Leadership rooted in service
GVRP Leadership and Volunteer Advisory Board
Meet the people supporting the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ and learn how the 2027 Volunteer Advisory Board will help more volunteers discover the program, share their stories and receive meaningful recognition.
The current 2026 board continues through December 31, 2026.Why GVRP Has a Volunteer Advisory Board
GVRP was built to celebrate volunteers and encourage continued service. The Volunteer Advisory Board brings additional voices, connections and ideas to that mission. Members help GVRP reach more people, recognize deserving volunteers and keep the community connected to opportunities that celebrate service.
How the 2027 Board Will Support the Mission
This is a practical volunteer role with a manageable time commitment. Board members will focus on four areas that directly support GVRP's growth and volunteer recognition mission.
Grow Awareness and Welcome New People
Help introduce volunteers, families, community leaders and organizations to GVRP. Members may share program information, make introductions and encourage people who connect with the mission to learn more.
Recognize Community Champions
Help identify and nominate deserving volunteers for the Community Champion Spotlight, especially people whose service may otherwise go unnoticed.
Share Volunteer Stories
Submit or help gather meaningful stories for Global Volunteer Voices so volunteers from different backgrounds, locations and causes can inspire others.
Support Award Ceremony Outreach
Help spread the word about the Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony, invite potential attendees and supporters, and connect GVRP with people and organizations that may want to participate.
What Serving on the Board Looks Like
Brief, Flexible Communication
Meetings will usually be held quarterly and may be scheduled monthly when needed. Most meetings are expected to last only 10 to 15 minutes, with follow-up handled by email or message.
A Manageable Commitment
Members should plan for approximately four hours per month on average. Some months may require less time, while ceremony outreach or special recognition periods may require a little more.
A Board Position Comes With a Commitment
GVRP wants every selected member to have a positive experience, and it also needs all four positions to be held by people who are willing to help. If a member's availability changes, early and honest communication is encouraged.
When Support Is Needed
If participation becomes a concern, the Executive Director will normally begin with a private conversation to understand the situation, clarify expectations and determine whether the member can recommit.
When a Position May Be Refilled
If a member repeatedly does not participate, does not respond or does not complete agreed board contributions, GVRP may end the appointment and select a replacement who can actively support the mission.
Serious misconduct, misuse of the GVRP name, harassment, confidentiality violations or actions that could harm the program or its community may result in immediate removal.
Applications are open
Help GVRP Celebrate More Volunteers in 2027
GVRP is looking for four dependable, positive and community-minded people who believe volunteers deserve to be seen and celebrated. Professional titles and large social media followings are not required. Genuine enthusiasm, good communication and a willingness to help connect people to the mission matter most.
This is an unpaid, one-year volunteer advisory appointment. GVRP membership, purchases, donations and sponsorships are not required to apply or serve.
Learn More and Apply for the 2027 Board2026 GVRP Leadership
The current 2026 board remains in place through December 31, 2026. The 2027 Volunteer Advisory Board will begin a new one-year term on January 1, 2027.
Founder, Executive Director and CEO
Laurel Barrett, MBA, CPhT, CPTEd
Laurel Barrett founded the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ in September 2023 to make meaningful recognition more accessible to volunteers around the world. A lifelong volunteer, Laurel contributes more than 500 hours of service in many years and has earned the President's Volunteer Service Award multiple times.
Laurel brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience together with leadership in education, emergency preparedness, business and community service. She received the Volunteer Visionary Award at the 2025 Annual Volunteer Award Gala and Retreat and continues to lead GVRP's strategy, programs, standards and daily operations.
Meet the 2026 Board
2026 Board Member
Saryna Ritter
Saryna Ritter is the founder of Go Bling Yourself, a brand offering affordable jewelry and pageant fashion. Her professional background includes more than 11 years of experience in prom and pageant fashion, merchandising and editorial leadership, as well as work in mental health coaching and career management.
Saryna is also the President and CEO of You Gotta Have Faith, a global charity supporting families in need. A lifelong humanitarian, she has received recognition from L.M.A. and We Dream in Color and was crowned International Mrs USA 2024.
2026 Board Member
Whitley Nabintu Marshall
Whitley Nabintu Marshall is a compassionate leader, creative executive and advocate for inclusive, service-driven leadership. She is the founder of the Compassionate Leadership Project, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Artlovelifestyle Magazine and the designer behind Artlovelifestyle Attire.
Through her work in fashion, media, dance and wellness, Whitley amplifies underrepresented voices and promotes social impact. A recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award and a Global Volunteer Award, she remains committed to advancing compassionate leadership and volunteer-powered change.
2026 Board Member
Lacey Haines
Lacey Haines is a mother of five, grandmother of two, Realtor, Fitness Nutrition Specialist and Certified Personal Trainer. She is a passionate community advocate who has supported Give A Little Christmas, Wilson Habitat for Humanity, Concerts & Causes and other local service initiatives.
Known for encouraging others to serve regardless of their available time or resources, Lacey combines public speaking, fitness, family and community leadership to help people recognize their ability to make a difference.
2026 Board Member
Dr. Sara Dukart
Dr. Sara Dukart is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who works in emergency and outpatient mental health care. She holds two bachelor's degrees and a doctorate in mental health practice and brings a strong commitment to compassionate care, advocacy and education.
Sara is a longtime volunteer with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and has contributed to advocacy and healthcare initiatives. She is the founder of the Hope Through Help platform and uses her voice to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
2026 Deputy Board Member
Tracy Tian
Tracy Tian is a biomedical scientist, military medic and service-oriented leader pursuing a PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in infectious diseases. Her research focuses on bacterial gene regulation and pathogenesis, and she brings nearly a decade of medical experience from her service as a flight medic.
Tracy volunteers with organizations supporting people with disabilities and youth mentorship, including Special Olympics and Girls on the Run. She leads with compassion, resilience and a strong dedication to service.
Volunteer Advisory Board Questions
What does the GVRP Volunteer Advisory Board do?
The board helps grow awareness of GVRP, connect new people to the program, nominate Community Champion Spotlight candidates, contribute stories to Global Volunteer Voices and support outreach for the Annual Volunteer Awards Ceremony.
Is this a governing board?
No. GVRP is a founder-led, mission-driven LLC. Volunteer Advisory Board members provide ideas, outreach support and community perspective. They do not control the company, make financial commitments or enter agreements on behalf of GVRP.
Is ceremony attendance required?
No. Members are encouraged to attend if they can, but in-person attendance is optional. GVRP cannot currently reimburse personal travel, lodging or related attendance expenses.
Do board members need to be GVRP members?
No. Membership, purchases, donations and sponsorships are not required to apply or serve.
What happens if a board member stops participating?
GVRP will normally begin with a private conversation. If nonparticipation or nonresponse continues, the Executive Director may end the appointment and select a replacement so the board's responsibilities are supported.
How can someone apply for the 2027 board?
Review the complete opportunity and use the application link on the 2027 GVRP Volunteer Advisory Board application page.
Learn More About GVRP
Explore the mission, impact and recognition opportunities behind the Global Volunteer Recognition Program.