Our Team

Todd L. Sherman

Todd is one of the three original founders of the Patriot Fund and acts as the visionary for the Fund. Patriotism runs deep with Todd and he actively shares his desire to give back to our Veterans in meaningful ways. Professionally, Todd is the Senior Partner of the SSG Executive Advisory Group at Raymond James, a boutique wealth advisory team focused on addressing the needs of successful families.

As a result of his work with clients, Todd identified an opportunity to match the philanthropic interests of the financially successful with the most-deserving and often underappreciated military Veterans and their families. He has and continues to be moved personally by the stories of valor, the pains of combat, and the heart-breaking loss often encountered as a result. Todd believes by striking on the patriotism of charitable families, he can, along with the Board, inspire them to give, share meaningful ways to give, and ultimately provide the due diligence identifying the best military Veteran organizations to support.

Major General (Ret) Steven Hashem

Major General (Ret) Steven J. Hashem is one of the founders of The Patriot Fund and is responsible for due diligence of our beneficiary organizations. Steve is passionate about Veterans, servicemen and women along with their families, and is involved in several endeavors that benefit the military. He and his family understand firsthand the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make to defend our freedoms and the American way of life.

As a West Point graduate and soldier for life, his guiding principle is, “Duty, Honor, Country.” General Hashem served for 41 years in the United States Army primarily in Special Operations assignments to include multiple deployments to overseas combat zones. He was a General Officer for 10 years and his two final duty assignments were at the United States Special Operations Command and the United States Central Command where he served on the staffs of Generals Doug Brown, David Petraeus, James Mattis, and Admiral Eric Olson.

Currently, Steve is the CEO and founder of Peak 74 International, a company that specializes in leadership development, tailored coaching, facilitated strategic planning and keynote addresses. He also worked for GE, Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin for 27 years in a variety of operations, management and executive positions.

Joseph Caruso

Joseph Caruso joined The Patriot Fund from its early stages and is one of the three Co-Founders and is Vice President of the organization. His connection to the military and a deeper understanding of America developed from his dad’s passion who served in the Navy for 27 years and living first hand in the struggles of a military family led him to grow his patriotic sensitivity for the Veteran community and their families. Joe is fully committed and grateful for the opportunity to honor our military families and Veterans, knowing full well that these efforts can have lasting impacts and life changing solutions bringing comfort to our heroes’ lives.

“The Patriot Fund has never deviated from its Day One commitment to be a team of volunteers doing the right things for the right reasons for our American Heroes. We continue to build our model each day from scratch in order to engage more and more citizens in a personal way about how they too can join us as patriots to express their gratitude for the peace and way of life we all enjoy and all too often take from granted” – Joe Caruso.

Professionally, Joe is the Founder of The Omnifirst Group, a respected merchant banking and business strategy organization that is engaged in various businesses and investments ranging from Minor League Baseball to Healthcare IP to 5G Technology. Joe was also selected as the Outstanding Alumni 2012 for the Bisk School of Business at Florida Institute of Technology.

Robert Curley

Robert Curley became a Board Member of The Patriot Fund in 2017 and an Executive Committee Member in July of 2021. Rob is passionate about helping our Veterans and their families in and around the Delaware Valley Region and is proud to be part of The Patriot Fund organization to do just that for our fellow heroes. His commitment to helping the local community and love of America is proven in his actions made within The Patriot Fund and in his daily life.

“I joined The Patriot Fund because I deeply appreciate what our military has done over many decades to protect our freedom and our democracy,” says Rob. “The Patriot Fund provides a vehicle for me to thank our men and woman in uniform for their sacrifices.”

Rob appreciates how The Patriot Fund makes thoughtful and targeted donations to Veteran-serving organizations that make direct impacts to improve the lives of Veterans with PTSD. He is proud of the passion and energy that The Patriot Fund brings to raise funds to help Veteran organizations that aren’t as visible or as well known. He says, “It feels good to know our efforts and dollars really make an impact.” The organization’s board members and executive committee are like-minded leaders who share the common goal to give back to those who have fought for our liberty, and Rob is proud to be part of this mission.

Rob has always been extremely active in the community and currently serves on several other boards including: The Board for New Jersey Bankers Association, the Board of the Southern New Jersey Development Council, the Board of Special Olympics New Jersey, and various others.

Professionally, Rob is the Market President for TD Bank. He currently leads a team of 40 commercial and small business relationship managers throughout Southern and Coastal New Jersey. He oversees all corporate and charitable giving throughout that footprint.

Philadelphia Business Journal selected Rob as one of Metro Philadelphia’s “40 Under 40” up-and-coming leaders in 2007. Since then, Rob has been awarded several awards for his involvement in the community including the SJ Biz Magazine “Power 50”, Rutgers/LEAP Community Leadership Award and the March of Dimes Citizen of the Year Award just to name a few.

Mike Francisco

Mike Francisco is the Lead Chair of the Annual Patriot Invitational. His patriotism is rooted in giving back to the individuals who sacrifice so much to protect our freedom. Mike believes philanthropy and patriotism go hand in hand. Often taken for granted, the service of our Veterans and their families should be celebrated as well as a priority.

“Supporting our servicemen and women through The Patriot Fund is a way for all of us to serve and lend a hand when it’s needed the most!”

Professionally, Mike is a Managing Partner of The SSG Executive Advisory Group at Raymond James, a boutique wealth advisory team focused on addressing the needs of successful families. His goal is to make a difference in people’s lives, and he applies his expertise in wealth management, financial planning, estate planning strategies, portfolio management, and business development to do just that.

Navy SEAL (Ret) Joe Crandall

Joe Crandall became a board member of The Patriot Fund in February of 2021 and has a passion for giving back to our military heroes and their families who expect nothing in return. In 1989, Joe joined the U.S. Navy as an Electronics Technician and ultimately earned a commission through the Naval Academy in 1996 with a degree in General Engineering. After graduating, Joe went to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL School (BUD/S) training and was assigned to SEAL Team 5 where he served until 2003.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Joe began a career in sales with Pfizer, GetWellNetwork and GE until he joined Greencastle in 2012 as the Director of Client Engagement. In 2015, Joe was made Partner as the business continued to grow. On October 1st, 2019 he purchased the company from Greencastle’s founder and Managing Partner Celwyn Evans. Currently, Greencastle employs Veterans only and has 55 Veterans onboard. With his experience serving as a Navy SEAL and his accomplishments made at Greencastle, Joe’s patriotism and experience are well recognized and make a great asset to the Board of The Patriot Fund.

“I love The Patriot Fund for three reasons,” said Joe. “It is led by people that want to help Veterans without letting their egos get in the way, it helps Veteran Service Officers in the Greater Philadelphia area, and it is making a real impact on our Veterans and their families’ lives.” His main goal for being a board member is to elevate the organization by helping more Veterans get the assistance and benefits they need as well as growing The Patriot Fund’s community altogether.

Outside of his philanthropic interests and notable work experience, Joe spends time with his family and heads up to the mountains to enjoy the great outdoors.

Danny Bianco

Danny Bianco joined The Patriot Fund board of members in August 2019. “It is an honor to be part of the Patriot Fund and its mission to aid and support our service men, woman and their families after the sacrifices they make for our country is truly a humbling experience” – Danny Bianco. Danny believes that we all have a duty to give back to our fellow Veterans and their families. Being a board member at The Patriot Fund, Danny is determined to grow this organization and help as many Veterans as possible through The Patriot Fund’s philanthropic efforts.

His patriotism goes hand-in-hand with The Patriot Fund’s mission and is dedicated to helping our American heroes and their families live an easier life. In addition to joining The Patriot Fund as a board member, Danny’s dedication and drive can be acknowledged through his many accomplishments made at Laurel Creek Country Club that he has been a member of for over 24 years. To name a few highlights from Laurel Creek, he has served on various committees there, Co-chaired the Member-Guest Committee, Co-chaired the Grievance Committee, and has served as the Board of Trustees President for over two years to help guide the Club through challenging times.

Outside of his many achievements and positions at Laurel Creek, Danny founded Dynamic Physical Therapy, a leading Out-Patient Physical Therapy provider with 40 locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland until its sale to Pivot Health Solutions, where he now serves as the President of Sales, Marketing, and Market Development. Danny is also the Managing Partner of Dynamic Pediatric Therapies, a Pediatric Behavioral Disorder Company based in Chicago, IL.

In Danny’s spare time, he enjoys traveling, golfing, spending time with his wife Tracy and his four children Bridget, Megan, Danny, and Katie and attending his girls’ lacrosse and soccer games.

David Ingram

Dave Ingram became a board member of The Patriot Fund in February of 2021. He is passionate about remembering, honoring, and assisting those military Veterans who selflessly served this country and their families that supported them. Dave’s patriotism and passion for helping the Veteran community make him a great asset to The Patriot Fund. He is proud to serve our Veterans and their families in the Delaware Valley region and beyond.

With South Jersey being his hometown, he is ecstatic to be part of the help for his local Veteran community. Dave’s professional career is twenty-plus years strong and he currently works at Hartford Funds as the company’s Regional Vice President and Advisor Consultant. He has been a featured guest speaker numerous times discussing sales and marketing techniques across the country and in different continents as well as being featured on various episodes of the Human-centric Investing Podcast presented by Hartford Funds.

Outside of his professional career and philanthropic ties to The Patriot Fund, Dave is in the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame for his outstanding high school career and also played collegiately. He has an undergraduate degree in Marketing and received his MBA in Business Management from Rutgers University. Dave also enjoys spending time with his wife and his three sons as well as running and watching mixed martial arts in his spare time.

Tim Irons

Tim Irons attended Elon College in 1981 and disembarked shortly after and started the TC Irons Agency in 1983. TC Irons Agency is a licensed general commercial and personal retail insurance agency with two offices in Burlington County serving clients in approximately 35 states. In 1989, TC Irons merged with Haines and Haines and Tim became partners with Robert S. Haines. Sadly in 2017, Robert passed and Tim is solely at the helm.

Tim has always believed in supporting his community and has a love for Veterans and the military. His grandfather served in WWI and his father served in the Pacific Campaign in WWII and earned the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and was promoted to Captain by the age of 23. Tim’s strong core value of patriotism was bred in him. Tim’s partner, Robert Haines, was a Naval Academy graduate Class of 1957 and served as Lieutenant Commander for the United States Navy.

Tim has been a member of over 20 nonprofit boards during his tenure and currently sits on several boards. His hobbies include offshore fishing, hunting, and golfing.

Colonel (Ret) Michael S. Mikulski II

Colonel Michael Mikulski II joined The Patriot Fund in March of 2021 as a board member. Mike served 30 years in the Army Reserves including two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He later retired with numerous decorations including: Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medal, NATO Medal, and various others.

As a Veteran, being a board member of The Patriot Fund gives Mike the opportunity to provide valuable resources to people and organizations, working directly to meet the needs of our nation’s Veterans. His patriotic past has carried on into his preset day life and because of this, Mike finds himself eager to keep giving back to others on a daily basis. He is proud to be part of The Patriot Fund that is making life changing impacts on the Veteran community in the Delaware Valley Region and beyond and with his experience, Mike is an exceptional addition to the board.

As for Mike’s professional career, he works for Connor, Weber & Oberlies (CWO) and is currently the managing partner of the Firm’s New Jersey office. His practice centers primarily upon insurance defense, professional liability, general negligence and employment litigation. He also has extensive experience defending social service agencies, schools and non-profits in all aspects of litigation including sexual misconduct allegations, IEP/IHP litigation and general legal counseling.

In addition to practicing law, Mike is proud of his service to our country and the community. Mike has recently retired from the United States Army Reserves at the rank of Colonel. In the community, Mike is currently the Mayor of Southampton Township, NJ. In Mike’s spare time, he enjoys attending sporting events of all types.

Jeffrey O’Hara

Jeffrey O’Hara joined The Patriot Fund Board in 2019. Jeff’s patriotic passion stems from appreciating first-hand the service & sacrifices by his loved ones. His father served in the US Army as a Paratrooper – 82nd Airborne Division and his cousin, whom he & his wife raised, served two combat tours with the US Army in Iraq. He firmly believes that enjoying the privilege of citizenship in the United States creates a perpetual duty to serve those who have sacrificed so much serving us: “Words of thanks are not enough. We owe a life-long debt to all Veterans that have stepped up to protect our way of life. We should take time every day to find a way to give back to those who have given so much.”

Professionally, Jeffrey is a Partner with Connell Foley LLP. He has been designated by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Certified Civil Trial Attorney. His practice focuses primarily on the defense of large exposure, catastrophic loss casualty events. Having tried approaching 70 civil jury trials to verdict, he has been inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, The American Board of Trial Advocates, The Litigation Counsel of America, and The International Society of Barristers. He is also active as a member of the USLAW Network, The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, and The International Association of Defense Counsel.

Jeffrey is President and one of the Co-Founders of another non-profit organization called Project One Vet @ A Time Inc. (POVAT). Through this 501(c)(3) entity, he is part of a team of medical and legal professionals providing support at no cost to select Veterans pursuing claims for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. During his free time, Jeff enjoys spending quality time with his Wife Lisa, their two sons Patrick & Brendan, an also enjoys skiing, fishing and participating in endurance athletics activities.

Elaine Damm

Elaine Damm became a Board Member of The Patriot Fund on January 5^th, 2022. She has always been passionate about helping our Veteran community considering her son, Michael Connor Sweeney, and her father, Edward J. Damm, served in the US Navy.

“Being able to assist our Veterans in any way I can and provide them with the help and support they need is something that I am extremely proud of and it continuously motivates me to do more.”

Elaine feels that The Patriot Fund is an important fundraising vehicle for our Veterans and their families who desperately need the support – both financially and mentally – when they return from war. These brave individuals fight selflessly for our country and in turn, for each and every one of us as Americans. Because of this, Elaine is motivated to make a lasting impact on our Veteran community through the Board’s efforts.

Elaine Damm is the CEO of ACCU Staffing Services, Owner of 911 Staffing, and Partner of Corporate Planned Staffing. She is a results-driven leader with over 35 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry. ACCU Staffing Services is consistently ranked by NJ Biz and Philadelphia Business Journal as Top Women-Owned Business, Top Family-Owned Business, Top Staffing Firm, and Top Executives Search Firm, as well as being voted America’s Best Temporary Staffing Firm by Forbes Magazine in 2020.

Elaine is also an active member in the community, being a Trustee on the Virtua Health System Board, a Trustee for Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes, an Advisory Board Member of 1^st Colonial National Bank, Cherry Hill NJ, and received the title of 2018 Executive of the Year in South Jersey Biz.

Erik Osland

Corporate leader turned serial entrepreneur, Erik Osland is a successful healthcare founder and now Managing Partner of evolvedMD where he helms a passionate team at the forefront of healthcare innovation. In his role, Erik is responsible for enhancing the customer experience, developing a high-performing team, and elevating the integrated behavioral health industry through thought leadership.

Prior to evolvedMD, Erik founded another healthcare venture, a clinical lab specializing in anatomical pathology services that was ultimately acquired by one of the nation’s largest diagnostic laboratories in 2020. With an extensive and proven background in B2B sales, management, and influencing high-level leaders, Erik gained national exposure and experience managing teams as the Director of National Accounts at several large medical device companies.

A Phoenix native, Erik went south for his education graduating from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Community-minded and passionate about creating a better future for the next generation, Erik is an active philanthropist in Phoenix with leadership positions in children’s charities including the Phoenix Active 20/30, the Aspiring Youth Foundation, and the Children in Need Foundation. An ardent supporter of the men and women who have served our country, he also serves on the national board of the Patriot Fund, an organization that honors and assists veterans and their families.

An avid golfer, Erik successfully turned his frequent hobby into America’s largest philanthropic golf society, The Stake Club, in early 2018. Erik also is extremely passionate about giving back to our military heroes for granting us the freedoms that we all enjoy. 

When he is not in the office, in the board room, or on the green, you can find him with his wife Brooke and two children, Perry and March, at their home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Patrick Fisher

Patrick Fisher, SVP Philadelphia Team Lead – Commercial Bank at WSFS Bank, has charted a path to success in the financial services sector, beginning with his time in the U.S. Marine Corps. Admired by his peers, colleagues and clients for his ability to navigate the everchanging industry with poise and grit, he is often seen as a role model in banking through his significant contributions to the profession and often draws upon his military service as a reason for his success.

For over 21 years, Patrick has been recognized as a highly qualified commercial banking manager, including 10 years in a leadership role, building, coaching and leading successful client portfolio teams and generating annual loan growth and revenue increases. He has a strong finance professional background, with skills in portfolio, business relationship and risk management and commercial mortgages and lending. Acknowledgment of Patrick’s aptitude in the industry is evidenced by his successful transition to larger institutions across the region.

Patrick began his career right out of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in Oct. 1997. During his time with the Marine Corp, Patrick was stationed overseas as an Intelligence Analyst in several Southwest Asian countries, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines, and spent more than two years in Okinawa, Japan. While on duty in Okinawa, Patrick led a platoon of 20 more Marines. Today, Patrick often talks about the qualities the military has bestowed on him – loyalty, work ethic and character building. He often uses these skills to thrive in a business environment. “The day-to-day grind in the military overprepares you and sharpens your talents to be prepared for anything, and it’s in these skills that I have built my career on – to be reliable, quality-focused and passionate about achieving success.” The military also opened the door for Patrick to work and live with individuals from different races, backgrounds, origins and genders, which helped with relationship building.

As part of Pat’s move to WSFS Bank in Oct. 2020, he was tasked with leading its brand recognition efforts in southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, which included catering to the region’s middle market, cultivating a strong network of external contacts and referral sources, and expanding recruitment and training development. Pat now manages a 10-person commercial lending group for Greater Philadelphia, and oversees a portfolio of loans, treasury services and deposits in aggregate of $600 million.

Patrick was awarded the Navy and the Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous Letters of Achievement during his tour of duty. He also was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal in 2018 as a Veteran of Influence. He is involved with various organizations and nonprofits in the region. Most notably, he is a member of the Union League, U.S. Marine Crop League, United Way, Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, South Jersey Chamber of Commerce and New Castle Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.

Michael Wilkinson

Michael has strong ties to South Jersey and the Armed Forces. Growing up in Mount Laurel NJ, Michael joined the Army Infantry at a young age and was medically and honorably discharged after suffering an injury. While the injury prevented overseas deployment, Michael saw his battle buddies struggle to adapt in civilian life when they returned.

“Friends of mine sacrificed far more than I could have imagined. One Army buddy was 10 years discharged from service when he took his own life. While attending his funeral, I felt I need to find a way to help others before we get to this point.  The Patriot Fund is a way for me to help so many others like my friend, who are lost when returning to civilian life. My hope is we can do more than the minimum to make them feel welcomed, purpose driven, and safe. After all, THEY are the reason why we feel safe.” – Mike

Michael started his career as project manager for a Architectural firm, then as a partner in a boutique design/build firm, before launching M Wilkinson Construction Company in 2015. M Wilkinson Construction Company has grown to service both the private sector and the Federal government as a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. M Wilkinson Construction Company operates in all major industries within the commercial, industrial, and multifamily construction sectors.

Michael is very active in his community and has served on many other community initiatives. Currently, he is most active in his church, First Baptist of Haddonfield and will begin his term on the mission/finance boards in 2023.

Michael loves trying new restaurants with his wife, Christine or attending Philly sports events with his son, Nick.

Pam Davis

Pam Davis became involved with The Patriot Fund in May of 2021, after attending a charity event in Naples, Florida in April. Her father, Jack, served in the US Army for 30 years and Pam grew up immersed in the military dependent way of life. Her desire to serve our American service men and women is based on the values she grew up with – family, America, patriotism, and giving back. Pam became a Board Member in May, 2023.

Although Pam did not serve in the Armed Forces, she had firsthand knowledge of the sacrifice service families endure with her father’s dedication to the US Army. She experienced life as an “Army brat” in various European countries, as well as across the United States throughout her childhood.

After a 25 year career in Operations, Strategic Planning, and Sales in the proprietary education arena, Pam has volunteered and served on many Boards with the intent of making a difference and improving outcomes and processes when possible. She was on the Make a Wish – Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana Board of Directors, the Career College Association Conference Planning committee, The Lucas Cup Foundation Board of Directors and most recently served as President for the Audubon Country Club Board of Directors. Currently, she is a Board member for Project OVAT (a nonprofit organization focusing on the legal, medical, and mental health support of referred Veterans who are attempting to navigate the Veterans Administration), and serves as the Chair of the Inaugural and now annual Patriot Fund Veterans Honor Invitational held in Naples, FL.

Pam’s passion to help our Veterans grows daily as she becomes more involved in the two organizations. She is dedicated to raising awareness and funding to ensure no Veteran suffers due to lack of resources. Her focus now is the new sacrifice that service members face as they transition into civilian life. She is fighting to ensure we do not forget that sacrifice and as a country we take care of our Veterans.

Kevin Ruth

Kevin Ruth is the founder and creator of the Give-Get financial planning game that teaches players basic financial concepts.  Players go on money journeys where they give money to try to get money to grow their net worth.  Kevin believes everyone should have access to basic financial education.

With 30 years in the financial services industry, Kevin has led Private Wealth and Financial Planning teams at Merrill Lynch, UBS Financial Services, Fidelity Investments, and Raymond James.

At Fidelity, Kevin served as the first Chief Financial Planning Officer for Fidelity Personal and Workplace Advisors and served as the Chair for Fidelity Personal Trust Company.  At UBS, Kevin was the Chair and CEO of UBS Trust Company, the president of UBS Financial Services Insurance Agency, and served on the board of the UBS Puerto Rico Family of Funds.

Kevin is a Commissioner for the CFP^® Board’s Standards Resource Commission and is a Board Member for Signature Financial Services Group.

Kevin served four years in the U.S. Army.  Since leaving the military, Kevin has supported non-profit Veteran-focused organizations as his small way to continue to serve his country and his community. Dedicated to continue giving back to his community, Kevin joined The Patriot Fund Board in May, 2023.

In addition to his professional experience, Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Science degree from The American College.

Kevin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, and Accredited Estate Planner.

Kevin married his high school sweetheart, Jill and they have two adult daughters.  His wife and daughters love beating him at Give-Get.

“I know that freedom isn’t free. Our Veterans and active-duty military pay that price for us, and we owe our freedom to them. We have an obligation to make sure Veterans receive the critical services they deserve.”