CVM National Office: Our People
Steve Albertson
New Initiatives Director
“I believe that technology only fulfills its highest purpose when it is used by 'everyone' in society who can benefit from it, and this is why I think Community Voice Mail is an important organization. To me, it's a privilege to be able to use some of my skills and experiences to bring voice mail to people who can use it to get a job, find housing, or otherwise improve their lives.”
Steve Albertson joined Community Voice Mail in April 2004, initially focusing on the deployment of Cisco's Unity platform to improve and expand CVM's voice mail services nationally. He now identifies and investigates new opportunities for client use of voice mail.
Since leaving Microsoft in 1995, Steve has worked for several organizations that bring technology services and expertise to other nonprofits. From 1995-1999, he was the founder and executive director of ONE/Northwest, which provides technology help to conservation groups in the Pacific Northwest. Since 1999, he has managed a technology-focused grant program at TechFoundation, and served as a business development manager for RealImpact, a division of RealNetworks that provided Web and streaming media consulting to progressive nonprofits.
Steve received an MBA in Sustainable Business from Bainbridge Graduate Institute in 2007, and a Bachelors degree in Political Science from the University of Washington in 1985. When not at Community Voice Mail, he enjoys hanging out with his wife Monica and their two children.
Jennifer Brandon
Executive Director
“There are no easy solutions to the problems associated with poverty, homelessness and violence: once in a while we are fortunate enough to find a simple but effective tool that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives. By strengthening Community Voice Mail, I seek to strengthen people's connection to each another, to opportunities, and to their own dignity.”
Jennifer Brandon has served as Executive Director of Community Voice Mail's National Office since 1998. During her tenure, Community Voice Mail has expanded its presence across the country by negotiating national partnerships, advocating for improved telecommunications for low-income people, and promoting CVM within homeless and social services. Ms. Brandon has been a guest speaker for many national conferences, including Legal Service Corporation, Entrepreneurs Foundation, and the National Hurricane Conference. She also serves on the board of the Washington State Attorney General's Community Advisory Committee.
In 2005, she was awarded a scholarship to attend Stanford University’s Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Wesleyan University.
Daniel Cheever
Administrative Coordinator
“What I love about Community Voice Mail is the simplicity of it all. Big changes can come from small steps. In an ever-changing world where communication is key to life CVM provides the key to unlock potential. It's great to be part of a team that positively impacts the community."
Daniel refined his project management, event planning, logistics, and database management skills during his 3 years with the Washington State Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education Department. His work brought him around the beautiful state of Washington where he served over 27,000 attorneys. Prior to that he worked for 2 years on a variety of grants for Measured Progress, an educational assessment company located in New Hampshire. In addition he spent 6 years combing through the University of New Hampshire's Special Collections & Archives Department where he became well versed in university archives, local historical documents, and unique collections of books, ephemera, and music.
Daniel received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of New Hampshire in 1998. He left his New England surroundings for Seattle in the fall of 2003 where he met his partner Toby. When not at CVM, Daniel enjoys guerilla gardening, car-free living, soccer, biking, and people-watching in Seattle parks.
Jessica Dally
Help Desk Technician
“In an ever connected age it’s easy to forget how essential a simple phone number can be. Getting a job or home is virtually impossible without one. CVM has taken on this often forgotten need in a way which empowers people to make a positive change in their lives and I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to be a part of it.”
Jessica Dally came to CVM after working IT for Whole Foods Market for the last 7 years. Her great personality and strong customer service is our frontline of support for the users of the CVM Centralized System and staying ahead of voice mail technology needs.
Jessica is a WA native that has a wide variety of talents including cheese maker and auto mechanic. She currently resides in Seattle with two kitties, three chickens and two hives of bees.
Stacy Holmes
Program Director
“As global citizens, I believe we are all ultimately connected and accountable to each other. Luckily, I am fortunate enough to work for an organization whose mission complements my personal philosophy and affords me the opportunity to increase access for individuals and support local communities. I try to maintain peace and balance in spirit, heart, and life...or at least keep a sense of humor about it all.”
Stacy Holmes works with the CVM Federation to address critical priorities, support model initiative projects that expand CVM's impact on the community, and design standards and evaluation methods for meaningful measurement of CVM programs.
Stacy previously worked with a national nonprofit, Community-Campus Partnerships for Health, where she was involved in community-based participatory research, health professional initiatives, and original research and outcomes evaluation. Through her professional and volunteer work, Stacy has focused on poverty issues, public health, social justice, and HIV/AIDS, including several years of providing direct services to low-income individuals.
Stacy received her Masters in Public Administration which emphasized nonprofit management and program planning from the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs and her Bachelors degree in social services and multicultural studies from The Evergreen State College.
Nick Jennings
Network Administrator
“Given the amount of technology most people in the U.S. have access to, it's easy to just assume that everyone has a phone number they can be reached at. Without one, it's difficult to apply for jobs, get health care, or even just hear from family members. It's good to know that by giving people something as simple as a phone number, we have the ability to dramatically affect their quality of life.”
Nick Jennings joined Community Voice Mail after working as a systems administrator for Agros International, and Literacy Source. He graduated in 2006 from Washington State University with a Bachelors in computer science, and specializes in remote management and software deployment.
When he's not staring at blinking lights, Nick enjoys rock climbing, photography, and listening to a wide variety of music.
Anna Landa
Program Development Coordinator
“Community Voice Mail has found a way to use advanced technology to create simple solutions that help people achieve basic security in life that many of us take for granted including employment, stable housing, personal safety and staying connected to their families. It’s exciting to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference in people’s lives everyday.”
Anna Landa joined Community Voice Mail in 2007 as the Program Development Coordinator to the CVM National staff. Anna focuses on developing new CVM sites across the country and supporting the existing CVM Federation through improving our training resources.
Prior to joining CVM, Anna worked for 3 years with Columbia Legal Services and the Northwest Justice Project in Seattle on a project to expand economic justice for low income individuals with a special focus on immigrant communities and access to financial institutions. Anna also worked for five years as a domestic violence victim advocate, primarily with Spanish speaking survivors in Seattle and King County. Through this past work she gained experience on poverty, social and economic justice issues, and the particular barriers faced by immigrants when accessing services.
Anna received her Masters in Public Administration at the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs in 2004. She speaks fluent Spanish and enjoys playing bass in a local rock band with her sisters.
Kathy Lynn
Finance Manager
“It was as if there were a plan to bring me here. After many years in accounting and finance in the telecommunications industry and then switching to a non-profit organization I had a beautiful daughter that needs me to be there for her more than a full-time job would allow. Community Voice Mail came into my life and gave me the opportunity to contribute the skills I have to meet the needs of a growing organization that provides a service that most of us take for granted. Being able to get clear, timely accurate messages from doctors, teachers and social service agencies when you are in a crisis is not a luxury – communication is crucial to finding your way in systems that all but assume that you can be contacted by phone.”
Kathy Lynn has worked as the Financial Manager for Community Voice Mail's National Office from 2000 to 2006 as a contract position and became a part-time employee in 2007. Prior to coming to CVM Kathy worked in finance and accounting in the telecommunications industry between 1989 and 1997. From 1997-1999 she worked in finance and accounting at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.
Kathy has an MBA from University of Washington and a BA in Business Administration in 1988 from the University of Puget Sound. When not at CVM, Kathy spends her time on renovating her home, caring for her amazing daughter and enjoying a balanced life.
Shannon Terry
Senior Network Administrator
“In a world of daily technological advances, it's imperative not to leave anyone behind. Community Voice Mail is a step toward that goal. This organization is a perfect coupling of technology and philanthropy. I am honored to be a part of it.”
Shannon Terry has over 14 years in the IT industry with a focus on technical support and system administration in the nonprofit sector. She has worked at several nonprofit organizations, including Virginia Mason Hospital, the Gates Foundation and most recently Seattle Mental Health.
Shannon is a graduate of the University of Washington with a BS in Business Administration. When not at CVM, Shannon likes to hike and hang out with her two lively Dalmatians.