VISION & VALUES
We believe humans are more important than hardware, and quality is more important than quantity. It is our people, guided by these organizational values, that provide The Donovan & Bank Foundation its value and worth.
We believe in mental, physical, moral, spiritual, and emotional toughness. No matter the obstacle, we will find a way to succeed, and no matter how many times we are knocked down, we will get up.
We make bold decisions others fear to make; because those decisions are considered too unproven, too unconventional, or too dangerous. We are possessed of unbridled energy and a bias for action and are willing to take up the mantle when others shy from action.
We have a capacity for love that is unique in its intensity; love of the mission, love of our country, love of our families, and love of our comrades in arms. It is this unique capacity for love that drives our unprecedented passion and commitment.
We share our knowledge, our energy, and our opportunities. There is too much demand for us to view the community of interest as competitors. If there is a way we can help by sharing what we know and what we have, we will do it.
We believe being caretakers of the organization’s resources is a solemn covenant between us, our donors, and the people we serve. We invest in quality, and practice frugality as art and science. We don’t waste resources and pride ourselves on doing more with less.
We believe there isn't a language, cultural, national, ethnic, or socio-economic barrier that can't be broken down with humor. Humor is about uplifting people. It's about humility, connection, joy, fun, playfulness, open communication, and creativity. If we are not having fun, we aren't doing it right.
MEET THE TEAM
We are small by design and principle. In our experience large organizations quickly become bureaucratic and slow. We do not blindly embrace goals of scale and monetization. Like the small teams we were part of for the better part of our careers, we seek to have strategic effects with a small, unconventional team and approach.
Paul Toolan
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Paul Toolan joined the Army in 1986 as a Private in the Army National Guard, and has been a Green Beret since 1999. He served in 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups, in leadership positions from Detachment to Battalion Command. He served as the Director of Special Forces Training, as the Director of Operations for the 1st Special Forces Command, and finished his long and distinguished career as the Deputy Commander of the 1st Special Warfare Training Group at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, responsible for the assessment, selection, and training of all US Army Green Berets.
As the Executive Director Paul develops the vision for The Foundation, safeguards the organizational values, and creates the organizational culture by providing purpose, direction and motivation.
As the Director of The Foundation's Special Operations Experience, Paul is responsible for the planning, resourcing and execution of the foundations semi-annual fundraising event.
Paul and his wife reside in Wilmington NC. They have two sons at North Carolina State University, one studying physics and one studying civil engineering.
Drew Stamp
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
Master Sergeant (Retired) Andrew Stamp joined the Army in 2010 after graduating with honors from Michigan State University and completing an intensive graduate study program in St. Petersburg, Russia. In over a decade of service, Drew deployed as a Special Forces Soldier multiple times to both combat and non-conflict zones, advising foreign militaries and working alongside US Ambassadors and government representatives in US embassies.
As the Chief Operating Officer, Drew manages and handles the daily business operations of The Foundation, working closely with the Director and partners to support the day-to-day activities and all of our programs.
As the Director of The JANUS Program, Drew is responsible for The Foundation’s portfolio of transition activities and events. He is The Foundation’s subject matter expert on transition from military service, financial considerations of transition, and he is responsible for vetting and validating The Foundation’s transition partners. Drew is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and has also earned the Chartered Financial Consultant® and Military Qualified Financial Planner® designations.
Although they're proud Michigan natives, Drew and his wife now call North Carolina home. They live in Moore County where they are involved with their church and play heavy zone defense against their four children.
Stu Farris
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS EVENTS
Colonel (Retired) Stu Farris served in the U.S. Army for over 25 years, with over 20 years in Special Forces as a Green Beret. He served six tours in Afghanistan as a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group and commanded Special Forces units from the Operational Detachment Alpha to the Group level. His final assignment was serving as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
As the Donovan & Bank Director of Special Operations Events, Stu plans, coordinates, and executes all special operations events for The Donovan & Bank Foundation. He oversees a teams of volunteers, manages event logistics, and ensures each experience authentically showcases special operations capabilities while advancing our mission.
Stu lives in Fayetteville, NC with his wife of over 25 years, and they have three sons. In his free time he enjoys practicing Gracie Jiu Jitsu and playing electric guitar.
Dan Baugher
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL LITERACY
Master Sergeant (Retired) Dan Baugher joined the Army in 2005 as an infantryman and completed his first deployment with the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. After graduating from the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2010, he joined the 3rd Special Forces Group. Since then, he has completed 10 more deployments in a variety of countries and roles.
As the Director of Financial Literacy at Donovan & Bank, Dan provides critical financial education to separating servicemembers, helping them navigate the transition to civilian life with confidence. He also plays a key role in our JANUS workshops and contributes to our wellness initiatives, drawing on his 15 years of experience as a Special Forces medic.
Dan holds a Master of Science in Financial Planning from Liberty University and is a earning his Certified Financial Planner® credentials.
Dan and his wife have lived in North Carolina for 17 years. Along with their two children, they enjoy the outdoors and serving in their church.
OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS
Behind every Donovan & Bank special operations event stands a dedicated team of volunteer leaders who selflessly bring their passion and expertise to our foundation. These exceptional retired Special Operators and civilian professionals coordinate logistics, inspire fellow volunteers, and ensure our events run seamlessly while embodying our core values. Their unparalleled experience establishes our events as a gold standard, delivering authentic and impactful experiences that truly set us apart.
Brad Mahrer
DIRECTOR OF GOLF EVENTS
First Sergeant (Retired) Brad Mahrer joined the Army in 2002 after the tragedy of 9/11. He enlisted in the Airborne Infantry where he parachuted into the invasion of Iraq. Brad graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2006 and deployed as a Special Forces Soldier more than 15 times to combat and non-conflict zones advising foreign militaries and working alongside US Ambassadors and Foreign Diplomats in US Embassies in Europe and Africa.
As the Director of Golf Events, Brad coordinates and manages the Catoctin Mountain Cup. The Catoctin Mountain Cup is an annual invite only golf tournament at some of the most prestigious golf courses in the country.
Brad, his wife, and their two children now call North Carolina their home.
Jason Smith
DIRECTOR OF SURVIVAL
With over 20 years of military service - 14 of those in Special Operations - Master Sergeant (Retired) Jason Smith has mastered resilience, adaptability, and leadership in the most demanding environments. A seasoned Special Forces Medic with elite qualifications, including Ranger, Special Forces, SMU DS Medic, HALO, SCUBA, and Jumpmaster (Static Line & HALO), Jason has spent the better part of a decade as a High-Risk SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Survival Instructor, teaching life-saving skills to those who need them most.
Beyond his military career, Jason is a skilled blacksmith with 20 years of experience and the founder of HoboForge Survival LLC. His training philosophy merges practical craftsmanship with psychological fortitude, pushing individuals beyond their limits to forge the best versions of themselves. His relentless commitment to excellence ensures that his survival training is not just an experience - but a transformative journey.
As the Director of Survival, Jason oversees the Donovan & Bank AREA B Survival Experience, designing immersive training scenarios that teach authentic survival skills and the mindset needed to thrive in uncertainty.
Steve Knicely
DIRECTOR OF COUNTER-INTELLIGENCE
Army Special Forces Master Sergeant (Retired) Steve Knicely's career includes service as a Special Forces Engineer with the 5th Special Forces Group, instructor at the Special Warfare Training Group teaching advanced techniques to Green Berets, Navy SEALs, and Marine Raiders, and Intelligence Sergeant with a joint special operations unit. Through multiple deployments to Iraq and the Middle East, Steve developed specialized expertise in surveillance, counter-surveillance, and clandestine reconnaissance operations.
As Director of Counter Intelligence, Steve leads the Foundation's X2 Program, designing immersive unclassified experiences that teach authentic intelligence gathering and counter-surveillance techniques. He translates complex special operations methodologies into accessible scenarios while maintaining the highest standards of operational security and instructional excellence. Steve's comprehensive understanding of field craft and intelligence operations ensures participants are immersed in a realistic, practical experience.
Steve holds a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University, combining his interests in psychology and government. He resides with his wife, three sons, and daughter in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, where they maintain an active lifestyle enjoying camping, hiking, and beekeeping alongside their collection of family pets.
Jeremy Shoff
CHIEF FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Jeremy Shoff spent over 23 years in the Army as an Infantryman and Special Forces Non-Commissioned Officer. He has deployed on 13 occasions in support of the Global War On Terror. As the Chief Firearms Instructor, he oversees all of the marksmanship training at the Foundation's Special Operations events. He plans and executes all of the live fire ranges, and helps to find and develop relationships with vendors and distributors to provide shooting supplies and materials at little to no cost to the Foundation.
Jeremy, his wife, and their two daughters call North Carolina their home.
Graham Oswald
FIREARMS TRAINING LEAD
Sergeant First Class (Retired) Graham Oswald directs all aspects of firearms instruction at the Foundation's Special Operations events. He designs comprehensive marksmanship programs that progress from fundamental skills to advanced tactical applications, ensuring participants receive professional-grade training in a controlled environment. A retired world-class competitive shooter, Graham has the remarkable ability to elevate anyone's shooting capabilities - from first-time firearm handlers to experienced shooters - delivering noticeable improvement in just a short training period through his expert instruction and personalized coaching techniques.
Graham, his wife and their two sons call Fayetteville, NC home. When he is not honing his shooting skills, Graham is an avid golfer and a coach to his son's baseball team.
Phillipi Sanz
DIRECTOR OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS
Phillipi is a former United States Marine and the founder of Parabellum K9. His mission at Parabellum is to provide the highest level of K9 and handler instruction that prepares our Nation's law enforcement officers and military personnel for top tier K9 employment.
As the Director of Military Working Dogs, Phillipi is responsible for planning, resourcing and executing any and all interactions with military working dogs at the Foundation's Special Operations events.
Larry Hawks
DIRECTOR OF DEMOLITIONS & EXPLOSIVES
As the Director of Demolitions and Explosives, Master Sergeant (Retired) Larry Hawks oversees all demolition and explosives at the Foundation's Special Operations events. He designs and implements the Foundation's signature hands-on explosives experience, providing participants with the rare opportunity to personally handle and work with live demolition materials under expert supervision. Larry maintains strict safety protocols while delivering this unique experience that distinguishes our events from other special operations training programs, and cultivates relationships with specialized suppliers to secure necessary materials while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Larry, his wife, their two daughters, two sons and one granddaughter call North Carolina their home.
Kendra Phillips
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Kendra Phillips, founder and owner of Pinehurst Photography, captures the dynamic essence of all Foundation Special Operations events through expert photography. She documents training activities, participant achievements, and instructional moments with a keen eye for compelling visual storytelling. Kendra strategically positions herself throughout event locations to record key moments while remaining unobtrusive to the training environment. She processes and curates professional-quality images that showcase the Foundation's mission, provide participants with lasting mementos of their experience, and supply powerful visual content for the organization's marketing and outreach efforts.
Doug Coppeler
BATTLE CAPTAIN
Doug Coppeler serves as the Battle Captain for all Foundation Special Operations events, managing the critical first point of contact for participants through reception and registration processes. He orchestrates the smooth flow of personnel throughout each event, ensuring accurate documentation, efficient check-in procedures, and comprehensive orientation for all attendees. Doug meticulously verifies that all liability waivers and required paperwork are properly completed and filed before participants engage in any activities. He maintains constant situational awareness of participant needs and event status, providing real-time solutions to emerging challenges while creating a professional and welcoming atmosphere that sets the tone for exceptional training experiences.
Doug and his wife Davina split their time between Fayetteville and Wilmington, NC. They have a son and a daughter who both attend UNC Wilmington.
Andrew Cook
SENIOR AMBASSADOR
Master Sergeant (Retired) Andrew Cook serves as a representative and advocate for the Donovan & Bank Foundation across all its programs and initiatives. He builds and nurtures relationships with community partners, potential supporters, and sponsoring organizations to expand the Foundation's overall reach and impact. While versed in all Foundation offerings, Andrew brings particular expertise to representing the Special Operations Experience, articulating its unique value with authenticity and passion. He identifies new opportunities for collaboration, ensures consistent messaging, and serves as a knowledgeable bridge between the Foundation and the broader community.
Drew and his wife Heather have been married for over 20 years and have 6 little hellions together. They enjoy camping, climbing, hunting and fishing. They cherish time spent together and love playing with the ducks, chickens and dogs in their backyard. They are also fond of NASCAR and enjoy watching the races in person.
