Santa Rosa, CA — Nation’s Finest, a Santa Rosa-based nonprofit organization serving Veterans and their families across California, Arizona, and Nevada, has announced new leadership on its Board of Directors as the organization continues to build for the future.

Edward Ayers (Raleigh, NC), Senior Program Manager – Technology & Transformation at Google and U.S. Army Veteran, has been elected Board Chair. Ayers brings a record of service both in uniform and in the private sector, strengthening Nation’s Finest as it continues expanding support for Veterans and their families. He succeeds Philip Williams (Ukiah, CA), Attorney and fellow U.S. Army Veteran, who faithfully completed two terms as Chair.

The organization also welcomes David Mieding (Reno, NV), Partner at Tolles Development, as a new member of the Board of Directors. His expertise in real estate development will add valuable insight to the Board and advance Nation’s Finest’s dedication to helping homeless and low-income Veterans find safe and stable housing.

In addition, the following officers have been elected:

  • Dr. Anne Fabiny, MD (Boston, MA), Retired Associate Chief of Staff for Geriatrics, Palliative and Extended Care, San Francisco VA Medical Center; retired Professor of Medicine, University of California San Francisco — Vice Chair
  • Lacey Szekely (White Salmon, WA), NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, Small Business Owner, and U.S. Army Veteran — Secretary
  • Dr. David La Rosa-Presume, DNP (Lathrop, CA), Assistant Professor at the University of California San Francisco, Mediator with the American Health Law Association, and U.S. Army Veteran — Treasurer

Edward Ayers (top) and David Mieding (bottom)

Though Nation’s Finest primarily serves the West Coast region, welcoming leaders from across the U.S. broadens its national perspective and prepares the organization to thoughtfully expand its reach and impact in the years ahead.

“These changes mark a consequential moment as together, we prepare Nation’s Finest for another 50+ years of service to Veterans and their families,” said Chris Flaherty, Nation’s Finest Chief Executive Officer. “We benefited greatly from Phil’s stabilizing leadership during a period of transition and now welcome Ed to help continue the momentum.”

“I am truly honored to serve in this role and help lead an organization with such a strong legacy of service to Veterans,” said Edward Ayers, newly elected Board Chair. “It is a rewarding and meaningful experience to give back, and I look forward to assisting more Veterans on their journey after their time in the service.”

Guided by this new leadership and a Board diverse in expertise and geography, Nation’s Finest is deepening its commitment to serving Veterans and their families by strengthening programs, building collaborative partnerships, and ensuring every Veteran has the opportunity to feel safe, seen, and strong.

Nation’s Finest invites Veterans, partners, and community members to join us in advancing our mission. To learn more about services, partnerships, or ways to support Nation’s Finest, email welcome@nationsfinest.org or call 1-833-468-9676.

About Nation’s Finest:

Nation’s Finest has served Veterans and their families for more than 50 years, providing housing, health, and supportive services. From ensuring safety and stability to fostering healing, growth, and fulfillment, Nation’s Finest helps more than 3,500 Veterans each year build lives of dignity and independence across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

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