Staff

Allison Shafer is a passionate and enthusiastic professional dedicated to the advancement of veterans’ health initiatives. Allison holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Lindenwood University. Allison has been employed with the Veterans Research and Education Foundation since May of 2018 in various roles including PREP Team Lead, Research Coordinator, VREF Operations Manager, VREF Director of Operations and Interim Executive Director.

Allison was appointed Executive Director in March of 2022, responsible for the overall management and direction of the foundation. Allison remains committed to the continued growth of the foundation, diversification of its current portfolio and the ongoing development of a robust research program within the VA St. Louis Healthcare System. Allison spends much of her free time with her child and husband frequenting popular St. Louis attractions such as the zoo and science center.

Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Maryville University and a master’s degree in Nutrition & Dietetics from Southeast Missouri State University. Amy serves as VREF’s operations Manager. As Operations Manager, Amy works with VREF’s Executive Director to oversee the daily business operations of the foundation to ensure the organization’s goals and mission are effectively achieved.

Before moving into the operations role, Amy served as the PREP Team lead, assisting principal investigators and other researchers with their regulatory work required to conduct research. Amy also previously worked as a Research Dietitian/Coordinator at the St. Louis VA Healthcare System for 5 years, and as a weight management Dietitian for 13 years. Amy often spends much of her free time with her children and husband going to sporting events, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling

Becca graduated from Mizzou with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. Becca has been with the foundation since November 2018 and has worked in various roles including Research Coordinator, PREP Team Lead, Grant Management and the Director of Communications.

Becca’s communication efforts include Advertising and Media, coordinating events, fundraising, and running our social media accounts. Becca also assists with Grant Applications on the VREF side and helps Investigators with their formal Grant Applications. Becca loves to spend her free time with her dog Nellie.

Linda joined VREF in 2019 bringing with her a vast knowledge of financial processes and operations which quickly made her an integral part of our team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix. Prior to joining VREF, Linda worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist, Budget Management Analyst and finally a Senior Management Analyst at the Department of Defense (DOD) retiring after 37 years of service. Linda now oversees all aspects of financial operations at VREF ensuring timely and accurate financial data and reporting. In her free time, Linda is an avid estate sale and auction participant and enjoys spending time with her grandchild and her dog named Cooper.

Maureen serves as the Director of Clinical Trials at Veterans Research and Education Foundation. She leads the strategic and management aspects of clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas. She oversees a growing team of research professionals including Investigators and Coordinators and works closely with the Executive Director & Director of Operations to ensure that all VREF-affiliated studies are conducted with excellence, accuracy and full regulatory compliance.

Maureen brings more than a decade of experience in clinical research, regulatory affairs and healthcare operations to the VREF team. Before stepping into the director role, Maureen has supported VREF as a Clinical Research Coordinator and PREP team member. Her background in leadership spans across multiple research organizations and healthcare systems. Her foundation in both clinical and operational management solidifies her organizational approach to research and team leadership. Outside of work Maureen is a dedicated mom who enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, tackling home renovation projects and exploring new creative outlets. She is also active in her son’s local youth hockey community, where she volunteers much of her free time and supports her son’s athletic pursuits.

Her ability to balance analytical precision with creativity and connection is a defining strength both personally and professionally. She is dedicated to advancing research that improves the lives of Veterans and strengthens community health outcomes.