Meet Our Leaders

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.

Real estate expert Ron Bixby passionately advocates for veterans, fostering community programs to honor and uplift their service.

Merle Hendricks is a retired US Navy Submarine Veteran. His US Navy experience includes operating and servicing a submarine nuclear reactor. Other Navy assignments included Command Career Counselor, Division Officer, and Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Command. After being honorably discharged, he was employed in the High-Tech Industry, becoming the Department Senior Manufacturing Engineer.

His business experience includes running his own electronic business and partnering with his wife in the ownership of another small business.

Merle and his wife are Small Group leaders and Greeters at their church. They are also Community Chaplains. His experience includes Christian Lay Leader, Deacon, and Church Board Secretary.

He is the past Commander of two United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated (USSVI) bases and currently serves as Chaplain of the Grand Strand Base in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

He currently serves as the secretary of the Gift-A-Vet Foundation.

Chaplain and community advocate Linda Hendricks fosters veteran care and connection, driven by her deep dedication.

Finance expert Charlie Wharton oversees transparent, effective management, ensuring support for our veterans.

 Retired living in Myrtle Beach, SC with Linda since 2014. Enjoys family, travel, outdoor activities, woodcraft, and community volunteer work. Member of Holy Lamb Luteran Church. Since retirement has worked with Meals on Wheels of Horry County, Laborers for Christ, and Year-To-Volunteer. Transferred to USN Fleet Reserve in 1990 after 22 year career in USN submarine service in various assignments supporting nuclear submarine operation, maintenance and training. Worked at General Dynamics, EB, Groton, CT developing technical documents associated with SSN21 project. From 1993 to 2013 worked in Operations Department at Millstone Power Station, Waterford, CT. 

Jim Czulewicz supports veteran initiatives through community efforts, honoring service with hope.

Kyle Czulewicz is dedicated to veteran welfare, supporting our community through service.

I joined the Navy Reserves in 1967. Attending regular monthly meetings at The Washington Navy Yard, with the USS Drum as the training boat.

Attended Sub School in New London.

Ordered to active duty in 1969 to the USS Cutlass SS 478 out of Norfolk Va.

Achieved E-4 status as EM3. Worked as lookout/ stern planesman, then stood IC watches.

Completed SS quals in January of 1970, while underway to the Med.

Released from active duty in 1971, returned to civilian life as a construction Electrician and served remainder of reserve time until 1973.

Spent approximately 50 years in the electrical construction industry either as an installer, buyer, or salesman, retiring in 2011.

Currently reside near Myrtle Beach Sc.

Chief Executive Officer of Optum Rx and Chief Growth Officer of Optum

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.