FY’s 2027 & 2028

Board of Directors

PVA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Board of Directors Election ballots will be mailed to members on July 15. Please fill out your ballot and mail it to PVA Mid-Atlantic Headquarters in the return envelope provided. You are limited to 10 selections on your ballot.

DEADLINE FOR BALLOTS – 5:00 P.M. ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

Ballots will be tabulated on August 17th, with our newly elected Directors announced the following day.

Your new Board of Directors will officially take office on October 1st.

 

CANDIDATE BIOS

(Listed in alphabetical order by last name)

Takeyla S. Adams

Hey y’all! I’m Takeyla Adams, and I am incredibly honored to be nominated for reelection to our board. As a proud disabled veteran and a country girl at heart, everything I do, I do it with passion and love. They say my positive energy is contagious, and I would like to keep spreading it throughout our chapter. It has been a privilege to serve you on the board, and I am as fired up as ever to keep fighting for our members, advocating for our needs, and moving us forward together.

 

Arnold W. Beard

No biographic information provided.

Ronald E. Christian

My strengths are leadership, accountability, resource management, welfare + relief and by-laws. 
I am a S/C Army veteran, a 6-year PVA member, with 40 years as a Veterans Service Officer. I served several years as a Commander for the Disabled American Veterans, and National Order of Trench Rats. I am also a member of the 1st AIRCAV Medical Association. I have led VA stand-downs, fundraisers, and thrift stores.
I tore up my leg, spine, and neck in an Army helicopter crash. I have had 5 knee replacements and several spinal surgeries.
I am on the boccia team, and have enjoyed the fishing events, Christmas and Super Bowl parties, air pistol and rifle, and the NVWG. Members are always invited to hunt on my land at the Pamunkey River in New Kent County.
I would like to see more activities such as games, art projects and trips. I would also like to implement PVA members be a “buddy” to new members to help indoctrinate them to what PVA has to offer.
Joining the PVA has given me so much. I would like to go a step further and join the Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors.

 

Matthew L. Cole

Service has guided my life for more than two decades. I proudly served 20 years across three branches of the United States Armed Forces: four years in the United States Marine Corps, 11 years in the United States Air Force, and five years in the United States Army. These experiences strengthened my leadership, collaboration, and commitment to advocating for others.
During my final active-duty assignment, I served as Detachment Commander of the 1487th. In that role, I led personnel, supported mission readiness, and ensured the needs of those under my commend were addressed with professionalism, accountability, and respect.
My commitment to the veteran community has continued through PVA. I currently serve as Membership Director on the local chapter board, where I have gained valuable experience in chapter operations, member engagement, advocacy, and governance. I have also served on previous local boards in Ohio, further deepening my appreciation for responsible leadership and member representation.
I am eager to contribute at a broader level and would bring military experience, proven leadership, board service, and a sincere commitment to advancing the need of the veterans PVA serves.
Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to continue serving PVA.

 

Preston A. Curry

Preston Curry is a Virginia Beach native, Floyd Kellam High School alumnus, and U.S. Army veteran. Enlisting in 1992, he trained at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, serving as an Automated Logistics Specialist until his medical retirement in 1995. Following his service, Preston earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from Old Dominion University, laying the foundation for a lifetime of community advocacy.
As a dedicated member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Preston has served on various committees since the early 2000s, including Advocacy and Legislation, Sports and Recreation, and Adaptive Equipment. His leadership led to a seat on the Board of Directors (2015–2019), followed by an appointment to the Joint Leadership Council of Veterans Service Organizations of Virginia (JLC) from 2019–2024. While on the JLC, he directly advised the Virginia General Assembly on crucial legislation to improve the quality of life for Virginia veterans. Currently, Preston serves his community as a Grants Administrator for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In his spare time, he has served as a Peer Mentor for the past 20 years in the Spinal Cord Injury Peer Mentor Program at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System. He also stays highly active in adaptive sports, including off-road handcycling, archery, pickleball, bowling, and billiards. He enjoys traveling, weight training, and spending time with family and friends, remaining deeply committed to improving the quality of life for his fellow PVA Mid-Atlantic veterans

 

Jeffrey A. Dolezal

I have been a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America for 46 years (since 1980) following a spinal cord injury while serving in the United States Air Force. I currently sit on the Mid Atlantic PVA board of directors and serve as the chapter treasurer. I have been on the chapter BOD since 2018. I am the elected National Director for the PVA, serving on the National PVA Board of Directors and have worked on several National committees, including serving now as the Chairman of the PVA National Audit Committee. Prior to being on the Mid Atlantic PVA Board, I worked by PVA National over a course of 18 plus years as a Veterans Service Officer, Director of Field Services, and Associate Executive Director for Veterans Benefits. It is an honor to serve my fellow members and I am willing to continue to do so if reelected through your votes.

 

Richard F. Goebel

I have been with the PVA Mid-Atlantic Chapter almost five years and am active in many types of events. For the past 18 months I have been on the Board of Directors and wish to continue.
My background is 24 years active duty Navy retiring in 2009. I became paralyzed in 2021.
I have been most successful with bowling, but I am also into fishing and skiing.
I live in the Hampton Roads Area and can be supportive at the Hampton VAMC.
I try to be encouraging and offer ideas or assistance when someone is trying something new.

 

Mark Hartney

Being an elected officer of the PVA Mid-Atlantic chapter has been a privilege and an honor for the past five years. Much of the work has been a team effort.
As a member of the Advocacy & Legislation Committee, I have been to Capitol Hill the past three years and pushed for bills that have become law, including TSA Precheck
fees being waived for disabled veterans, the Elizabeth Dole Act, and the Air Carrier Act of 2024.
As a member of the Finance Committee, I have worked to ensure the chapter is fiscally responsible with our money allowing adequate funding for our programs.
As the past chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, it was my goal to work well with the committee members to develop a meaningful program from the ground up. This
program remains the only one of its kind at the PVA chapter level in the country.
As your representative of the Virginia Governor’s Joint Leadership Council, I will continue to do my best to further our goals to help all veterans in Virginia.
I pledge to continue to keep our chapter members in mind when making decisions that have an impact on them. I humbly seek your vote to continue to be a board member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

 

Johnny R. Holland

Randy “Quadzilla” Holland is an accomplished wheelchair athlete, mentor, and brand ambassador.
A member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of PVA for nearly three decades, he has served on the Board of Directors as both Vice President and Sports Director.
Holland has advocated with the organization on Capitol Hill for the past six years to address policy concerns and representation for veterans with spinal cord injuries.
Born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, Holland joined the Army in 1984 and attended basic training at Fort Knox and AIT at Fort Dix, where he was classified as a 64C (motor transport operator). He was stationed in Kentucky and Korea before moving to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1987. On May 1, 1987, he was injured in a motor vehicle accident, suffering a spinal cord injury that led to a diagnosis of quadriplegia.
While an inpatient at the Richmond VA Medical Center, Holland’s optimism led staff to ask him to counsel newly injured troops. In rehab, he formed a close friendship with therapist Ike Cook, who introduced him to wheelchair sports and encouraged him to stay active.
He attended his first NVWG in 1989 and has since competed in 34 Games, earning the nickname Quadzilla for both his prowess on the rugby court and larger-than-life personality. Holland serves as a consultant for Van Products, a Raleigh, NC company offering handicap- accessible vans and mobility features that help improve independence and mobility. He is also an appointed member of the Mayor’s Committee for Disabilities in Goldsboro, NC, where he resides with his wife, Shirvon. He has a daughter, Jovane, a Marine Corps veteran, and a grandson, Justice.

 

George J. Holscher

My name is George Holscher, and I am a Navy Veteran. I have been a proud member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the PVA for more than 25 years.
From 1982 to 1986, I served as a Navy Aviation Electrician with an F-14 squadron based at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Following my military service, I worked as a supervisor for highway electrical projects. On a personal note, my lovely wife and I are celebrating 40 years of marriage this year.
After my injury in 1990, I explored many sports, including track and field, table tennis, basketball, tennis, billiards, and bowling. I am eternally grateful for the decades of support from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter, which allowed me to stay active and participate in countless PVA events.
Today, I continue to enjoy bowling and billiards. Finding particular success on the lanes, I am a three-time scratch division bowling champion. I have also had the distinct honor of representing the wheelchair bowling community internationally with Para Team USA. This coming January, I am scheduled to travel to Bangkok, Thailand, to compete in the International Bowling Federation Para World Championship.
I am deeply honored to be nominated to retain my position on the board, and I look forward to helping keep the Mid-Atlantic Chapter strong for years to come. Thank you.

 

Ronda M. Jones

My name is Ronda Jones, and I am an Army veteran originally from Virginia, now living in Maryland. I have a deep passion for advocacy, service, and empowering others, particularly those facing challenges similar to my own. I understand firsthand the unique needs of veterans and am dedicated to ensuring that every member of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) has access to the resources and support they deserve.
As I seek the opportunity to serve as a board member, I am eager to bring my diverse skill set to the table. I have experience in program and finance management, which equips me to effectively oversee and promote initiatives that align with the PVA’s mission. Additionally, my background in photography and event planning enables me to creatively engage our community and raise awareness for our cause.
I am truly grateful for the chance to potentially serve on the board and am committed to working diligently to find resources that will further our chapter’s mission. I believe that together we can empower our members and make a meaningful impact in their lives. I would be proud to represent the Paralyzed Veterans of America and to advocate for those who have bravely served our country. Thank you for considering my candidacy.

 

Jimmy W. May

A 76-year-old disabled veteran of the Vietnam era, this December Mr. May will have been in a wheelchair for 58 years. He was injured in Vietnam on December
1, 1968. At the time, he was in the Army serving with “The Big Red I” Infantry Division. While serving he received a Purple Heart, the Army Accommodation Medals.
Mr. May is very much involved in wheelchair sports. One accomplishment of which he is very proud is he attended National Veteran’s Wheelchair Games for 40 years He also served as coach of the Richmond Rim riders wheelchair basketball team.
Mr. May lives in Midlothian, VA with his wife of 57 years, Sue, and they enjoy spending time in Urbanna camping and fishing. He has two sons. Troy who retired from
Goochland Sheriff Department after 25 years and Kevin who works for Hunter Construction. Mr. May has two grandchildren. Savannah, a recent graduate of Va. Tech majoring in journalism and political science. Grandson Zachary attends ACA Governors School and enjoys basketball and track.
Mr. May is a life member of the local Chapters of PVA, DAV, VFW, currently serving on the Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Board of Directors as President. He also serves on the Board of the A.W.B.A. Mr. May enjoys volunteering his time and services in helping all Veterans. Mr. May also hosted the 53rd National Bowling tournament in Richmond, VA in 2014.
In 2016 he held the first MAPVA bowling tournament and is looking forward to hosting the 10th annual tournament this year at its new location in Hampton, VA Mr. May would very much like your vote to continue serving the paralyzed veterans of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of PVA.

 

Amy L. McKee

I have been on the board for four years and I am very dedicated to and passionate about supporting all of our members in all their endeavors. Currently I am serving as the Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter Secretary, and I have advocated three years in Washington D.C., discussing with members of Congress the importance of passing laws in support of Veterans. Served 13 years in the Marine Corps from 2004-2017.  I was an aviation electrical technician on the EA-6B Prowler. Deployed overseas twice to Iraq, once to Afghanistan and once to Qatar. I was injured in a motorcycle accident in January 2016. It left me paralyzed from the chest down due to severing my spinal cord at T-3. I am blessed to still be alive, able to watch my children grow up. We have not let my injury slow us down, we just needed to learn how to do things together. I have been able to teach my kids new sports and they have helped me learn how to do things with them still.  Some things are harder than others, but life moves on. I joined the Tidewater Piranhas power soccer team, and we travel the country playing in tournaments. I also attend the National Veterans Wheelchair Games participating with and watching fellow veterans compete.  I have been on the board for four years and I am very dedicated to and passionate about supporting all of our members in all their endeavors.

 

Ronald D. Richardson

Ronald Richardson is an Army veteran who, since his medical retirement from the Army, has been a member of the Virginia Mid-Atlantic Paralyzed Veterans of America. Richardson has served on the Board of Directors 2009-2016 as a Director or Ad hoc Director. He is also a member of the Fayetteville Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Advisory Council for People with Disabilities, and the North Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association. Richardson also serves as the Deputy Volunteer Liaison Officer for the Fayetteville Veterans’ Medical Center’s Veterans Administration Volunteer Service. He is a graduate of Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, NC and studied Business Administration and Finance at Fayetteville State University. Richardson spent 13 of his 22 ½ yr career in the Army as a Recruiter. Throughout the Army’s Recruiting Command, Richardson was known for his outstanding leadership abilities, management skills and his determination to excel. He received numerous awards during his tenure as a Recruiter and Station Commander, to include: The Army Recruiter Ring and the Recruiting Medallion, both among the most prestigious awards in the U.S Army Recruiting Command; The Army Chief of Staff Award (two awards); the Order of the Sabre Award (three Awards); and the Top Large Recruiting Station, (eight awards). Before
his duties as a recruiter, Richardson served as a Fire Direction Control Specialist for the Lance and Multiple Launch Rocket System and later a Vulcan Air Defense System repairman. Richardson served during Desert Shield, Storm and Comfort where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his achievements while there. Richardson retired as a First Sergeant. Richardson resides in Fayetteville, NC.