Team & Leadership

Charlyne H. McWilliams is an award-winning communications specialist with more than three decades of experience in public relations and journalism. She specializes in developing strategic communications initiatives that include message development, thought leadership training and media relationships. Charlyne was a board member of a non-profit organization that ignited the love for STEAM (Science Technology, Art and Mathematics) among young black girls. Charlyne resides in Silver Spring with her daughter.

Christy is a retired CEO and Co-Owner of the second largest property management group in the United States where she had responsibility for all facets of the organization from profitability, best practices, risk management, legal, and human resources. Providing a home to people was very fulfilling since it is a basic human need for everyone. Christy is excited to join the board of Comfort Cases and looks forward to helping in projects or committees that will support the foster children across our country.

Ed Sumangil is a retired Colonel with a distinguished 26-year career in the United
States Air Force. He held key leadership roles, including commanding the 7th Bomb
Wing and serving as the Director of the Secretary of the Air Force Senate Liaison
Office, where he collaborated with Senators and their staff to advance critical priorities for the Department of the Air Force. Currently, as Director of Government Relations at SBCC, Ed advises on federal and legislative affairs and builds relationships with policymakers. Passionate about service and supporting children and youth, Ed is excited to contribute to the Comfort Cases mission. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Jennifer, their three children—Amelia, AJ, and Ryan-and their black Labrador Retriever, Crew.

Dr. Liz is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 16 years of business leadership experience and a strong background serving on nonprofit boards. She brings a thoughtful understanding of nonprofit strategy, governance, and growth to her role with Comfort Cases. Deeply committed to giving back, she is passionate about using her time, talents, and treasures to support the organization’s mission: providing dignity and comfort to children, teens, and young adults in the foster care system. Dr. Liz resides in Maryland with her husband and three young children, who also love to volunteer at Comfort Cases and hug those stuffies before sending them off to kiddos around the world.

Samantha is a Certified Public Accountant with nearly 15 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in auditing CFO Act agencies.  She brings deep expertise in financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and risk management, along with experience across a range of industries.

Her professional background provides a strong foundation in financial oversight and governance, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and effective financial management.  Samantha is passionate about applying her expertise to support organizations like Comfort Cases that are dedicated to uplifting children in the foster care system.  Samantha resides in Northern Virginia with her husband.

Kelly Slattery is a Canadian songwriter, producer, and social entrepreneur whose career bridges entertainment and impact. She has written for Lionsgate, CBS, and Disney; produced films that premiered at TIFF; and developed television projects for ABC and Legendary Pictures as a founding partner of Therapy Content.

In 2021, Kelly expanded her focus into social impact with the launch of Barely Canadian, a clothing brand that employs and supports foster youth, with partnerships including the LA Lakers and Neiman Marcus. In 2023, she founded Power Ladies, a global community now connecting over 1,000 women across North America and Europe.

Lenny Vallone serves as Chief Growth Officer of Rize Credit Union, where he leads marketing, business development, and social impact initiatives focused on financial empowerment. He previously founded OneNinth Media, where he partnered with conscious capital companies to bring purpose-driven ideas to life. With over 20 years of experience, Lenny brings a deep commitment to mission-aligned growth. This passion for impact carries into his role on the board of Comfort Cases, where he supports efforts to provide dignity, resources, and hope to children entering the foster care system.