served in key nonprofit roles, including Operations and Chief of Staff, while also leading and supporting multiple military spouse clubs and boards. She is committed to strengthening military communities through leadership, collaboration, and service.

Kelly joins CMSC with 30 years as a military spouse. Her husband served 28 years as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and she is a proud military mom—one son graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the other is an aerospace engineer. Professionally, Kelly is a Florida attorney, Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), and entrepreneur committed to supporting military families. She has led and volunteered with multiple nonprofits, bringing an encouraging, forward-looking perspective to the spouse community. As Chief Community Officer, Kelly is passionate about connecting spouses and advancing CMSC’s mission to foster growth, friendship, and community impact.

After several years as a Navy spouse and marketing professional, Lauren Madanat brings experience in digital marketing, branding, and communications to her work. She has supported both nonprofit and corporate organizations through strategic messaging, audience engagement, and creative development. In addition to her professional background, she has volunteered with church and faith-based organizations and is passionate about fostering connection and encouraging military spouses to be confident, engaged, and supported within their communities..

Christin comes to the CMSC with 17 years of experience supporting military families and navigating military life. Professionally, Christin serves as a nonprofit leader at a national military nonprofit, where she leads a team supporting thousands of members nationwide while overseeing operational strategy, member services, and organizational initiatives. Her expertise includes nonprofit leadership, resource development, strategic partnerships, program management, volunteer engagement, and community impact. She holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration and Development and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Nutrition. As a military spouse of an active-duty Air Force officer and mother of two, she is passionate about strengthening military-connected communities and advancing opportunities for military families. 

As an Air Force spouse for 30 years, Rhonda has experience in various military spouse club leadership roles and supporting spouses and families at the squadron and wing levels. She is passionate about the spouse club mission of giving back to the community and is excited to help provide military spouse clubs with the tools to more effectively and efficiently support their mission.

With a background in leadership development, program management and volunteer coordination, Kristi has spent over 25 years helping numerous nonprofit and military spouse teams grow stronger from the inside out. She focuses on building a culture that helps teams feel connected, supported, and inspired to do their best work. Drawing on the strength, adaptability, and camaraderie of military life, she serves on the CMSC and supports military spouse clubs as a way to uplift and give back to the tight-knit communities that have supported her throughout her journey as a military spouse. 

A retired Department of the Army senior leader with more than 38 years of experience, Kelly brings deep expertise in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and workforce development to the CMSC. Kelly is also an executive coach, entrepreneur, and dedicated military spouse leader who is passionate about mentorship and developing others. Her commitment to service and leadership aligns strongly with the Council’s mission to strengthen military spouse clubs and empower leaders worldwide.  

River brings more than a decade of experience supporting military families through nonprofit service, advocacy, and community engagement. As a spouse of a service member who served in the Navy and the Army, she understands the vital role spouse organizations play in fostering connection and support. She serves as a Programs Coordinator connecting military and veteran families with resources that promote financial wellness and stability, and is a doctoral researcher focused on leadership and military communities. A nationally recognized advocate and AFI 2026 JBLM Spouse of the Year, River is passionate about helping military spouse clubs expand their impact and strengthen their communities. 

Maria is a military spouse and readiness & resilience professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting military members, families, and communities worldwide. Currently based in Stuttgart, Germany, she leads health promotion and prevention initiatives serving military-affiliated personnel. Maria’s expertise includes project and program management, strategic planning, volunteer engagement, and community collaboration. She is passionate about building resilient communities and advancing leadership development through service, education, and advocacy.