Walk the Talk America (WTTA), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, education, and suicide prevention, today announced the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors: J. Hood, Patrick Bertagna, Shawn Kitchell, and Brandon Roper.
These appointments strengthen WTTA's leadership team with a diverse range of experience across nonprofit strategy, organizational development, technology, public safety, and executive leadership.
J. Hood is a strategic adviser, facilitator, and executive coach with deep experience supporting leaders and organizations across nonprofit and for-profit sectors. With a background in philanthropy and community engagement, he brings a people-first approach to strategy, organizational development, and branding. His earlier work as a community organizer and educator included implementing evidence-based violence prevention programs and building cross-sector partnerships to support underserved youth.
Patrick Bertagna is a veteran executive, inventor, and strategic advisor with more than 40 years of experience leading technology-driven organizations in healthcare and public safety. He serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MetAlert, Inc., where he has overseen the development and commercialization of patented GPS and communication technologies supporting cognitive health and firearm safety. A co-inventor on more than a dozen patents, Bertagna has advised Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government stakeholders and has spoken at international forums including the United Nations General Assembly.
Shawn Kitchell brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience driving growth and operational excellence across organizations of all sizes. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Board of Regal Products, a leader in firearm safety solutions. Under his leadership, Regal Products has expanded its mission into suicide prevention and consumer firearm safety, collaborating with nonprofits, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and industry partners.
Brandon Roper is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience leading sales, marketing, and operational strategy across manufacturing, distribution, and consumer-facing organizations. He has held executive roles including President & CEO and Chief Revenue Officer, and is known for his data-driven, solutions-oriented leadership style. Roper brings both professional expertise and a personal commitment to advancing mental health awareness and supporting WTTA's long-term mission.
"We are honored to welcome these accomplished leaders to the Walk the Talk America Board of Directors," said Michael Sodini, Chairman of the Board & CEO. "Their combined experience and shared commitment to mental health advocacy will help guide our organization as we continue to expand our impact nationwide."
About Walk the Talk America: Founded to bridge the gap between mental health education and real-world action, Walk the Talk America works to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and foster collaboration around mental health and suicide prevention through education, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
For more information, visit walkthetalkamerica.org