LEN FAULKNER
BOARD CHAIR
Len Faulkner serves as Chairman of the Board for The Athletes For Vets Foundation, bringing decades of executive leadership experience in human capital strategy, organizational development, and mission-driven impact. A former 12-year military officer, Len’s leadership foundation is grounded in discipline, service, and a deep commitment to developing people and organizations to perform at the highest level. Len is the father of Executive Director Dr. Dereck Faulkner, a relationship that reflects a shared legacy of leadership, service, and purpose that continues to shape the Foundation’s vision and national impact.
As a recognized leader in talent optimization, Len has built his career on the principle that human capital is the most critical asset driving sustainable success in both national and global markets. Through his leadership at L & L, he has helped organizations transform their cultures by aligning strategy, people, and performance—creating environments where diverse talent thrives and produces measurable results.
Len specializes in fostering dynamic organizational synergies and has guided clients in not only embracing diversity but also leveraging it as a strategic advantage. His work consistently delivers strong returns on investment through improved leadership effectiveness, workforce engagement, and organizational cohesion.
His cross-industry expertise spans biotechnology, finance and banking, technology, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare, equipping him with a unique ability to operate at the intersection of corporate performance and social impact. Since the inception of The Athletes For Vets Foundation, Len has played a pivotal leadership role in driving major fundraising initiatives, helping to secure critical resources and strategic partnerships that have fueled the organization’s growth and expanded its national footprint. His stewardship ensures strong governance, operational discipline, and long-term sustainability.
As Chairman, Len continues to guide the Foundation’s strategic direction—advancing its mission to empower veterans, athletes, and underserved communities through leadership development, education, and community-based programming. Len’s unwavering commitment to service, combined with his expertise in human capital and organizational leadership, makes him an instrumental force in elevating the Foundation’s impact and future trajectory.
AL PIERCE
Over 30 years of executive experience in importing, distributing, marketing, and selling products B2B. Designed nearly 2 dozen patents and trademarks for use in the sporting goods industry and team sports business. Began visiting and importing products from China in the '80s for distribution throughout the US. Placed many products on the shelves of the largest retailers in the US and on the best sports teams for several decades, including NFL, NBA, MLB, Olympic, and Collegiate teams.
Experience includes: Import-Export; Manufacturing, Purchasing, Designing, Product Development, Patents, Patent Applications, potential values and uses, Logistics; Warehousing; Distribution, Marketing, Advertising, Sales, Establishing and Managing Sales Teams, Contract Negotiations, Licensed Products, Celebrity Endorsements, Budgeting, Forecasting, and overseeing all fiscal responsibilities for a company.
SEAN JAMES
As a former professional athlete and now an experienced Business Manager, Sean has the unique ability to counsel clients to maximize their financial opportunities as athletes and entertainers. Sean's intimate knowledge of the transition from collegiate sports to the professional arena, as well as his keen insights on the lifestyle and responsibilities of a professional athlete, provides clients with extraordinary resources and the prestige of a strong financial institution that also fosters a "boutique environment" focusing on the individual. A leader and natural philanthropist, Sean James serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations while working with communities around the world.
SEAN DENNIS
Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Westampton, NJ, Sean began a highly touted sports career in soccer, playing for the South Jersey Select, Mid-Atlantic, and US Olympic developmental programs. Attending Holy Cross High School, he opted to play football, becoming one of the top punters in New Jersey, garnering county and state honors, and eventually enrolling at Monmouth University, where he entered into the Leon Hess School of Business. He completed his college career as a four-year starter and two-time All-American, helping the school to three conference championships, two bowl games, and one national title. Going undrafted in 2007, Sean has spent the off-season and preseason under the tutelage of the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens. Deciding to play one final year of football, he was voted the starting kicker in the 2013 Army-Navy All-Star Classic with the AFL Philadelphia Soul.
While on his journey, Sean started PKP Remodeling in 2010, concentrating on flooring, kitchen, and bath, while maintaining a focus on growing its portfolio to include property in the tri-state, DMV, and Western Michigan areas. An avid real estate investor, he has over 10 years of experience in business development, specializing in hospitality, entertainment, and nightlife.
Currently, as a low amateur golfer, Sean is a certified instructor to youth and adults through his academy in Philadelphia, where he currently resides.
JOSEPH BENINCASA IV
Joseph Benincasa IV, Esq. is an associate attorney at Sacco & Fillas, LLP, where he plays a vital role within the firm’s NFL Concussion Settlement Group. His primary focus is representing former NFL players and professional athletes who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and other long-term neurological conditions as a result of their playing careers. Through meticulous legal strategy and compassionate advocacy, Joe ensures his clients receive the care, compensation, and recognition they deserve.
Joe also practices sports and entertainment law, offering comprehensive legal representation to professional athletes, entertainers, and public figures. His services span contract negotiation, endorsement agreements, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and legal compliance—making him a trusted advisor for clients navigating high-stakes industries.
Before joining Sacco & Fillas, Joe cultivated a strong and diverse legal background spanning labor and employment law, corporate litigation, commercial disputes, and insurance defense. His early experience defending corporate clients and insurance companies sharpened his ability to build strong cases and anticipate legal challenges from all angles—skills he now leverages on behalf of athletes and entertainers seeking justice and protection.
GEOFF POPE
Detroit native, Geoff Pope, is currently a Senior Vice President at a global professional services firm. He specializes in providing insurance, risk management, and human capital solutions for organizations of all sizes. His focus and expertise include intellectual property, life sciences, and complex mergers & acquisitions. Geoff is considered an industry leader with more than 10 years of experience. His professional work has been published in several journals, including a white paper regarding the impact of interest rate hikes on large real estate risk, capital expenditures, and their subsequent impact on long-term valuations and insurance premiums. He’s also been interviewed and asked to speak on several panels regarding intellectual property, cannabis risk, and mentorship for young professionals.
Prior to his current career, Geoff played 4 seasons in the NFL, culminating in a Super Bowl Championship as a rookie with the New York Giants. Thrust into immediate action, he played a pivotal role in their historic playoff run. He went on to play two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and one season with the Philadelphia Eagles before suffering a career-ending injury.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School. During his time at Columbia, he built an entrepreneurship curriculum for incarcerated individuals preparing to reenter society. That curriculum is currently being taught by Columbia students at several New York state facilities. Upon graduating, he was recognized as a top global graduate by Poets & Quants.
Geoff has sat on several nonprofit boards, including the National Epilepsy Foundation, where he was a member of the Executive Committee, chaired the Audit Committee, and led a national initiative. He continues to support his community in various ways and is involved in several entrepreneurial endeavors.
PASTOR HERBERT LUSK III
Reverend Herbert H. Lusk III is the Pastor of Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA, a holistic ministry that addresses the spiritual, educational, workforce, and social service needs of families locally and globally. He succeeded his father, the late Reverend Dr. Herbert H. Lusk, II, who led the church for over four decades, growing it into a far-reaching and impactful ministry.
Reverend Lusk received his theological training from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary and was ordained by his father.
Before assuming the role of Pastor, he led the church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry for ten years, developing programs that equipped young people to grow in faith, leadership, and service. He has also participated in international ministry efforts in Haiti and Korea, helping foster unity and collaboration across diverse faith communities.
Pastor Lusk serves on the Board of Governors for Valley Youth House, supporting youth facing housing insecurity, and on the board of People For People, Inc., a nonprofit founded by his father. He also serves as Chairman of G.E. Ministries, overseeing initiatives such as Frederick Douglass Christian School and the Grace Dental Clinic in Chester, PA.
In recognition of his servant leadership and community impact, he was named a National Champion by BMe. Reverend Lusk remains deeply committed to advancing God’s Kingdom and guiding individuals toward a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.
ERIC CHILDS
Eric Childs is a
Law Enforcement (Professional), Newark, New Jersey native and former two-sport athlete at Weequahic High School, excelling in both football and basketball. He went on to attend Montgomery College before transferring to the University of Maryland, where he played Division I football and majored in Communications with a concentration in TV Broadcasting.
After college, Eric briefly pursued professional football with opportunities in both the National Football League and the Arena Football League, before joining the New York Jets organization in Game Day Operations. His journey eventually led him to a career in law enforcement, where he has dedicated more than 15 years of service. Eric has worked across multiple roles including Juvenile Detention, Probation, and as a Residential Aide at a Halfway House, consistently focusing on mentorship, accountability, and second chances for individuals navigating the justice system.
As an Advisory Board Member for Athletes for Vets, Eric brings his unique experience as an athlete, professional, and public servant to help guide the organization’s mission. His commitment to service, leadership, and community impact reflects the values that Athletes for Vets stands for—empowering veterans, athletes, and youth to reach their full potential.
HEATHER MICHAELS
For over 25 years, Heather Michaels has covered many incredibly inspirational stories. Heather Michaels has been a TV broadcast personality, producing a significant amount of sports and entertainment programming and telling legendary stories through the eyes of the most famous entertainment and sports stars in history. Heather was one of the first female personalities to break the barrier in the world of sports and entertainment journalism and has an incredibly insightful way of telling a story. Having been a pioneer in this industry, Michaels is an established presence in broadcasting and only gets involved in worthwhile projects that strike a chord with her. Michaels’ talent for telling the story in an even handed and compassionate manner has helped to shed light on extremely controversial topics.
NOEL LOWE
Noel Lowe, president and founder of FutureNET, Inc., a leading provider of information technology services in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Noel Lowe has over 26 years’ experience in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Noel launched the company in the 1990s providing customized Information Technology solutions for businesses across a broad spectrum of industries.
FutureNET, Inc. provide services to a diverse list of clients that includes the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, IBM, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, SEPTA and small to mid-size businesses.
Selected as one of Philadelphia's 100 Fastest Growing Small Businesses by the Wharton Small Business Development Center, today, FutureNET, Inc. provides application and web development programming services, project lead and application training, among its many IT services.
He is a former board member of Minority Supplier Development Council of PA-NJ-DE and Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee council-at-large promoting procurement opportunities for minority business enterprises. He is an executive member of The Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.
JAMAL A. HAKIM
Jamal Hakim a veteran entertainment and marketing executive with over 20 years of
proven success in fast-paced environments. His experience
includes working in creative industries with a primary focus in the music
business, talent management, experiential marketing, live event
production. An expert in influence
marketing and trend forecasting.
Jamal's ability to speak
to wider audiences, resulted in a career of successfully producing and transacting a wide scope of business opportunities with Nike, Under Armour, the NFL Alumni, Hot 97, Live Nation, CAA, Def Jam and more.