Executive Director

Jessa Foor is a mission-driven leader, strategic communicator, and proud daughter of a U.S. Army veteran. With more than 15 years of experience at the intersection of marketing, communications, development and nonprofit impact, Jessa has built a career helping organizations tell their stories, grow their reach, and move their missions forward.

Before joining Code of Support, Jessa led award-winning marketing and communications efforts at nationally recognized organizations including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). She has launched and promoted major national events, revitalized legacy brands, and developed high-impact campaigns that have generated millions in revenue and engagement—all while keeping purpose and people at the center.

Her work has been recognized by GDUSA, the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals, and the Telly Awards, but her proudest moments are when she connects communities, sparks change, and creates opportunities for others to thrive.

As executive director of Code of Support Foundation, Jessa brings personal passion and professional expertise to the mission of ensuring service members, veterans, caregivers, and families receive the coordinated support they deserve. She believes in the power of communication to drive connection—and the power of community to change lives.

When she’s not championing the needs of the military community, Jessa is a devoted wife, mom of two, home chef, and kayaker.

Director of Development and Operations

Christopher Burnette is an Advancement Officer for Code of Support Foundation. Bringing over seven years of experience in the financial/investment industry and the development sector. Chris most recently served as Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation and served as Financial Advisor/Broker at Thrivent Financial. Chris’s experience includes working with universities, institutions, nonprofits, and boards around financial and programmatic sustainability, securing gifts, and developing endowments. Chris’ passion for philanthropy and donors has led him to secure over $41 million in gifts for organizations to continue their mission and outreach. .

Chris received his MMBA, B.S. in Geology, and A.A. in Business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is also the author/co-author of three publications on recycled alkaline battery materials and one publication on Uranium, Thorium, and associated rare earth elements of industrial interest.

In addition to his professional achievements, Chris is an active member of the cycling community. He currently serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Bluegrass Cycling Club. Chris finds joy and fulfillment on the roads, exploring new routes and pushing himself to new limits. Cycling allows him to combine his love for physical activity, outdoor adventures, and a sense of camaraderie with fellow riders.

Off the saddle, Chris also cherishes his time with his two children, creating cherished memories and enjoying their shared interests. Whether he’s out cycling or spending quality time with his loved ones, Chris embodies a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that fuels his passion for both philanthropy and personal pursuits.

Director of Programs

Allyson Bowers is the Director of Programs for the Code of Support Foundation. She started as a case manager in 2021. Allyson is the wife of a combat Army veteran, Ben. Allyson began her passion for caregivers and advocating for their needs in 2012 when she was selected by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to serve as a Fellow. She joined the Military and Veteran Caregiver Network in 2017 as a Volunteer Peer Mentor and Moderator where she has been able to encourage caregivers on their journeys. Allyson enjoys collaborating and building relationships to support veterans and their families. 

Allyson is a doctoral candidate at Liberty University studying Community Care and Counseling with an emphasis in Trauma. Allyson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Accounting from Hawai’i Pacific University and a Master’s in Human Services with a concentration in Military Resilience from Liberty University. 

Ben and Allyson enjoy spending time with their fur babies. They take their dogs on walks and car rides frequently, nicknaming them Bougie Bird Dogs. Some of Allyson’s hobbies include embroidery and quilting, but she really enjoys crocheting blankets which she loves to give as gifts to family, friends, and local charities. Allyson also enjoys spending time with friends from Church. 

Veteran Support & Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Caira Benson is an experienced manager, author, editor, researcher, and public affairs professional. She has over a decade of simplifying complex messages into plain language for both widespread and targeted distribution as well as a M.F.A. in writing. She has a history of published articles, successful marketing campaigns, awarded grants, and productive communications with the public, government officials (local and national), and partner organizations. Caira is also a proven leader who specializes in a data-driven and human-centered approach to program management, program improvement, organizational strategic planning, and strategic partnerships.

Caira has in-depth experience in both Veteran and military issues, dynamics, and advocacy. Married to her best friend, who also happens to be a disabled Army veteran, Caira has spent the last 15 years advocating for better care and improved situations for our nation’s veterans. She grew her advocacy to a national level and became an Elizabeth Dole Fellow in 2019. Her research and policy nerd tendencies fueled her advocacy efforts with both the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Caira’s expertise in these fields enabled her to write and give multiple congressional testimonies, build congressional relationships, help VAMCs build new program constructs, and earn an appointment to the Federal Veterans’ Family, Caregiver, and Survivor Advisory Committee in 2023.

When she’s not advocating for families like hers, Caira is blessed to be a devoted wife and mom to five amazing children. In her downtime, she can be found reading, visiting Disney, or running.

Advancement Coordinator

Gretta is an Advancement Coordinator for Code of Support Foundation. She graduated from Liberty University with a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Strategic Marketing in 2022. With an interest in communications, Gretta has worked in both the higher education and non-profit sectors to engage the supporters of the organizations she is most passionate about. Gretta’s personal connection to our mission, as a military spouse, gives her great satisfaction in her work connecting military and veteran families to COSF through various communications strategies.

In her free time, Gretta enjoys traveling, baking, hiking, and reading. She is actively involved at her local church and enjoys working with the children’s program and alongside her husband, has a small group for college students. She and her husband reside in Virginia with their five year old cat, Leo.

Program Support Specialist

Intake Coordinator

Diana Valenzuela is a intake coordinator for the Code of Support Foundation. Diana is also an Army combat veteran and dual military. Both Diana and her husband served overseas together. Diana’s duty stations were Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and one deployment to Iraq. Diana and her husband currently reside in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with their two children. Diana’s passion for veterans began after witnessing and experiencing firsthand the different faces of war and its effects on soldiers and their families.

Diana’s love for people has also extended to her church community, where she gives her hobbies, gifts, and talents to the service of others. Diana volunteers in different ministries such as social media, stage manager, pastoral care, missions, and children’s Sunday school.

Diana has an associate’s Degree in Health Care Management from Fayetteville Technical Community College. She enjoys photography, gardening, baking, and helping others.

Case Manager

Kelsey is a Case Manager for the Code of Support Foundation. Kelsey is the wife and caregiver to her Air Force combat veteran husband, Michael. After Michael’s medical retirement in 2016, Kelsey began to see and feel the effects of war unravel in their home – both physically and emotionally. She turned to Operation Mend in Los Angeles for an intensive treatment program through UCLA in 2019 and came out of the program with a passion and fire for professional advocacy work. Kelsey works diligently to help other veterans and their families process their grief and understand the complex situations that veterans and their families face. Her love for the veteran community is deep, and she strives to help others avoid feeling isolated and alone.

Kelsey and Michael live in Oregon with their eight-year-old son, service dog, and two cats. Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology through Liberty University and is pursuing her master’s degree in counseling, emphasizing Crisis Response and Trauma.

Kelsey has a passion for horses and equine therapy. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, riding horses, photography, and writing.

Peer Resource Navigator

Operations & Development Specialist

Tineke joined Code of Support in 2023 as an operations & development specialist. She attended Wright State University as an Accounting major before marrying her active-duty Air Force husband in 2007. For the past 17 years, she has traveled the world; PCSed 6 times and survived multiple deployments, all while raising their four children.

Tineke has a passion for helping others, especially the military community. She has honed her skills in financial management and organizational efficiency, consistently providing top-notch service to every individual she works with. She is proud to be a part of a community that values service, integrity, and dedication.

In her free time, Tineke enjoys reading, gardening, musical theater, fostering and volunteering at the local animal shelter, and the occasional Diet Coke.