Leadership with Lived Experience
Aaron C. Schaffer
Founder · Executive Director · Board Chair
Aaron C. Schaffer is a U.S. Navy veteran and human services professional with lived experience navigating military transition and long-term recovery. He holds a B.S. in Mental Health & Wellness Advocacy with a minor in Psychology from MSU Denver, along with various mental health certifications. Aaron is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in nonprofit Leadership.
He leads organizational strategy, governance, and program design for Second Mission Shield. Aaron operates with a focus on continuity, prevention, and reintegration beyond crisis, through a trauma-informed lens..
Chief Master Sergeant Raymond Kessner
Vice Chair · Director of Veteran Success & Reintegration Strategy
Chief Master Sergeant Raymond Kessner is a senior enlisted Air Force leader whose career reflects the highest levels of enlisted leadership and operational responsibility. He served across Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command, deploying repeatedly in direct support of combat operations alongside special operations forces.
Ray served as an AC-130 Evaluator Sensor Operator and senior leader responsible for mission execution, readiness, and force development.
At Second Mission Shield, he leads veteran success and reintegration strategy, grounding programs in proven leadership and the realities of life after sustained combat service.
Corinne Carnes
Executive Committee · Secretary of the Board
Corinne Carnes brings operational, documentation, and governance expertise shaped by years of supporting complex technical and organizational systems. She holds a Master of Science in Graphic Communications from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
Cori supports board governance, compliance, and recordkeeping for Second Mission Shield, ensuring organizational accountability and responsible nonprofit operations.
Kevin Kutansky
Executive Committee · Board Member · Director-at-Large, Health & Wellness
Kevin Kutansky works alongside veterans through health, recreation, and community-based programming that supports long-term stability after service. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education with a focus on Business Administration from Valparaiso University and completed additional studies at Purdue University Northwest.
Kevin brings extensive experience in business development, public engagement, and health-focused programming to Second Mission Shield.
Ian Cobia
Executive Committee · Board Member · Director-at-Large
Ian Cobia is a U.S. Army veteran and cybersecurity professional with experience supporting defense and enterprise systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida and an Associate of Science in Health Science from Kaplan University, along with multiple industry certifications.
Ian provides governance and strategic oversight for systems, infrastructure, and operational planning that support Second Mission Shield’s long-term stability and growth.