Meet The Board
Meet the dedicated individuals shaping the vision and impact of Bill's Wish.
Together, they form a dynamic team committed to making a positive impact on
the lives of those who have served our nation.
Travis Kowitz
President
Travis Kowitz is a criminal defense attorney in both Minnesota and Wisconsin state courts. Travis is also the President and Founder of “Bill’s Wish”, a Minnesota based non-profit organization that serves Military Veterans and their families who have experienced mental and/or chemical health issues as a result of service to our country. The organization is in honor of Travis’s father, William “Bill” Kowitz, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran who committed suicide on October 11, 2006, after a long battle with depression. Travis earned a BA in Political Science and Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Travis received his juris doctorate from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in 2016. Travis has defended many Veterans facing criminal charges, including those who were able to participate in Veterans Treatment Courts. He lives with his wife and children in Center City, MN.
Tim Vasquez
Vice President
Vice President from Saint Paul, MN, takes his role at Bill’s Wish with a "whatever you need from me" attitude and a passion for mental health. Beyond his role, he enjoys golfing, family time, and embracing his knucklehead side. Tim sees Bill's Wish as a unique platform to address Veterans’ and their families' needs promptly. His commitment is not just a professional duty; it's a personal tribute to Lieutenant Bill Kowitz, a friend and mentor who played a pivotal role in Tim's young career. Life motto: “Inspire Others To Do What Inspires Them.”
Cody Thielen
Treasurer
Treasurer from Dubuque, IA, meticulously manages funds and provides financial guidance. Outside of Bill's Wish, Cody cherishes time with his wife and family, enjoys walks with his dogs, playing a variety of sports, practicing Jiu Jitsu, and diving into books. Cody is most passionate about our mission, he believes Veterans deserve every chance possible to succeed. He finds fulfillment in seeing the tangible impact of our work and being surrounded by a dedicated team. Proud to be part of Bill's Wish, Cody is committed to serving those who've served us. Life motto: "Be where you are; otherwise you will miss your life."
Connor Cremens
Board Member
Connor is from Boston. Outside work, he enjoys family time, fishing, grilling, and football. Connor is passionate about connecting Veterans with treatment and subsidizing costs. Getting to know the Veterans and their families by assisting them in utilizing us and our resources to achieve success and happiness is the best part of being on this board. He also assists Veterans with legal issues as a partner at Kowitz Law. Life motto: "It's not the critic who counts; credit belongs to the one in the arena, daring greatly for a worthy cause. In the end, it's about knowing the triumph of high achievement or failing while daring greatly, never with the cold and timid souls who never dared to try." - Theodore Roosevelt
Berlynn Fleury
Secretary
Berlynn is a Marine Corps Veteran who served during Operation Enduring Freedom. After being medically evacuated during her tour in Afghanistan, Berlynn met tremendous hurdles adjusting back to civilian life and found herself involved in the criminal justice system. After successfully graduating from Veterans Treatment Court in 2019, Berlynn earned her Bachelor’s degree in human services in 2020, and is now working on her Master's degree in clinical social work. Berlynn has nearly a decade of experience advocating for social justice and policy reform for Veterans and first responders; providing unique support with program coordination, women's engagement, fundraising, and education. When she is not hard at work she enjoys playing the piano, collecting cool rocks, having outdoor adventures, and raising butterflies.
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Jordan Kowitz
Board Member
Director of Sponsorships from Arizona (originally from Minnesota), serves as a vital point of contact in all our partnerships and brings in crucial funds from our amazing sponsors. In his free time, he enjoys travel, poker, and family moments with his kids. Bill's Holiday Wish is particularly meaningful to him, helping families during the holiday season adds a deeper meaning to the organization's year-round support. Best part of being on the board? Hearing how the organization positively impacts lives directly from the Veterans and families that we help. Life motto: "The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back."
Dave Fisher
Board Member
Dave is a dedicated board member with a passion for technology and a personal connection to the challenges faced by military families. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Dave has firsthand experience with the struggles of military life, thanks to his father's service as a disabled Air Force veteran. Now residing in Isanti, Minnesota, Dave brings valuable IT expertise from his studies at CVTC, focusing on website upkeep and technology solutions for the board. In his free time, you can find Dave enjoying camping, golfing, and gaming. Life motto: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."
Sidney Felber
Board Member
Sid from Minnesota (originally Florida) brings a dynamic spirit and unwavering dedication to his role on the board. With a passion for planning, implementing, and executing initiatives, he plays a vital role in driving the organization's mission forward. Beyond his duties at Bill's Wish, you'll often find Sid cruising on his motorcycles, embracing the freedom of the open road. His favorite mission is the Highway to Help 5K, where he finds gratification in raising awareness about Veteran suicide and supporting those struggling with mental health and chemical dependency issues. For Sid, the true reward lies in serving those who have served their country and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a common vision of healing and support for Veterans. Life motto: “SEMPER FI”
