Leadership

The board
of directors

Project Heroes First is guided by a leadership team deeply committed to service, resilience, and community impact with over 50 combined years of public service. Each leader brings a unique blend of military, nonprofit, and public sector expertise, united by a shared mission to support Veterans, First Responders, and their families. We honor the determination of Veterans and First Responders—and the unwavering support of their families—by providing access to holistic recovery through enrichment programs. Through both physical and mental rehabilitation, Project Heroes First helps rebuild lives, restore purpose, and strengthen resilience one day at a time.

Board of directors

Justin “JT” Torres

Justin “JT” TorresM.P.A., MLS

Founder | CEO | Director of Paladin Program

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Justin "JT" Torres is the Founder, CEO, and Director of the Paladin Program of Project Heroes First. He is the creator of the Paladin Program & the Uniformed Service Entrepreneurship Program (USEP). A U.S. Army Combat Veteran and accomplished nonprofit leader, he has devoted his career to advancing the well-being, resilience, and economic mobility of Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Justin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Affairs, a Master of Public Administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and a Law Degree in Human Resources and Employment Law, Policy, and Management from Texas A&M University School of Law, along with graduate certificates in Business Law and Compliance and Employment Law.

Dr. Michael Logan

Dr. Michael LoganPh.D.

Vice President | Director of Higher Education & Strategic Partnerships

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Dr. Logan serves as the Vice President of the Board, Higher Education & Strategic Partnerships for Project Heroes First. Dr. Logan is currently the Director of the Center for Military Affiliated Students at University of Texas at San Antonio where he supervises, supports, and leads in support of over 6,000 military-affiliated students & staff members. Dr. Logan is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 15+ years of leadership experience and holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy (Higher Education) from UT San Antonio. He is also a G.W. Bush Presidential Scholar.

Melisa Fortin

Melisa FortinLCSW

Director of Cognitive Performance

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Melisa is the Director of Cognitive Performance for PHF. She holds a master's in social work from Tulane University and has over a decade of experience supporting US military, first responders, and their families nationwide. This lived experience gives her unique insight into the resilience required by uniformed service families. Melisa is highly trained in evidence-based methods that help individuals move beyond shutdown and survival mode, restoring stability, resilience, and an active, engaged life.

Andrew Glickstein

Andrew GlicksteinScrum Master and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Director of Financial Strategy

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Andrew serves as the Director of Financial Strategy for Project Heroes First, where he provides strategic oversight of financial planning, organizational growth, and operational excellence initiatives that support the organization's long-term mission and sustainability. Andrew, Army Veteran, brings more than a decade of experience spanning military leadership, financial governance, process optimization, and emerging technology research.

Andrew is a Certified Scrum Master and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who specializes in building scalable systems and driving organizational efficiency. He holds an academic background in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from New York University (NYU) and owns Stone Oaks Armory in Stone Oak, Texas.

Advisory council

Dr. Talia Barrow

Dr. Talia BarrowDSc, OTR/L, CHT

Head Advisor of Occupational Therapy

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Dr. Barrow is the Advisor for Program Development/Advancement for Project Heroes First. With over 20+ years of experience supporting Active-Duty Service members, she is an Assistant Professor in the Army-Baylor Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, focusing on research to improve sleep-related policies for Active-Duty personnel. She holds a Doctorate of Science in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University.

Benjamin Goldberg

Benjamin GoldbergM.H.A.

Ambassador, University of Georgia

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Ben brings expertise in healthcare administration and health outcomes research, holding a master's degree from the University of Georgia. As Project Heroes First's University of Georgia Ambassador of Veteran's Health, he leverages data-driven analysis and evidence-based strategies to strengthen program impact and sustainability. A certified Lean Six Sigma White Belt, Ben currently serves in Student Health Growth & Research at UGA, where his dedication to advancing Veteran health and measurable outcomes continues to support the PHF mission.

Elsie Cabrera

Elsie CabreraBAS in Exercise Science,

Head Law Enforcement Liaison & Public Safety

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Elsie serves on the Project Heroes Advisory Board as Head LEO & Public Safety Advisor, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in public safety and law enforcement, along with a deep commitment to serving those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Beyond her service as a Project Heroes First board member, Elsie actively advances the organization's mission through her apparel brand, DRK LYT, using its platform to promote mental health awareness, resilience, and personal growth among Veterans, First Responders, and the communities they serve.

Elsie holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Brownsville, strengthening PHF's ability to develop impactful programs that support Veterans & First Responders