Monica Bassett, Founder and 

Chief Executive Officer

Monica is a military spouse and advocate for the underprivileged in the military community. Through her personal experience with food insecurity as a child and by connecting with military families facing these same struggles, she has made it her mission to ease the burden of food insecurity and shine a light on undernourishment of families. She built Stronghold to respectfully supply resources to families, provide actionable solutions, and educate others on the crisis of food insecurity in the military. Monica was named the Armed Forces Insurance Army Spouse of the Year for 2022 because of her commitment to alleviating food insecurity.

Tim Selby, Chief Financial Officer

Tim Selby is a military spouse, IT Strategy Consultant, and Nonprofit Management Professional with over 25 years of cross-sector technology and business management experience, helping organizations of all sizes pivot to new business models, mitigate obstacles, and create sustainable growth. He is a servant leader dedicated to improving the lives of service members and their families, currently serving on the boards of Stronghold Food Pantry, Council for Military Spouse Clubs, AI Ambassadors, Fort Bliss Spouses Association, and a volunteer caseworker for the American Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces.

Megan Harless, Chief Operating Officer

Megan Harless is an Army Veteran, military spouse, mother of three, and is passionate about helping others while working to improve the experiences of the military community. She graduated from the University of Charleston, WV and was commissioned as a Transportation Officer, going on to serve four years as a dual active-duty family to include one deployment to Iraq. Megan is the founder of PCS Like A Pro - Smooth Move an organization created to assist military families understand regulations and navigate the PCS process. Seeing the struggle of military families, Megan knew it was vital to support an organization that brings attention to the issue of hunger in the military. As the COO of Stronghold CFP, Megan works to help make the pantry donation process seamless while looking for growth opportunities to help more families. 

Abby Ammons, Communications Director

Abby Ammons is a writer, military spouse, and mother. She understands that intentional change starts with listening to people’s stories. Her background in education and communications have provided opportunities to advocate, encourage, and support those whose voices are seldom heard. Like many military spouses, her resume is diverse. She holds a degree in public relations and has previous experience as a copy editor, preschool teacher, writer, and publicist. She is currently the Community Outreach Manager for Second Service Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that gives support through coaching, capital, and resources for the military entrepreneurial community.

Allison Burton, Relationship Development Manager 

Allison Burton is a photographer, graphic designer, military spouse, and mother of two. Allison has always had the determination to help those who are struggling within the military community. During her years as an Army wife, Allison has held many leadership roles throughout private organizations and spouses’ clubs, spanning multiple states and countries. She has hosted a food drive that garnered over 2,000 pounds in donations that went directly into the local military community. Allison holds a degree in education and has previous experience as a preschool teacher and coach. She is also a published photographer and owner of Allison Burton Photography. 

Katie D'Amato, Communications Manager

Katie D’Amato has spent the last 10 years focused on empowering service members and their families to thrive in their communities and create a sense of home no matter where they are located. Throughout her years as a military spouse, Katie served in a leadership role in over eight nonprofit organizations spanning five states. She has played a part in fundraisers that collectively raised over $250K.  In the past, Katie has worked with different spouses' clubs, Junior Leagues, and other nonprofits local to which her family was stationed.  She owns Charlie Communications, INC, a boutique marketing company specializing in small business communications and digital advertising. 

To my past and present team, thank you! I would not be able to tackle a project of this size without each and everyone of you giving your time and energy to support this cause.