Our advisors bring experience in business, military leadership, counseling, psychology, ministry, and sport. Their guidance helps Hearts & Minds stay focused on the mission first.
Leadership & executive coaching
Dr. Vicki Whiting is based in Boulder, Colorado.
Professor, author, and mentor, Vicki Whiting, PhD, works with leaders across different walks of life.
Her view of leadership is shaped by her doctoral work at USC’s Marshall School of Business, where she was a Sample Presidential Scholar, and a career spanning executive coaching, academia, technical leadership, and motherhood.
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21-year Navy SEAL · Leadership & training
Dave Mitchell is based in Columbus, Ohio.
After graduating from Ohio State University, Dave chose to serve his country by joining the U.S. Navy. Over his career, Dave became a Navy SEAL and completed multiple overseas deployments, including time in Iraq and Afghanistan.
He has held a variety of leadership and training roles, including mentoring new recruits, coordinating programs to prepare SEALs for missions, and serving as an instructor.
After years of service with SEAL Teams TWO and ONE, Dave continues to contribute through training and mentorship.
Former MLB player · Coach & speaker
Cory Aldridge is based in Katy, Texas.
A former MLB player with the Atlanta Braves, Cory played professionally in Korea and Mexico. He now works as a hitting coach and speaker, helping athletes develop their physical skills and mental resilience.
Cory is available for keynote talks, professional development sessions, and athletics-based speaking engagements.
Business operations · Culture39 partner
Jason Hairston is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jason Hairston works across business operations and professional baseball. A former athlete and a partner and investor in Culture39, a full-service baseball agency, he brings experience advising executive clients and developing teams.
His background includes SaaS and operations leadership.
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Psychology · Resilience & performance
Dr. Michael Stout is based in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Dr. Michael Stout brings experience in sport psychology, resilience, and mental performance. His background includes work with University of Nebraska football and as a Master Resilience Trainer–Performance Expert.
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University advancement & fundraising
Cory Anderson is based in Valley City, North Dakota.
Cory Anderson is the Executive Director of University Advancement at Valley City State University, overseeing the VCSU Foundation and serving as the university’s Chief Advancement Officer. Reporting to the President, he leads efforts to increase alumni engagement, fundraising, and community involvement, working closely with university leadership, faculty, staff, and supporters.
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Fundraising consultant
Matt Johnson is based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Matt Johnson is a consultant at Fundraising University. His background also includes player operations with the St. Joseph Mustangs.
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Head Softball Coach, Northwest Missouri State University
Naomi Tellez has led the softball program at Northwest Missouri State University since 2021, and in 2026 guided the Bearcats to a 31–21 season, the program's first 30-win year in a decade. Before Northwest, she coached pitchers at the University of North Dakota. A former All-BIG EAST First Team player, Naomi earned a degree in organizational communications from DePaul University, summa cum laude, and an MBA. She co-facilitates Hearts & Minds' Chaos Forge events, helping teams communicate, decide, and lead each other under real pressure.
Registered dietitian
Dave Mann is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dave Mann is a registered dietitian and an advisor to Hearts & Minds.
LinkedIn for Dave Mann, RD (opens in a new tab)Trevor leads Hearts & Minds. Our advisors bring perspectives from different fields to the work of helping people grow, lead, and respond to pressure in sport, business, and everyday life.