Meet Our Council Leaders
The Council brings together a diverse board of nonprofit professionals in the military spouse community to support modern military spouse clubs. Our board members have over 100 years of combined nonprofit and Milspouse Club experience including professionals in marketing, governance, event planning, leadership, project management, fundraising, finance, and legal fields. We are brought together by our passion to support every military spouse club, regardless of service or rank, so they can provide a place for all military spouses to connect and give back to local communities through charitable work.
CEO & Chairman of the Board
Carolyn Crissman
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.
Chief People Officer
Kristi Forbes
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.
Chief Operations Officer
Missy Clampitt
Melissa (Missy) joins the CMSC with 14 years as a military spouse, giving back to the military community with her active-duty Army spouse through various Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) roles over the years. While stationed in Germany, she was a dedicated board member for the Bavaria Community and Spouses’ Club serving as Vice President, Publicity Chair, and Scholarship Chair. Missy brings a diverse background to the Council both in Information Technology and Marketing Design along with holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a B.A. in Public Relations. She is a mother of 2 girls while also currently working for a national nonprofit serving military-connected children.
Chief Financial Officer
Rhonda Fingal
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.
Chief Marketing Officer
Heather Alvarado
Heather, originally from a small town in Illinois, began her career in California before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, where she served honorably for six years. For nearly 24 years, she has been a dedicated military spouse, balancing family life with professional growth and community service. Heather earned a degree in Business Administration, worked part-time, and served as Operations and Chief of Staff for a nonprofit. She has volunteered extensively and has held multiple board positions across four spouse clubs, showcasing her leadership and commitment to supporting military communities.
