Name: Mike Carroccio
Email: mcarroccio@epbfi.com
year/s marched: 1997-2000
Sections participated in: Lead Soprano 97-99, Mello 2000
Current Job (Company and Role): Director of Sales – RP Communities

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?
1. Strategic planning and long-range vision
2. Community building and alumni engagement
3. Communication and collaboration
4. Project and organizational leadership
5. Fundraising and relationship stewardship

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *

My platform focuses on expanding the reach and impact of the Alumni Association through improved communication, smarter strategic planning, and meaningful outreach across generations. Alumni should vote for me because I combine a deep love for the corps with practical experience driving growth in organizations. I’m committed to helping the CAA evolve while honoring its legacy.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?
1. Rebuild and Expand Alumni Engagement Through Targeted Outreach
I plan to help develop a refreshed engagement strategy that includes outreach to under-connected decades, improved communication channels, and small-scale regional meetups. This project would focus on identifying alumni who haven’t been active recently and reconnecting them with CAA events, updates, and volunteer opportunities.

2. Establish a “Cavaliers Heritage Project” to Preserve and Share Alumni History.  I would take initiative in helping create a structured digital archive of photos, stories, videos, and memorabilia from all decades of Cavaliers history. This project would organize alumni submissions, highlight decade-based features, and produce periodic “From the Vault” content for CAA communications and social media. It strengthens cross-generational connection and ensures our shared history is preserved and accessible.

3. Build a “Regional Chapters & Ambassadors” Program
I would help establish a simple framework for regional alumni chapters — starting with key cities like Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and the coasts — and recruit volunteer ambassadors for each. These chapters could host informal gatherings, viewing parties, or service events, giving alumni an easy way to connect locally and strengthening the national alumni network.

What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
My vision is for the CAA to be a vibrant, connected, and welcoming community where brothers from every era feel engaged and valued. I want the Association to preserve our history while creating modern, accessible ways for alumni to connect, support one another, and stay involved with the corps. Ultimately, I see the CAA as a powerful, unified network that strengthens the brotherhood and ensures the Cavaliers legacy thrives for generations to come.

Name: Austin Herald
Name: aheraldr@gmail.com
year/s marched: 2013-2015
Sections participated in: Brass/Mellophone

Current Job: Company and Role
JLL – Business Analyst

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?
I excel at analyzing numbers, whether it is event attendance, engagement trends, or feedback, and turning them into clear and useful takeaways that help the board focus on what works and where we can grow.

I naturally look for ways to improve how things get done. I like simplifying things, organizing projects, and creating systems that save time and make planning alumni events easier for everyone involved.

I enjoy bringing people together and keeping everyone on the same page. Whether it’s alumni, members, or outside connections, I’m comfortable helping different groups collaborate and work toward the same goals.

I’m very hands-on with projects. I like setting clear goals, organizing tasks, and making sure things move forward. Whether it’s a new initiative or an annual event, I help keep everything on track.

I’m good at really listening to what people care about and turning that into clear, thoughtful communication. It helps ensure alumni feel heard, valued, and connected to what’s happening.

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *
I want to help the Cavalier Alumni community stay connected and engaged through fun events, clear communication, and paying attention to what alumni actually want. I focus on turning feedback and participation trends into ideas that make a real difference. Alumni should vote for me because I know how to take what we learn and turn it into actions that keep our community strong and growing.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2023 term?
Create a structured, year-round plan to keep alumni connected—things like spotlight features on alumni, milestone announcements, and quick behind-the-scenes updates from the corps. This helps alumni feel consistently informed, not just during tour season or major events.

Organize a coordinated volunteer effort where alumni can easily sign up for food crew shifts, airport pickups, laundry days, or housing help during spring training and tour. A clear system makes it easier for alumni to plug in and directly support the members.

Develop a directory or signup system where alumni can offer their professional skills to support both the corps and other alumni. This can also evolve into workshops, “life after tour” mentorship for age-outs, and job connections within the Cavalier community. Don’t let the perks of being a Cavaliers end after you age-out.

What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
My vision is for the Cavalier Alumni Association to be a strong, connected, and genuinely supportive community that stays engaged well beyond our marching years. I want alumni to feel proud of their continued impact on the corps and on each other. Together, we can build a network that celebrates our history while actively supporting the next generation of Cavaliers.

Name: John Hoekstra
Email: johnhoekstra2@gmail.com
year/s marched: 1981
Sections participated in: Horn line
Current Job (Company and Role): Walmart: HVAC/R tech

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?
Been involved in Drum Corps for 60 years. Performer…music and visual staff. Judge marching bands for 20 years. Corps Director. Founder and Executive Director of 2 corps. (Sun Devils and Southern Knights). Continue to work with students and staff as a visual designer till this day. Have also seen our corps alumni alienated, then brought back into the fold. Then alienated again. I think a steady process to keep our alumni engaged is needed. I am an old guy, but have been involved with this process since 1966. So keeping communication and enthusiasm going through the ranks of all the decades is paramount to have an active contributing alumni.

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *

My platform is to drive alumni participation and corps backing through excellent communication, to bring more engagement from those from all the decades. Work with the Cavalier BOD to try and bring in more money. Work with the corps for a wider volunteer base. Over all, my hope is to have the CAPE organization be a first stop for auditionees, and a positive family for life!

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?
Communication. Motivation. Support

What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
To be a strong support base for CAPE, through giving and exposure.

Name: Gregory Holdiness
Email: gmholdin34@gmail.com
year/s marched: 2016
Sections participated in: Mellophone
Current Job (Company and Role): Elevate MD – Operations Manager

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?

1. Leadership & Board Experience: I currently serve on two arts organization boards (Cincinnati Wind Band as Member at Large and Cincinnati Horn Collective as Founder and President), which has given me real experience with governance, planning, and long-term organizational vision.

2. Operational and Organizational Strengths: As an Operations Manager, I’m comfortable running teams, building systems, and keeping projects moving efficiently.

3. Fundraising Strategy: I bring experience creating fundraising ideas that are engaging and community-focused, not just “ask and hope.”

4. Outreach & Communication: I’ve managed communication channels, written copy, built websites, and handled branding for multiple organizations. Clear, consistent engagement is something I naturally prioritize.

5. Community Building: I’ve built ensembles, grown memberships, and brought people together around shared purpose. Strengthening alumni connection and participation is something I care about deeply.

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *
I’m running because I want to strengthen our communication, increase engagement across all eras of alumni, and help build a more connected and active association. With real board experience, operations management skills, and a genuine love for this brotherhood, I believe I can bring structure, clarity, and energy to the CAA. I want to help more alumni feel represented, involved, and proud to be part of this organization.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?

1. Developing more engaging fundraising strategies that go beyond traditional asks. Focusing on interactive, community-centered activities that build excitement and support the long-term sustainability of the CAA.

2. Launching an alumni storytelling initiative that highlights Cavaliers from every era, preserves our history, and helps bring in alumni who may feel disconnected by giving them a place to see themselves represented.

3. Improving alumni event participation by strengthening communication, expanding the types of events we offer, and making sure alumni across different decades feel welcome and included.

What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
My vision is for the CAA to evolve into a more connected, communicative, and actively engaged alumni community. I bring experience from arts organization boards and a strong operational background, and I want to use those skills to create better outreach, stronger participation, and new ways for alumni to get involved. I’m running because I want to give back to The Cavaliers and help support the future of the organization and our brotherhood.

Name: Alex Micco
Email: alex.micco@cavaliers.org
Year(s) marched: 2015 – 2018
Sections participated in: Baritone
Current Job: Company and Role Northrop Grumman: Materials and Process Design Engineer

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?
-An analytical approach to finding pragmatic solutions
-Rationality and levelheadedness amidst challenging situations
-Project organization and management
-Creativity in problem solving
-Adaptability

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2025-26 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *
As a current CAA board member, I have been active in multiple fundraising and engagement efforts to benefit both the corps and alumni. In my career as an aerospace engineer, I collect data and find innovative solutions to meet mission critical requirements for NASA, commercial, and military rockets as well as maintain ongoing business relationships with customers and vendors. If reelected to the CAA board, I will continue to apply my professional skills and passion to best represent our brotherhood and serve the corps.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?
-Alumni Directory
We have alumni all across the country and world with a wide variety of skillsets, but no formalized method of being able to look everyone up. There used to be an active alumni directory, but it has fallen by the wayside. I plan to lead an effort to relaunch a searchable directory so that alumni are better able to connect and network.

-Tangible Small Donation Categories
This past summer, we saw success in finding ways to make small donations have a tangible impact on the corps. For example, Cav-A-Meal expanded to having smaller sponsor-able items like milk or PB&J for the day. I plan to lead an effort to define more ways to make sure small time and one off donations can have definite and measurable benefits to the corps.

-CAPE Development Initiatives
The CAPE board has launched an effort to develop business initiatives to bring in additional streams of revenue for the corps. The alumni board is well situated to facilitate these efforts and I have already begun and will continue working on developing additional revenue streams.
What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
From my education, career, and experience on the CAA board, I believe I offer a unique set of skills that I am eager to continue applying to serve the corps and Cavalier Alumni Association. The CAA board serves the vital purpose of helping keep our brotherhood connected and involved as well as spearheading efforts to support the current corps. As a member of the CAA Board, I will use the position to lead projects to benefit and represent both the alumni and current corps while upholding what it means to be a Cavalier and maintaining transparency and communication.

Name: Bill Mugnai
Email: bmugnai@att.net
Year/s marched: 1982 to 1984
Sections participated in: Percussion (Cymbals)
Current Job: Vice President of the Cavaliers Alumni Association, Amerijet International Airlines, Midwest Sales Executive.

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?

Problem Solving: Working in an Aviation industry and with the Cavaliers. I have learned how to use my experiences with problem solve for many different situations. Whether it is cooking, coordinating volunteers and ensuing any issue is addressed.

Communication: Effective communication with the alumni and current Cavaliers is essential, in keeping all parties advised of any topics.

Working close with the Corps: Working as a Volunteer Coordinator helps get the FMM/Alumni to help with the corps and interact with current members.

Marketing the Alumni and Cavaliers: Marketing is effective to help the CAA advance their agenda.

Alumni engagements: Whenever I am in a city for work, I try to get a local hang and will continue to meet anywhere where the Cavaliers or Alumni are located in.

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *
I have been a volunteer and the volunteer coordinator for the Cavaliers since 2015.  I am currently the Vice President of the Cavaliers Alumni Association.  I believe the Alumni Association is growing into a great group and can move the Alumni into the future.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?

Communication: We need to have an action plan for reengagement with the “Old Guys” to get them to help with the can.

Marketing: Marketing any meetings to have an open forum discussion with alumni to get more of feedback. Positive feedback from FMM/Alumni on what they think.

Sponsoring: Trying to give more details to the potential Cavaliers about free or potential scholarship for the students to apply to for any sponsorships or scholarships.

What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)

As the VP of the alumni Association, I am a Cavalier, I will always be a Cavalier.

Improve the interaction of all Alumni and Corps members during the touring season.

Making the Alumni Board accessible to all who need help and assistance and to improve the communication within the group.

Name: Jeff Smith
Email: jeffreysmith9900@gmail.com
Year(s) marched: 1999,2000
Sections participated in: Percussion, BASSQUE!
Current Job: Company and Role: Chief Operating Officer – Plancorp Wealth Management

What are your top 5 unique skills that contribute value to the Cavalier Alumni Association Board?
1. Strategic Leadership & Long-Range Organizational Vision
With more than 25 years of leadership experience in large organizations, I bring a strategic mindset that aligns well with the CAA’s focus on long-term sustainability. Although this board is not operational, my background as a senior executive and COO allows me to help the CAA think in terms of long-range planning, viability, and how alumni engagement can support the future health of both the Association and the Corps. My experience driving strategic initiatives and managing complex organizational transformations gives me a strong foundation to contribute at the board’s strategic level.

2. Fundraising Expertise & National Network Development
My work with the Carrington Charitable Foundation, which raised funds for wounded veteran, and my involvement with the Veterans Airlift Command give me practical, real-world experience in high-impact fundraising and nonprofit support. I have built relationships and networks that can translate into increased awareness, expanded donor pipelines, and creative fundraising avenues for the CAA. This skill directly supports the Association’s mission to provide resources and long-term support for future generations of Cavaliers.

3. Culture Building, Mentorship & Bridging Generations
My time marching with The Cavaliers is something I think about daily. Beyond nostalgia (which I’m very guilty of indulging), it instilled a work ethic and standard of excellence unlike anything else I’ve experienced. I’ve carried those values (discipline, repetition, hard work, and teamwork) throughout my entire career. While I haven’t had much of an opportunity to do so, I also enjoy mentoring younger members and believe strongly in building continuity between eras of the organization. The needs of today’s members differ from my era, but bridging those generations is critical for sustaining our culture, values, and brand as we engage a modern audience and support current and future corps members.

4. Communication, Collaboration & Public Engagement
In my professional role, collaboration and communication are core values, and I view clear communication as an essential leadership skill. Organizations fail when communication breaks down. I bring experience as a public speaker, published contributor, and keynote presenter across both leadership and technical topics. This ability to articulate ideas clearly, build trust, and foster collaboration will contribute meaningfully to strengthening alumni engagement, outreach, and connection across the community.

5. Operational Insight Grounded in Strategic Alignment
While this board focuses on strategy rather than day-to-day operations, I bring a dual capability; hands-on operational understanding complemented by executive-level strategic alignment. Throughout my career, I’ve helped organizations grow, led through mergers and acquisitions, and guided teams using clear data and measurable goals. This balance of detail-oriented thinking and high-level strategic execution can support the CAA in evaluating programs, improving organizational focus, and ensuring initiatives contribute to long-term objectives.

Please give a brief 1-3 sentence description of your “platform” for candidacy for the 2026 CAA Board of Directors. Why should Alumni vote for you? *
I’m running to help strengthen the Cavaliers legacy through better brand visibility, stronger fundraising, and deeper connection between alumni old and new. The culture we built on the field shaped my life, and I want to ensure it thrives for future generations. With my strategic and nonprofit fundraising background, I’m ready to help the CAA grow and endure.

What are 3 actionable projects relevant to the Cavalier Alumni Association that you plan to take initiative on during the 2026 term?
1. Cultivate an Alumni Brand and Overall Cavalier Visibility & Storytelling Initiative:
Goal: Strengthen the Cavaliers brand by increasing alumni-driven visibility.

Actionable Components:
Develop a quarterly Alumni Impact Spotlight series (written or video) featuring alumni contributions, history, and current-member success stories. I feel we have an opportunity to highlight alumni stories post-Cavaliers in a much better way than we are doing today.
Partner with CAPE staff to establish consistent messaging guidelines for alumni-facing content.

Measurable Outcomes:
Publish 4–6 spotlight pieces that expand awareness of the corps’ impact.

2. Support a Scalable Fundraising Network & Annual Giving Strategy
Goal: Expand philanthropic support and diversify fundraising channels.

Actionable Components:
Establish a structured Alumni Ambassador Fundraising Network of 20–30 alumni committed to outreach and donor development.

Measurable Outcomes:
Grow donor participation by 20% over the year.

3. Create a Generational Culture & Mentorship Bridge Program
Goal: Strengthen cultural continuity between alumni and current corps members.

Actionable Components:
Continue to formalize an alumni-to-member mentorship or Q&A program, pairing alumni from multiple eras with current marching members at key points in the season.
Coordinate with staff to identify 2–3 touchpoints where cultural storytelling, leadership lessons, and history can directly support today’s corps members.

Measurable Outcomes:
Engage 50+ alumni in mentorship or culture-bridging activities.
Implement at least two corps-facing culture engagement events during the season (virtual or in-person).
What is your vision for the Cavalier Alumni Association? (3 sentence max)
My vision is to honor the culture that shaped us while modernizing the CAA to better support current members and strengthen the long-term health of the corps. I want to help elevate our brand, grow our fundraising efforts, and reconnect alumni across every era. I would appreciate my Brother’s vote for me because I believe deeply in who we are, and I bring the leadership experience, strategic focus, and commitment needed to carry our legacy into the future.