Trustees
BRETT D'ALESSANDRO
Founder & President
After serving six years with the United States Marine Corps., Brett has found himself giving back to his brothers and sisters by serving the homeless and at-risk Vveteran community. Brett was deployed to Afghanistan in 2014 and came home to discover a large void in the care being provided to veterans returning from war. From this realization, Backpacks For Life was born.
ALEXA D’Alessandro
co-founder & Executive Director
Upon Brett’s return home from Afghanistan, Alexa witnessed firsthand just how challenging it was for Brett to reintegrate into civilian life. Alexa works closely alongside Brett to ensure that our veterans and their spouses are taken care of. Alexa oversees the general operations and communications of Backpacks For Life.
JAMES DIPIAZZA
Treasurer
James M. Di Piazza is the CEO of Bond Street Mortgage, LLC and has been in the financial services industry for over 20 years. James has a passion for helping people realize the American Dream of homeownership. James and his team assist Backpacks For Life with veteran housing initiatives and the VA home loan process.
sgtmaj. jamie depaola
program manager
Jamie is a retired Sergeant Major and served 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, both active and reserve. After retirement, she worked as the Director of Admissions for St. Bernard School. Her volunteer career includes the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, American Legion, and the Women Marines Association. Jamie and her husband Peter are the founders and organizers for the Connecticut Veterans Day Patriot Race.
Board of directors
don johnston
Don has spent 14 years in the United States Army, Army Reserve, and paramilitary operations serving the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. Don is a driven serial entrepreneur, executive leader, real estate strategist, and public speaker. He has over 20 years of experience leading teams to their full potential and proven success in business intelligence, startups, real estate, business development, non-profits, public relations, media, publishing, and franchises.
terrell washington
Terrell is a Veteran of the United States Army, 82nd Airborne. He joined the Army after graduating high school and completed a tour in Baghdad, Iraq during his three-year enlistment. Terrell now trains soldiers looking to go join the military and also works on the Veteran Task Force team, which is part of the Jersey City Department of Veterans Affairs.
colleen daly-schuh
Colleen is a former international model who landed in a career in public relations for fashion, beauty and accessories. She is a frequent editorial and styling contributor to the publications of North Jersey Media Group, including (201) Magazine. Colleen has a passion for giving back, and in her spare time works with various charities and organizations. She also serves as an allergy and medical lifestyle consultant for families struggling to find normalcy after a diagnosis.
Matthew McTaggart
Matt McTaggart is the founder and owner of The Graphix Spot, located in Budd Lake NJ. The Graphix Spot is a leading large-format graphics and signage company with a focus on the modern workplace and commercial interiors. He stays involved by donating time and resources within his community. Working closely with the municipality in Budd Lake NJ, The Mount Olive Food Pantry, and other charities. As a board member of BFL he assists with the visual identity of the brand and makes sure the signage helps deliver the message of the mission. Matt is also a former competitive snowboarder and enjoys working with younger athletes trying to start a career in the sport.
darren magarro
Darren is the founder & president of The DSM Group, a marketing, public relations and advertising firm based in New Jersey. He is a longtime supporter and an integral part of the success of Backpacks For Life, helping us launch the Annual Golf Outing, our largest and most successful fundraiser. Darren is a huge soccer fan and enjoys attending games at Red Bull Arena with his three kids.
Steve neale
Steve is a Certified Public Manager, who is Verona’s Director of Administration and Economic Development. He has worked as a volunteer firefighter on the Verona Fire Department for 10 years, serving as a Lieutenant and most recently as a Captain. Steve also chairs Sustainable Verona, a committee which strives to promote sustainability and environmentally friendly initiatives. He is a lifelong resident of Verona, NJ where he currently resides with his wife Ashley and two kids.
Gina Pollut
Gina Pollut served in the United States Marine Corps from 1988-1989 as a 3531 Motor T operator in Camp LeJeune. Gina is a member of the American Legion, the Women Marines Association, and the Marine Corps League. She is a vital member of the veteran community, having sat on the NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Women Veterans sub-committee which bolstered the signing of Women Veterans Appreciation Day into NJ Law. After overcoming a brief stint of homelessness, Gina has devoted her life to serving and supporting her fellow Veterans.
steve baureis
Steve Baureis, founder & CEO of Hotseat Warmers, graduated from Moravian College in 2000. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and has spent his career in the private sector, specifically in sales and business management. Hotseat Warmers has been a proud supporter of Backpacks For Life, providing seat warmers for each backpack we distribute to our veterans. Steve and his wife are the proud parents of a daughter and son, and currently reside in Essex County, NJ.
Outreach Team
Greg d’alessandro
legal & financial advisor
As an attorney-turned-businessman, Greg has advised Backpacks For Life in all legal and financial matters since its inception. Greg is the brother of our founder, Brett and has been a true supporter of Brett’s missions to serve our country and now our veterans. When Greg isn’t supporting Backpacks For Life at events or in weekly meetings, he is either snowboarding or golfing.
timothy johnson
backpack design engineer
As our design engineer, Tim is responsible for developing the various features and accessories that make up The Bowery Pack. Tim graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in mechanical engineering. He moved on to work in machine design and maintenance, specializing in automation and robotic systems. On the side, Tim helps people with prototyping ideas for inventions.
Holly Stoll
veteran outreach specialist
Holly is an eight year Navy Veteran and a mother of three. After finding out her own father, a Vietnam Veteran, was hiding from her that he was homeless, Holly realized veterans like him needed our help. Holly works as an advocate for all veterans, with a primary focus on females. In 2013, Holly was one of six female Veterans who helped to have two bills passed in New Jersey that support the way in which Veterans receive care.