The American Legion Auxiliary Foundation is proud to welcome four elected directors to its board of directors: Laura E. Santino, Joan Hernandez, Teresa Lugo-Nunez, and Marge Christianson are all ALA members and dedicated to the mission of Service Not Self.

Laura E. Santino of Hamden, Conn., is the registrar of voters for the Town of Hamden and CFO for Santino Consulting. With over 20 years as a paralegal and office manager in corporate insurance and 15 years as a direct sales consultant, Santino brings extensive professional experience to the board. She is a Paid Up For Life member of more than 30 years, having served in numerous leadership roles, including department president (2017-2018) and currently alternate NEC for the Department of Connecticut.

Joan Hernandez of Payette, Idaho, is a substitute teacher and lifelong advocate for children. She is entering her third year as an ALA unit president, and has chaired the Western Division Children & Youth program. Eligible through her husband, a U.S. Navy master at arms, Hernandez is a dedicated volunteer and mother of four, actively supporting The American Legion Family and its mission to veterans and their families.

Teresa Lugo-Nunez of Alhambra, Calif., is a 16-year member dedicated to serving veterans, inspired by her stepfather, a Vietnam-era Marine. She has held numerous unit, district, department, and divisional leadership roles and holds advanced degrees in nursing/public health, sociology, business administration, psychology, and a doctorate in clinical psychology. Lugo-Nunez spent nearly 30 years providing health care to underserved populations and later focused on behavioral health, gaining recognition for her extensive community outreach.

Marge Christianson of Peoria, Ariz., is a 12-year member of John J. Morris Unit 62, eligible through her father. A retired U.S. bank manager and graduate of the Carlson School of Management and Harvard Business School, Christianson has held numerous ALA leadership positions and is a co-founder of HEAL HER Art, a wellness program for women veterans. She brings experience both as a grantee and fundraiser, helping expand programs for veterans and their families.

The ALA Foundation also welcomed back Catheleen MacInnes and Terri Wallace, both from the Department of New York, for renewed three-year terms. Wallace will continue to serve as Foundation treasurer and MacInnes will continue to lead the Foundation board as president. 

The experience and perspectives among this group of amazing women will help the ALA Foundation Board of Directors navigate any challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Their contributions will play a key role in shaping the ALA Foundation’s success.

To learn more about the ALA Foundation’s work, visit www.ALAFoundation.org/about-the-foundation.