Meet the Team

Board of Directors

The board of directors is an essential part of business and is the organization’s governing body. The board of directors for The Ruyts Foundation is comprised of individuals that bring experience and passion to the table in the fight against veteran suicide. Please feel free to contact any of the members with questions or concerns.

Jessica Ruyts

PRESIDENT & FOUNDER

Jessica Ruyts is the President and Founder of The Ruyts Foundation of Veteran Suicide Prevention. Jessica is a Combat Medic Veteran of the United States Army. Jessica holds several college degrees in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Criminal Law and Allied health, including two Associate degrees, one Bachelors degree and one Juris Doctorate. She has a mission in life to end all veteran and soldier suicide. “Help our heroes fight the battles they can no longer fight alone.” -Jessica Ruyts

Jessica and her husband Zachary are currently residing in Virginia. Zachary is currently a active military veteran who serves in the United States Army Reserves. They share their passion for the military and to protect their battles at all cost. They are the parents of 5 amazing children that all share the same passion of helping others as they do. They can not wait to see the day when no veteran or soldier dies by suicide.

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Lisa Snellings

TREASURER

Lisa has a degree in Corporate Accounting from Stark State College as well as a degree in Forensic Accounting from Franklin University. She works for a veteran owned company as their Senior Accountant and has a passion for helping those in need. She has seen many of those around her battle with their mental health and the stigma that goes with getting the care needed. “I have great respect for those that have served our country and want all people that struggle to know they don’t have to do it alone .”

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Sarah Otto

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETER

Sarah Otto is the Director of Social Media at The Ruyts Foundation of Veteran Suicide Prevention. Sarah is the 2017 and 2018 NSF Dahlgren Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year and has spent over 2 decades advocating for our Military & their Families.

Sarah and her husband are natives of Jefferson City, Missouri but made King George, Virginia home in 2011. Her husband, Jay, is a US Navy Veteran who retired in 2018 after over 21 years Active Duty. They have 3 (adult) children and 2 furbabies.

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Buford Pritchett

VICE PRESIDENT

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Nikki Garrido

SECRETARY

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