Board of Directors

Steven DeMatos

 Co-Chairperson

Steven DeMatos served four years in the United States Army, including a Combat Tour in Iraq from 2004 to 2005. After retiring as an E-5 Sergeant, he went on to join the Title Insurance Industry, where he now has over 15 years of experience. Steve is the Co-Founder of Time on Target Security, a Veteran Owned and Operated company providing a full array of the latest high quality security system solutions. He is also the Founder of Time On Target Security Franchise Partners, where he offers franchise opportunities for Veterans and the Co-Founder of Frontline Gate Operators. Steve is well-known in the local community for giving back to the Veteran/military community and looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm for charity work to Veterans Alternative. Steve has three wonderful daughters’ ages 5 months, 11 years and 17 years.

Nicole Stroebel

 Co-Chairperson and Treasurer

Nicole has over twenty years of experience with a large non-profit organization (Eckerd Connects) beginning as an accounting manager, then as finance director and currently as controller.  Prior to joining Eckerd Connects, Nicole worked in public accounting where her focus was on auditing non-profit organizations.  Nicole’s core competencies include accounting management as well as the day to day functions, budgeting, cash management, project management (software implementation), forecasting and auditing.  Her strengths include customer service skills, goal-oriented work ethic and dedication to the organization’s mission.  Nicole is also a licensed CPA in the State of Florida.

Amanda Murphy

 Secretary

As a Wealth Management Specialist, Amanda is conversant with the needs of high net-worth individuals and their families, as well as the not-for-profit and foundation arena. Her integrity and trust naturally help her build and maintain strong relationships with her clients, as well as her community. Charitable giving and philanthropy are a large part of Amanda’s life. As a leader in the not-for-profit and foundation arena, with extensive familiarity and experience in managing several prominent Tampa Bay Area Foundations, Amanda works with major philanthropists in the region through charitable giving, legacy planning and private family foundations.

Amanda is a Board Member of the New Port Richey Main Street and the Veterans Alternative and a former board member of PACE Center for Girls, the SPCA Suncoast. She is also a member of Trinity Rotary, Leadership Pasco alumnus 2011, and PING.  Past boards include:  Community Service Council, NAIFA, Pasco Aging Network, West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, National Organization of Women, & the Junior Service League of West Pasco.

From 2013 – 2016, Amanda was elected to public office and served as the State Representative for District 36, West Pasco, Florida. As the State Representative, Amanda represented, not only her constituents in Pasco, but all Floridians. She was the Ranking Member on the Healthcare Appropriation Subcommittee. Her other committees included: Children, Families and Seniors Subcommittee, Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, Local Government Affairs Subcommittee, and The State Affairs Committee. Through this work she gained vast knowledge of our state and the inner workings of our government.

Amanda is a proud graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. She enjoys kayaking, scuba diving, hiking, and serving her community through a variety of volunteer organizations.

Russell J Gratz

 Director

Russell Gratz retired from the Air Force as an MSgt in February 2005, he continued serving in DoD, as a government civilian, as a C4I/Senior IO Program Analyst. Mr. Gratz served 33 years, and has seven combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and has nearly 23 years of experience in all aspects of IO ranging from STO planning C4I analysis to integrating IO effects in the targeting process at the combatant command staff level during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT).  After leaving the government Mr. Gratz went on to work for a foundation supporting Veteran/Military issues.