Board Members
Kristin Boyd
Secretary/Director (Public Relations)
Kristin is the Director of Public Relations and brings an energy and passion to the Other Side of Dunes board. Kristin lives in Tampa Florida native. Her father was in the US Air force and was stationed at McDill AFB and served in the Vietnam War. Kristin is most passionate about, chocolate chip cookies, animal welfare, family and Other Side of the Dunes. Kristin and her husband Jason of 18 years live in the 1915 bungalow that we restored together and have two fur-babies. She currently works in the global interconnection industry and graduated from Ashford University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.
Michelle Popke
Director (Operations)
Michelle Popke retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Three after 20 years in the Army. She’s passionate about support to Veterans and continues to serve her community through a variety of programs including Other Side of the Dunes, The Mission Continues, and the Kevin Popke Foundation. Michelle continually seeks opportunities to put light and love back into the world, honoring her late husband, Kevin Popke. Michelle left Federal service in 2017, after working 17 years providing support to the Special Operations community. She is a graduate of the National Intelligence University, with a Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence.
Eric Wooten
President
Having always had the desire to work for our Veterans, Mr. Wooten has been involved with many charities dating back to his childhood supporting Toys for Tots in the early 80’s. This early volunteer work stuck with him and led to him becoming a Marine. Mr. Wooten is familiar with the adjustment that our nation’s wounded face when returning from the battlefield. After many years of working with other charities, starting Other Side of the Dunes in 2015 provided an opportunity to better the lives of our nations paralyzed Veterans, and continue to work with other charities that do the same. Eric’s belief is that together, we will accomplish much more and our team has a passion for making it happen. We are focused on quality ofcare and support for each veteran, so we’ll let growth happen naturally. Currently, Mr. Wooten is an Acquisition Professional in the national defense arena supporting various government efforts.
Dean Mason
Treasurer
Over the past 20 years Dean has had a passion to serve the communities in which he lives. Foremost as a community banker, technology executive and healthcare services CEO, but also through participation in local politics and non-profit community organizations. Dean has previously served as a board member of Utah Partners for Health, The Utah Public Policy Association, Senator Norman Coleman’s Regional Advisory Committee, and United Way Suncoast’s Investment Advisory Council. Dean is excited to bring his leadership and organizational skills to Other Side of the Dunes. Dean began his career doing computer systems research for DARPA through the Stanford Research Institute. He later moved to Europe to develop and deploy advanced technology systems for US Army Europe. Dean holds a Computer Science degree from Yale.
Bill Sexton
Director (Veteran Relations)
Bill is the current owner of Ranger Motor Sports in Ft. Myers, Florida. He is an Army veteran committed to giving back to our community and is involved in several charities. Bill is looking forward to bringing additional exposure of “Other Side of the Dunes” and bringing help to more of our deserving veterans. “I am very excited to take on this new challenge as a board member for this wonderful charity.”
Bernie Desrosiers
Director (Fundraising)
With over 30 years in the software industry, Bernie is currently the keyboard player with the Deacon Blues band, a local blues rock band that performs for over a dozen charities annually in the Tampa Bay area. “I first heard about Other Side of the Dunes through a mutual friend (Greg Sanson). After I spoke with Eric Wooten, I was hooked. I realize that the VA and other government agencies provide financial support for our veterans. This is very different. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring some enjoyment to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. Everyone deserves a day at the beach!” Bernie is originally from the state of Rhode Island. He attended Mt. St. Charles Academy and Providence College majoring in business.
Sandra Wooten
Board Advisor
The minute Sandra was presented with the idea of being a part of this charity, she was all in. With a passion for helping others and willingness to give her all, Sandra has jumped into the role ready to serve our Veterans. Much of her charity work in the past 30 years has been with the SPCA and Humane Society in Tennessee, Virginia and now Florida. While still having a passion for our four-legged friends and taking in rescues every year; Mrs. Wooten loves the idea of being involved with a charity giving back to our nations heroes. An Engineer by education and Program Manager by trade, Mrs. Wooten brings a passion for excellence that will assist the charity in providing the support and service we need to change lives and put more veterans on The Other Side of the Dunes.
Jason Boyd
Board Advisor
Jason has worked in for the Department of Defense as a Contractor for the last 12 years which is a key to his unwavering commitment to the Other Side of the Dunes Associate board. Jason was born in Long Island, NY, but has lived all over the United States and Europe. Jason is married to Kristin who is also on the board. Jason’s background involves athletics, telecommunications and is an Army brat. Jason’s Father was a 5th Group Green Beret.
Carson Wooten
Student Advisor
Carson is our youth outreach advisor and has been a part of the charity since its inception. Carson wanted to be a part of Other Side of the Dunes to work with his uncle Eric and be able to give back to our nation’s heroes. Carson loves charities, our troops and giving to numerous good causes. He firmly believes that every piece of every chair is helping our wounded veterans who gave up everything they have to save us and keep us free.