National Advisory Board Welcomes Four Members

The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board is excited to welcome four new additions to its membership. Stacey Grund, Mel Kaneshige, Emmanuel Lelekis and Greg Milzcik bring a diverse mix of economic, industrial, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial insight to the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.

“We are thrilled to welcome Stacey, Mel, Emmanuel and Greg to our National Advisory Board,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army in the United States. “All four of these individuals have shown a lifelong commitment to their communities and we are excited to bring them together through The Salvation Army to help those most in need.”

Stacey Grund has been a member of the King County Salvation Army Advisory Board in Seattle for 30 years, serving as Board Chair and Officer. As president of Tatley-Grund Inc., he has more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry in the Seattle and Portland areas. Grund has a strong commitment to community and industry service and has been a member of the Seattle Rotary Club for 19 years.

“The Salvation Army’s approach of compassion and hard work for the benefit of anyone in our community that needs help, in an inspiration to me both personally and professionally,” said Grund.

Mel Kaneshige was an attorney in private practice in Hawaii for 20 years concentrating in real estate until joining Outrigger Enterprises Group. At Outrigger, he  spearheaded the largest development project in Waikiki’s history – a project that kickstarted a massive reinvestment in the area by many other organizations. Currently, Kaneshige serves as a consultant for many Hawaii nonprofits including The Salvation Army, seeking to make more productive use of their real estate assets to provide additional revenue to achieve their mission objectives.

“The amazing work that The Salvation Army does throughout the world provides immediate need to those who need help the most,” Kaneshige said. “This is especially true when it comes to the on-the-ground support during natural disasters and other emergency services.”

Emmanuel Lelekis has served in the financial industry for almost 20 years. He joined Wells Fargo Advisors in 2007 after spending the first part of his career working in New York City as an executive and corporate financial analyst for some of America’s largest corporations. In 2012, he returned to the Tampa Bay area with his family to be closer to the community in which he grew up. Lelekis actively serves on the advisory board for The Salvation Army of Upper Pinellas County and served as Chairman from 2019 to 2020.

“What I love about The Salvation Army are the people,” said Lelekis. “They are the most wonderful people I’ve ever met, and they make up the fabric of the organization. There are very few organizations where the deeper you dig, the better they look, and The Salvation Army is one of those organizations.”

 Greg Milzcik served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Barnes Group Inc., a global aerospace and   industrial manufacturing company, from 2006 until his retirement in 2013. His 35-year career includes executive and technical positions at leading companies including Lockheed Martin and General Electric. Milzcik has served on numerous corporate, industry and non-profit boards. His involvement with the Salvation Army includes board service and Chairmanship of the Salvation Army Denver Metro Advisory Board.

“I look forward to working with the talented people on the National Advisory Board to aid The Salvation Army in their mission of Doing the Most Good” said Milzcik.

The Salvation Army is grateful for these additions to the National Advisory Board. They join an esteemed group of community and industry leaders who help The Salvation Army carry out its mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

“Stacey, Mel, Emmanuel and Greg are great additions to the team,” said Mike Cassling, Chairman of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board. “Each brings a different experience, vision, and influence that will help us find new and effective ways to meet need now and in the future.”