Leadership
Our Board
Meet the dedicated leaders guiding C.R.A.F.T.'s mission
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Michael Waskewich Jr.
Michael is a U.S. Army Sergeant Major (Retired) with 24 years of distinguished service across some of the military’s most demanding operational and leadership environments. Throughout his career, he led Soldiers at every level and held key positions at JSOC, the Pentagon, and the U.S. Army Reserve Command, developing a reputation as a strategic planner, team builder, and problem-solver. Following retirement, Michael transitioned his leadership expertise into entrepreneurship as the Co-Founder and CEO of The Bar Book, a technology platform transforming how consumers discover drinks and how small producers reach new audiences. His blend of military precision, operational discipline, and innovative thinking guides the platform’s product development, marketing, and strategic partnerships.
Vice President
Ronald Sullivan
Ronald is a 29-year U.S. Army Veteran with service across Active Duty, the Reserve Component, and as a Department of the Army Civilian. A respected and transformative Soldier, Lawyer, and Leader, he currently serves as a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he has led and advised at nearly every level within the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps. His distinguished military career includes serving as a War Crimes Prosecutor, civil and criminal litigator, and most recently as Chief Judge of the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. In his civilian capacity, Ron is Senior Counsel at Clark Hill PLC, where he practices in Government Contracts and Regulatory Law, and serves as a Senior Director in the firm’s Public Strategies Group. His legal experience also includes roles with the Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel.
Secretary
Amy Luyster
Amy upholds the organization’s highest standards of governance, transparency, and compliance. A West Point graduate and senior attorney with the Department of Defense, Office of the General Counsel, she brings over 20 years of experience in ethics, fiscal law, national security, and operational governance, including distinguished service with NORAD and USNORTHCOM. Her leadership, precision, and integrity strengthen C.R.A.F.T.’s foundation of professionalism and service—values deeply rooted in her West Point education and lifelong commitment to excellence.
Treasurer
Paul Reynolds Jr.
Paul is a U.S. Army Colonel (Retired) with 30 years of distinguished service as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer, specializing in operational law, organizational strategy, and economic analysis. Throughout his military career, Paul served as a trusted advisor and senior legal leader across multiple commands, guiding complex operations and helping shape policy, risk management, and mission execution at home and abroad. With a foundation in economics, Paul brings a rare blend of quantitative insight and operational expertise to both legal matters and large-scale organizational planning. His career is marked by leading high-performing teams, coordinating interagency efforts, and providing clear, mission-focused counsel to commanders and senior decision-makers.
Director of Community Engagement
Dolly Gray
Dolly is a U.S. Army Colonel (Retired) and seasoned attorney whose 21-year military career spans operational law, international relations, team leadership, and senior advisory roles across the Army and joint commands. She has served as Chief of Staff for the U.S. Army Reserve Legal Command, Security Justice Advisor for the U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and Staff Judge Advocate at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, earning a reputation for strategic clarity, disciplined leadership, and exceptional problem-solving. She is also the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of The Bar Book, where her refined palate, design vision, and attention to detail shape the brand’s identity and user experience. Dolly ensures the platform remains welcoming, professional, and representative of the diverse communities it serves.
Director of Education & Training
Nicholas Valade
Nicholas brings over twenty years of U.S. Army leadership and legal expertise to his role as Director of Education & Training. A Command Sergeant Major and practicing Attorney in Pierce County, Washington, Nicholas leads C.R.A.F.T.’s efforts to build mentorship pipelines, professional training programs, and educational partnerships for veterans and first responders across the brewing and distilling community. His background in law, leadership, and organizational development ensures that every initiative he leads strengthens C.R.A.F.T.’s mission to preserve tradition, empower service, and cultivate the next generation of American makers.
Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs
Michelle Crawford
Michelle brings extensive experience with national policy, outreach, and coalition-building initiatives that advance the interests of veterans. A U.S. Army Colonel (Retired) and General Counsel at Advanced Technology International, Michelle brings more than 30 years of leadership in government contracting, compliance, and public policy. Her strategic insight and advocacy ensure that C.R.A.F.T. remains a strong voice for small producers—protecting their interests, promoting fair opportunity, and strengthening the connection between service, innovation, and American craftsmanship.
Director of Partnerships & Fundraising
Carlie Wilson
Carlie brings more than 15 years of experience leading complex operations, managing large teams, and executing enterprise-level programs in high-stakes environments. Her background includes strategic and executive operations management, communications planning, and large-scale project and program oversight across joint and coalition settings. Throughout her career, Carlie has managed multimillion-dollar resources, driven process improvement, and coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver reliable outcomes under demanding conditions. She brings a disciplined, results-driven approach to organizational growth, partnership development, and long-term sustainability. Carlie holds a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, where she participated in Army ROTC. She is deeply committed to service, mentorship, and strengthening communities that support military members, veterans, and their families.
Director of Governance
Carrie Ricci
Carrie is a nationally recognized legal and regulatory leader with decades of experience advising senior government officials across multiple presidential administrations. She has served in executive roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Army, including as General Counsel of the Army and Associate General Counsel at USDA, where she led complex legal, policy, and operational efforts with nationwide and global impact. Throughout her career, Carrie has guided the development of legislation, regulations, and enforcement frameworks; advised Cabinet officials and senior military leadership; and worked closely with Congress, the White House, and interagency partners. Her experience spans public policy, regulatory oversight, litigation strategy, governance, and organizational transformation, with a strong record of improving efficiency, accountability, and outcomes in large institutions. Carrie holds a law degree from The George Washington University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She is deeply committed to public service, ethical leadership, and helping mission-driven organizations navigate complex regulatory and governance environments to achieve lasting impact.