directors and officers

 Dave Nichols - Chairman

David Nichols is the Executive Director of the DVMS Institute, where he leads the mission to help organizations of every size achieve operational resilience through Governance, Resiliency, Assurance, and Accountability (GRAA). He collaborates with leading practitioners in risk management, service management, cybersecurity, assurance, and executive leadership to develop practical guidance, training, and certifications that equip boards, executives, and practitioners to govern with confidence, build resilience into operations, and demonstrate assurance in a digital-first world.

David currently serves as Chairman of the Gift-a-Vet Foundation, following his prior service as Vice Chair. In these roles, he helps guide the Foundation’s mission to support disabled veterans in South Carolina veterans’ homes by strengthening community partnerships, volunteer engagement, and sustainable operations that expand the Foundation’s reach and impact.

His leadership foundation was forged in the U.S. Navy submarine service, where complex systems, precision teamwork, and high-stakes decision-making are a daily reality. He later brought those lessons into civilian life, building a career in software development and IT service delivery, and leading high-performance teams that delivered critical capabilities.

Ron Bixby - Vice Chairman

Ron Bixby is a respected real estate professional serving the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina community as an agent with Realty ONE Group Dockside. He has built a reputation grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a client-focused approach, consistently guiding individuals and families through important real estate decisions with care and diligence.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Bixby is a dedicated supporter of the Gift a Vet organization. His involvement reflects a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and a steadfast commitment to enhancing their quality of life. Through his support, he contributes to Gift a Vet’s mission of providing meaningful engagement, companionship, and annual gift-giving to veterans residing in South Carolina Veterans Homes.

Mr. Bixby’s continued service to the community—both professionally and philanthropically—demonstrates a strong commitment to honoring those who have served and ensuring they are recognized with dignity, respect, and gratitude.

Merle Hendricks - Secretary

 I have always been interested in science and technology. So, when I enlisted in the US Navy, it was into the Nuclear Power Program with intentions of becoming a Reactor Operator on a nuclear-powered submarine.  With the required training completed, I reported aboard the USS Tecumseh (SSBN628) where my goal was achieved. After receiving my honorable discharge, I was employed in the High-Tech Industry where I worked my way up and served as the Group Lead Manufacturing Engineer. Concurrently with my civilian employment I joined the Navy Reserve retiring after 29 service years as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. During that time, I earned two college degrees, an AAS in Management and Supervision and an AAS in Computer Technology. My job titles include Leading Electronics Technician, Reactor Operator, Log Room Yeoman, Training Officer, Command Career Counselor, and Command Senior Chief Petty Officer. My wife and I are Small Group leaders and Greeters at our church. We are also Community Chaplains. My church experience includes Deacon, and Board Secretary. I am the Secretary of the Gift-A-Vet Foundation. I am the Past Commander of two USSVI bases and currently serve as Chaplain of the Grand Strand Base. 

Lisa Hendricks - Board Member

Linda Hendricks serves as a Board Member of Gift a Vet, where she is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for veterans residing in South Carolina Veterans Homes through meaningful engagement, companionship, and annual gift-giving initiatives. Since joining the board in February 2023, Ms. Hendricks has been an active and compassionate advocate for ensuring that veterans—particularly during the holiday season—experience connection, comfort, and the generosity of their community.

Ms. Hendricks brings a diverse professional and community-oriented background to her role. She is a former business owner and has contributed to adult education as an instructor at community colleges in Hillsboro, Oregon. Her longstanding commitment to civic engagement is reflected in her service with multiple Chambers of Commerce, including in Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon, as well as Henderson, Nevada.

In addition to her board service, Ms. Hendricks serves as a Community Chaplain, providing support and comfort to individuals and families in local hospitals and offering assistance during times of crisis or disaster. Her work is grounded in compassion, service, and a deep commitment to helping others in times of need.

Through her professional experience and volunteer service, Ms. Hendricks exemplifies a steadfast dedication to community, faith, and the well-being of others, making a meaningful impact on the lives of veterans and those she serves.

James Czulewicz - Board Member

James “Jim” Czulewicz serves as a Board Member of Gift a Vet, an organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for veterans residing in South Carolina Veterans Homes through meaningful engagement, socialization, and annual gift-giving initiatives. He proudly continues the legacy of service established by his father, the organization’s founder, whose lifelong commitment to veterans remains the guiding inspiration behind Gift a Vet’s mission.

Mr. Czulewicz is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur, currently having served as President and Chief Executive Officer of JumpStart Games, Inc. In this role, he led the growth and evolution of several well-known digital entertainment and educational brands, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership, innovation, and organizational excellence.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Czulewicz is actively engaged in philanthropic and community initiatives. His involvement with Gift a Vet reflects both a personal dedication to honoring those who have served and a desire to carry forward his family’s tradition of service. 

Mr. Czulewicz resides in Montgomery, Texas, with his wife, Denise, and remains committed to supporting veterans and strengthening the communities in which they live.

Peter Snyder - Board Member

Mr. Snyder is a retired U.S. Navy veteran and dedicated community volunteer residing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with his wife, Linda, since 2014. He proudly served 22 years in the United States Navy’s submarine force, contributing to the operation, maintenance, and training of nuclear submarine programs before transferring to the U.S. Navy Fleet Reserve in 1990.

Following his military service, Mr. Snyder continued his career in the nuclear energy sector. He worked with General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, where he supported the development of technical documentation for the Seawolf-class (SSN-21) submarine program. He later spent two decades in the Operations Department at Millstone Power Station in Waterford, Connecticut, contributing to safe and efficient plant operations until his retirement in 2013.

Since relocating to Myrtle Beach, Mr. Snyder has remained deeply committed to service. He actively volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Horry County, Laborers for Christ, and the Year-To-Volunteer program. He is also a member of Holy Lamb Lutheran Church.

In his personal time, Mr. Snyder enjoys spending time with family, traveling, outdoor activities, and woodcraft. His lifelong dedication to service—both in uniform and within his community—reflects the core values of the Gift a Vet organization.

  Jon Marht - Board Member 

Jon Mahrt was named Chief Executive Officer of Optum Rx and Chief Growth Officer of Optum

in May 2025. Across these dual leadership roles, he leads both the Optum-wide growth strategy 

and an integrated pharmacy care services organization that serves more than 62 million people 

and fills more than 1.5 billion drug prescriptions annually.

Leveraging his deep experience in health care and technology, Jon has held a variety of general 

management, operations and sales management leadership positions throughout his career. 

His leadership is grounded in the value of service, and he consistently empowers teams to 

exceed expectations. Jon also has a deep commitment to fostering a culture where 

compassion, collaboration and dedication to patients, providers and clients is encouraged and 

fully realized.

Jon joined Optum in 2016 and has had various leadership roles across the business including 

serving as president of Optum Rx’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) and chief operating 

officer for Optum Rx. In leading the PBM, Jon had end-to-end oversight, helping millions 

achieve better health outcomes and lower overall costs through innovative prescription drug 

benefit services. He was also responsible for leading operations across Optum Rx.

Prior to Optum, Jon spent five years as the senior vice president of Healthcare Services for 

Expert Global Solutions. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of 

Management.