Board Members
Our Board of Directors
Veterans Transition Support is governed by a volunteer board of directors composed of veterans, community leaders, and professionals committed to supporting the military-connected community in San Diego.
Russell Levy J.D
Founder and President
Russell Levy founded Veterans Transition Support in 2014 after identifying a critical gap in the resources available to service members leaving the military. A graduate of Tulane Law School, Russell has spent over a decade developing the VTS Military Transition Training Program, personally teaching career development, Lean Six Sigma, and OSHA safety courses to thousands of veterans and active duty service members across San Diego County. He previously served with Easter Seals of Southern California's Bob Hope Veterans Support Program and Veterans First before launching VTS as an all-volunteer nonprofit. Russell leads every Resource Brief and serves as the primary instructor for VTS training programs.
Merlyn Cruz-Feliciano
Vice President-Army Veteran
Merlyn Cruz-Feliciano served in the United States Army as a logistics supply sergeant from 2002 to 2016, bringing 14 years of military service to her role at VTS. After her own unexpected transition out of the Army, Merlyn found VTS and became one of its most dedicated advocates — because she lived the challenge firsthand. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in mental health therapy and brings a deep understanding of the emotional and practical hurdles veterans face when re-entering civilian life. As Vice President, Merlyn supports VTS outreach and helps connect veterans to the programs and resources that made a difference in her own transition.
Miguel Huertanicacio
Secretary Marine Veteran
Miguel Huertanicacio is a Marine Corps veteran and an Authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer who serves as Secretary of the VTS Board of Directors. Miguel plays a direct role in VTS training delivery, bringing hands-on safety industry expertise to the OSHA courses offered at no cost to veterans and military spouses in San Marcos. His dual role as both board officer and active instructor reflects the VTS model of leadership through service.
Kathy Burnam
Treasurer
Kathy Burnam serves as Treasurer of the VTS Board of Directors and is the primary operations contact for Veterans Transition Support. She oversees the administrative and financial functions that keep the organization running and coordinates program scheduling, volunteer management, and donor relations. Kathy's behind-the-scenes work ensures that VTS programs remain free, consistent, and accessible to every veteran and service member who walks through the door.
Kimberly Martin
Board Member
Kimberly Martin serves on the VTS Board of Directors, contributing her expertise to support the organization's governance and community outreach efforts. Her commitment to the military-connected community aligns with VTS's mission of ensuring no veteran faces the transition to civilian life without the tools and support they need.
Sean Spinks
Board Member Retired Marine
Sean Spinks is a retired United States Marine who serves on the VTS Board of Directors. Sean brings firsthand knowledge of military service and the challenges of the civilian transition to his role on the board, helping VTS stay grounded in the real experiences of the veterans it serves.
Interested in Joining the Board?
VTS welcomes professionals with backgrounds in nonprofit management, veteran services, workforce development, legal, finance, or marketing. If you are committed to supporting veterans in San Diego, we would like to hear from you.