Leadership, service and accountability
Global Volunteer Recognition Program Leadership and Advisory Board
Meet the leaders and community advocates supporting the mission of the Global Volunteer Recognition Program™. GVRP was created to celebrate volunteers, encourage service and strengthen meaningful recognition opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The current 2026 board term continues through December 31, 2026.The Purpose of GVRP Leadership and Advisory Service
GVRP benefits from leaders who bring different professional experiences, community perspectives and areas of expertise. Board and advisory participation is intended to strengthen strategic thinking, encourage accountability and help GVRP remain responsive to the volunteers, families, schools, organizations and communities it serves.
Strategic Perspective
Members provide thoughtful feedback on program direction, volunteer recognition, member experience, community engagement and long-term priorities.
Community Insight
Members help GVRP understand the needs and experiences of volunteers, students, families, community leaders and mission-driven organizations.
Integrity and Trust
Members are expected to support ethical leadership, accurate representation, confidentiality, respectful communication and responsible stewardship of the GVRP mission.
Preparing for 2027
A More Focused and Accountable Advisory Board
Beginning January 1, 2027, GVRP plans to transition to a role-based Volunteer Advisory Board. The 2027 model is designed for dependable individuals who are ready to participate consistently, offer useful strategic guidance and remain engaged throughout their appointment.
This is an engaged advisory appointment, not an honorary title. Members will be selected for defined areas of expertise, complete a 90-day conditional appointment period and have their participation reviewed throughout the year. Advisory members will not be asked to replace employees or contractors or perform unpaid day-to-day operational work.
No purchase, membership, donation or sponsorship is required to apply or serve.
Review the 2027 Advisory Board OpportunityWhat Advisory Board Accountability Means
Beginning with the 2027 term, remaining publicly listed as an active GVRP Advisory Board member will depend on continued participation and professional conduct.
Participation
- Attend at least 75% of scheduled advisory meetings
- Prepare for meetings and contribute constructive input
- Respond to time-sensitive communications within five business days
- Be available for the Annual Awards Ceremony
Advisory Contribution
- Serve in a clearly defined area of expertise
- Complete agreed reviews, recommendations or advisory commitments
- Offer honest feedback that supports GVRP's mission and community
Professional Standards
- Protect confidential and member information
- Disclose conflicts of interest
- Use the GVRP title accurately and only while actively serving
GVRP understands that personal and professional circumstances can change. Members are expected to communicate when they need support or a temporary leave. Continued inactivity, nonresponse, misrepresentation or conduct that harms the program may result in removal from the active Advisory Board.
2026 GVRP Leadership
The individuals below are recognized as members of GVRP's current 2026 leadership and board. Their existing term remains in place through December 31, 2026. The 2027 Advisory Board will be selected through the new application and accountability process.
Founder and Executive Director
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.
GVRP Board and Advisory Board Questions
What does the GVRP Advisory Board do?
The Advisory Board provides strategic feedback, professional perspective and community insight. It helps GVRP consider volunteer needs, program quality, public trust, partnerships, recognition opportunities and long-term goals. It does not manage daily business operations.
Is the Advisory Board the legal governing body of GVRP?
No. GVRP is a founder-led limited liability company. Advisory Board members provide nonbinding recommendations and do not have authority to enter contracts, make financial commitments or act on behalf of the company without written authorization.
How long is an Advisory Board term?
The planned 2027 appointment is for one calendar year, January 1 through December 31, with an initial 90-day conditional appointment period.
Can an inactive member continue using the GVRP Advisory Board title?
Only active members in good standing may present themselves as current GVRP Advisory Board members. Former members may accurately identify the specific year they served, but they may not suggest that they continue to represent GVRP after their appointment ends.
Is GVRP a nonprofit organization?
No. The Global Volunteer Recognition Program™ is a mission-driven for-profit LLC. Learn more about why GVRP uses this business structure and how the program supports its mission.
How can someone apply for the 2027 Advisory Board?
Applicants should first review the responsibilities, areas of expertise, selection process and participation standards on the 2027 GVRP Volunteer Advisory Board application page.
Learn More About GVRP
Explore GVRP's history, public impact, business credentials and commitment to recognizing volunteers with integrity.