Executive Management | Key Personnel

Ms. Jennifer Paquette

Ms. Paquette has served as Executive Director of the Green Beret Foundation since 1 August 2011. Prior to that she served as Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of the Foundation since January 2010.

She manages critical aspects of day-to-day operations including strategic planning, building and maintaining donor relationships, coordination of services with USSOCOM Care Coalition, and delivering those services to Green Berets and their families.

Jen’s number one and most important position is being the wife of SSG (R) Roland Paquette III who was an 18d (Special Forces Medic) with 1^st Battalion 3^rd SFG (A).  Roland was traumatically wounded by an IED blast while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ms. Paquette has worked for Intel Corporation and Phelps Dodge Corporation now Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. holding various positions: Supply Chain Analyst, Commodity Specialist, Commodity Analyst and Production Planner to name a few. She has extensive experience in managing high profile multi-million dollar projects, managing people, and writing and negotiating multi-million dollar contracts. In addition to her private sector experience, Ms. Paquette has over five years of not-for-profit experience while working as a project manager at USSOCOM Care Coalition.

Ms. Paquette partnered with COL(R) Scott Heintz to start the USSOCOM Care Coalition Recovery Program, where she concurrently developed operational metrics to fulfill the contract's requirements, was the lead project manager, mentored wounded and their spouses, and was the mentor coordinator. This program is still in place and is considered the cornerstone for traumatically wounded SOF warriors and their families' long term recovery and support system.

Ms. Paquette has acted as the Chief Operating Officer for the Green Beret Foundation for almost two years. She has identified and developed programs and services, planned and executed GBF's initial Gala in San Antonio, and fostered business relationships with other not-for-profits and corporate sponsorships.

Ms. Paquette earned her B.S. in Business Administration majoring in Supply Chain Management from Arizona State University and her Master's in Public Administration with a concentration in Not-for-Profits and Public Policy from St. Mary's University.

Mr. Randy Nantz

SFC Nantz enlisted in the Army after 9/11/01. After completing basic training at Fort Benning, GA, he reported to 3rd Infantry Division located at Fort Stewart, GA. In January of 2003, SFC Nantz deployed to Kuwait to prepare for the Iraq invasion. After the initial phase of Iraq was over, he redeployed back home August 25, 2003. He then went to SFAS, Special Forces selection course in January of 2004 and successfully graduated as a Communications Sergeant March in 2006. SFC Nantz reported to 5th Special Forces Group Airborne and deployed to Iraq in August 2006.

On Dec. 22nd of 2006 his vehicle was hit by an EFP which is a devastating roadside bomb. SFC Nantz sustained traumatic injuries that resulted in 22% 3rd degree burns, large muscle tissue loss, and severe nerve damage which ultimately led to a lower left leg amputation.

He and his family relocated to San Antonio for his hospitalization & rehabilitation for almost a year. Once released. SFC Nantz was then assigned to the USSOCOM to work for the Care Coalition on Wounded Warrior issues for all of Special Operation Forces components.

SFC (R) Randy and his two children-Ashley 18 & Joshua 13 reside in Tampa Florida.

Mr. Jason McCarthy

Mr McCarthy has advised the Green Beret Foundation since May 2010 and became Director of Marketing for the Foundation in November 2011. He is responsible for managing marketing materials, public relations, and strategic fundraisers including the annual Green Beret Foundation Gala.

Mr McCarthy is currently CEO of GORUCK LLC and GORUCK Events LLC, which manufacture military-grade gear in the United States and put on events inspired by Special Forces training, respectively. The Green Beret Foundation is the non-profit of choice for both companies. Through GORUCK and GORUCK Challenges, Mr McCarthy has spearheaded fundraising efforts that have greatly impacted the Green Beret Foundation’s operating budget and ability to provide unconventional aid to Green Berets. In addition, GORUCK donates all rucks for the GBF GORUCK Program.

Mr McCarthy enlisted in the United States Army in response to 9/11. He graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2006, serving as a Green Beret with 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) until 2008 when he founded GORUCK.

Mr McCarthy earned his B.A. in Economics from Emory University in Atlanta and his MBA from Georgetown University in Washington DC.

Mr. Jeff Falkel

Jeff Falkel serves as the Director of Gold Star Programs for the Green Beret Foundation. He is the father of SSG. Chris Falkel, 3rd SFG(A), who was killed in action in Afghanistan on 8 August 2005 during the Battle of Mari Ghar.

As both a Green Beret parent and a Gold Star Dad, Jeff brings unique skill sets to the Green Beret Foundation which enable him to work effectively in a dual capacity. A retired Army Major, himself, he has built a solid reputation in the SF and Gold Star communities for understanding and getting things done.

During his career Jeff has taught in the Health Sciences at the collegiate level, both as an Associate Professor and Professor, at universities including the University of Pittsburgh, Boston University, Ohio University, and the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. His particular expertise in Sports Medicine has resulted in notable research and papers which have formed the basis for valuable preventative and therapeutic practices, nationally and internationally.

Jeff also serves as President of Junior's Bullet Pen Company, manufacturing some of the world's greatest writing instruments from pre-fired 7.62 shell casings.

Jeff earned his B.S. in Physical Education from S.U.N.Y., his Master's in Physical Therapy from Duke University, and his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Ms. Angie Fennen

Angie Fennen started at the Green Beret Foundation in 2011 after several years of supporting the rear detachment during numerous deployments as a Family Readiness Group Military Point of Contact (MPOC) and working in the private sector.  She has managed numerous offices in the private sector and as the Commander's liaison between the FRG and the unit; she provided communication and guidance during numerous deployments such as Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and KFOR 7.  Angie’s main focus was making sure the home front was taken care of in order for the soldier to focus on their mission abroad.

As a military wife since 2001, Angie understands the importance of having a strong support system at home.  Being part of the Green Beret Foundation’s staff furthers Angie’s aspirations and passion to provide support to our service members and families in the way of raising awareness and support of the mission.  In 2008, 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) moved to Texas.  Her husband, SFC Benjerman Fennen, was recruited as a 92Y and was instrumental in standing up C-519 and later C-119.

With a background in advocating for military families, being a military spouse for over 10 years, professional experience in office management, and event planning and a true passion for our Country, Angie knew the GBF was where she wanted to be.