VANCE & MARY JO PATTERSON
​Founders

Businessman, Industrial Manufacturer - started 21 companies, two of which made the INC. 500 List for fastest growing companies in the U.S., two-time finalist Entrepreneur of The Year in S.E.  Father of four, married 41 years.  

Vance and Mary Jo have personally funded and gifted five Charters of Freedom Settings to the citizens of Burke, Cherokee, Buncombe Counties in NC, and Morgan, Howard Counties in Illinois and Indiana.

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PERRY SNIDER
Operations Manager & Military Coordinator

Organizes schedules, procures materials, and supervises construction of Settings, while developing, implementing and maintaining Veterans and Military Involvement.  

Command Sergeant Major, US Army (retired), Former Project Manager for Kellogg, Brown & Root and Fluor Daniels with 11 years in both Iraq & Afghanistan.  Building and sustaining camps for the US Military.

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RON LEWIS
Facilitator, Spokesman, Foundation Treasurer 

Initial and Primary Contact for Counties considering a Charters of Freedom Settings in their community.  Scheduling of Counties for presentation by Foundation Forward.  Speak on behalf of Foundation Forward in the absence of the President.  Work with Community Support and outreach programs.

Thirty-one years experience as North Carolina County Manager, Former USMC Communications Platoon Commander, current consultant for Faith Based Disaster Relief Organization.  Four Ancestors fought in the American Revolution. 

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CONNIE K. SNIDER
Office Manager

Daily operation of the Foundation’s corporate office in Valdese, answering and directing inquiries to the appropriate Team Members, initial and follow up correspondence, book keeping, extensive research, monitoring and updating social media as well as handling press related matters. 

Over twenty years in office operations and management both in Florida and in North Carolina.  Enjoys reading, puzzles and getting her down time with the 4 legged people at home.​

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DR. DAVID STREATER
Director of Education

Develop supplemental educational curriculum materials to be shared with educators nationally in relation to The Charters of Freedom, and for visits to their local Settings.  Also researches history leading to and protecting Your Charters of Freedom, including writings by the Founding Fathers.

As a criminologist with an acute history interest, David has an extensive background with careers in probation/parole holding officer and higher management positions, in addition to college teaching and senior administration.  Dr. Streater earned degrees from Pfeiffer College (now University) BA; Rollins College, MSCJ; and Barry University, PhD, with additional graduate qualifications teaching forensic psychology.

​Dr. Streater is a veteran of the US Navy having served aboard the USS Nitro and in the Navy JAG office, NTC Orlando.  David and Vivian married in December 1979.  They have two sons, Matthew and Aaron, and a grand-daughter, Fancin Cleo.

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DON RAMSEY
Construction Manager
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My position allows me to assist and work with communities and their volunteers and contractors with the installation of their Charters of Freedom Settings.
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I coordinate materials and labor for each community. We provide all site plans and construction documents for each settings .

I am a graduate of North Carolina State University, Major in Horticulture and Design.

I am a proud father of two Eagle Scouts, and been married to my bride since 1983.

Love getting my hands in the dirt!

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ANDREW YOUNG
​Director of Communications and Resources

Andrew is a proud native of Asheville, North Carolina who has raised over $400 million for charitable causes and manages numerous local, state and national initiatives.  Father of three wonderful teenagers, married for 20 years.