Skip to content

ABOUT US

Our Mission….

to implement and continually support internet safety education globally for all children by providing training, technical assistance, and educational materials at no cost to the recipients.

Meet Our Team Members

The Safe Surfin’ Foundation is honored to have executive leadership and board members from vast backgrounds in law enforcement, non-profits, and the private sector.

(Hover over each of our Team Members to learn more.)

Executive Director/President

Eddie joined the Safe Surfin’ Foundation staff in 2012 as a volunteer after a very successful sales management career in the health and sanitation industry.

A native Virginian, Eddie graduated from Natural Bridge High School and then attended Phillips Business College. Over the next 30 years, Eddie attended several major marketing and management training programs, as he progressed upward in his career. During that career, with a Fortune 500 company, Eddie developed skills which placed him in front of the leaders of major U.S. Industries, Resorts and Health Care facilities.

Eddie has served as a member of the Floyd County Drug Court since its inception in 2018. Eddie is Past President of The Virginia Moose Association, and resides in Floyd County, Virginia with his wife Teresa who is an accomplished artist.

Executive Director/President

Eddie joined the Safe Surfin’ Foundation staff in 2012 as a volunteer after a very successful sales management career in the health and sanitation industry.

A native Virginian, Eddie graduated from Natural Bridge High School and then attended Phillips Business College. Over the next 30 years, Eddie attended several major marketing and management training programs, as he progressed upward in his career. During that career, with a Fortune 500 company, Eddie developed skills which placed him in front of the leaders of major U.S. Industries, Resorts and Health Care facilities.

Eddie has served as a member of the Floyd County Drug Court since its inception in 2018. Eddie is Past President of The Virginia Moose Association, and resides in Floyd County, Virginia with his wife Teresa who is an accomplished artist.

Executive Director/President

Founder & Chairman Of The Board

Sheriff Brown has served in the law enforcement arena for 53 years, and is a retired Senior Special Agent, United States Treasury Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He served in the US Army, Military Police Corps, from 1967 to 1970; as a Tactical Officer, Special Operations Division, Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC; as a Staff Support Specialist with the Department of Defense; and prior to his election as Sheriff on January 1,1996, he served as a criminal justice consultant/instructor with the United States Department of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program, in Central and South America and the Caribbean.Sheriff Brown has directed, since 1998, the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, for the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He testified before Congress in 1999 on matters concerning Internet crimes against children (sexual exploitation of children and the problem of child pornography on the Internet).

Sheriff Brown is a member of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, National Sheriffs’ Association; Vice Chair, Board of Directors, National White collar Crime Center; and former member of the Board of Advisors, Law Enforcement Innovation Center, University of Tennessee.

The Sheriff is a graduate of The American University, Washington, DC, with BS Degree in the Administration of Justice and Police Administration.

Founder & Chairman Of The Board

Sheriff Brown has served in the law enforcement arena for 53 years, and is a retired Senior Special Agent, United States Treasury Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He served in the US Army, Military Police Corps, from 1967 to 1970; as a Tactical Officer, Special Operations Division, Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC; as a Staff Support Specialist with the Department of Defense; and prior to his election as Sheriff on January 1,1996, he served as a criminal justice consultant/instructor with the United States Department of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program, in Central and South America and the Caribbean.Sheriff Brown has directed, since 1998, the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, for the Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. He testified before Congress in 1999 on matters concerning Internet crimes against children (sexual exploitation of children and the problem of child pornography on the Internet).

Sheriff Brown is a member of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, National Sheriffs’ Association; Vice Chair, Board of Directors, National White collar Crime Center; and former member of the Board of Advisors, Law Enforcement Innovation Center, University of Tennessee.

The Sheriff is a graduate of The American University, Washington, DC, with BS Degree in the Administration of Justice and Police Administration.

Founder & Chairman Of The Board

Board Member

Judge Long is a retired Chief Circuit Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. He was born in Radford, Virginia and resided in Blacksburg, Virginia his entire life prior to recently retiring to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Judge Long graduated from Virginia Tech in 1973 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1976. He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 36 years and they have two adult daughters. He was appointed judge by the Virginia Legislature in 2005 and retired in 2020 as Chief Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. During his career on the bench, Judge Long established a family drug treatment court program along with five adult drug treatment courts. Virginia’s Lawyers Weekly named Judge Long a Leader in the Law in Virginia in 2016.

Board Member

Judge Long is a retired Chief Circuit Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. He was born in Radford, Virginia and resided in Blacksburg, Virginia his entire life prior to recently retiring to the Lake Norman area of North Carolina. Judge Long graduated from Virginia Tech in 1973 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1976. He has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 36 years and they have two adult daughters. He was appointed judge by the Virginia Legislature in 2005 and retired in 2020 as Chief Judge of the 27th Judicial Circuit of Virginia. During his career on the bench, Judge Long established a family drug treatment court program along with five adult drug treatment courts. Virginia’s Lawyers Weekly named Judge Long a Leader in the Law in Virginia in 2016.

Board Member

Board Member

Eric Winkler is a dynamic professional with a diverse skill set that spans real estate development, business creation, and brand innovation. A graduate of Marymount California University, Eric holds a degree in Communications and minor in criminal justice, showcasing his expertise in navigating people and his commitment to understanding and addressing societal challenges.

Throughout his career, Eric has emerged as a visionary in the realm of real estate, as he’s developed real estate in up-and-coming markets and refurbished historical landmarks. His ventures also include the successful creation of businesses and brands, where his ability to identify market opportunities and drive innovation has set him apart.

Driven by a desire to help others, Eric actively seeks out problems as opportunities for meaningful solutions. His commitment to social responsibility is not only evident in his academic pursuits but also in his professional endeavors, where he consistently explores ways to contribute to the betterment of society.

Eric’s journey is a testament to the power of merging business with a genuine passion for social impact. As he continues to navigate the intersections of real estate, entrepreneurship, and justice, Eric is dedicated to creating positive change in both the business world and the broader community.

Board Member

Eric Winkler is a dynamic professional with a diverse skill set that spans real estate development, business creation, and brand innovation. A graduate of Marymount California University, Eric holds a degree in Communications and minor in criminal justice, showcasing his expertise in navigating people and his commitment to understanding and addressing societal challenges.

Throughout his career, Eric has emerged as a visionary in the realm of real estate, as he’s developed real estate in up-and-coming markets and refurbished historical landmarks. His ventures also include the successful creation of businesses and brands, where his ability to identify market opportunities and drive innovation has set him apart.

Driven by a desire to help others, Eric actively seeks out problems as opportunities for meaningful solutions. His commitment to social responsibility is not only evident in his academic pursuits but also in his professional endeavors, where he consistently explores ways to contribute to the betterment of society.

Eric’s journey is a testament to the power of merging business with a genuine passion for social impact. As he continues to navigate the intersections of real estate, entrepreneurship, and justice, Eric is dedicated to creating positive change in both the business world and the broader community.

Board Member

Board Member

After completing his studies in Business and serving in the US Army, Terry moved to the Northern Virginia area in 1990. Over The next fifteen years Terry racked up awards creating and implementing innovative programs as a rising star in the automotive service industry.

In 2008, Terry transitioned to the non-profit sector accepting an executive position with an international trade association. Terry excelled in this role, developing programs and services that members valued resulting in unprecedented member acquisition and retention. Always seeking opportunities to take on new and exciting challenges and cause real change, in 2010 Terry accepted a founding role in PotholeRepair.Com where he continues to develop and deliver high value programs and create strong partnerships within the property and facility management industries as Vice President Business Development and Sales.

Terry has also maintained a focus on community over the years, serving on various boards and committees as a tireless volunteer. All that know him agree Terry is a genuine treasure that leads by example demonstrating honesty, integrity, and an enthusiastic willingness to help others.

Terry and his wife Paulette reside in Montclair, Virginia. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Board Member

After completing his studies in Business and serving in the US Army, Terry moved to the Northern Virginia area in 1990. Over The next fifteen years Terry racked up awards creating and implementing innovative programs as a rising star in the automotive service industry.

In 2008, Terry transitioned to the non-profit sector accepting an executive position with an international trade association. Terry excelled in this role, developing programs and services that members valued resulting in unprecedented member acquisition and retention. Always seeking opportunities to take on new and exciting challenges and cause real change, in 2010 Terry accepted a founding role in PotholeRepair.Com where he continues to develop and deliver high value programs and create strong partnerships within the property and facility management industries as Vice President Business Development and Sales.

Terry has also maintained a focus on community over the years, serving on various boards and committees as a tireless volunteer. All that know him agree Terry is a genuine treasure that leads by example demonstrating honesty, integrity, and an enthusiastic willingness to help others.

Terry and his wife Paulette reside in Montclair, Virginia. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Board Member

Board Member

Debbie worked as a paralegal in the areas of tax law, white collar crime, bankruptcy, real estate, litigation, labor law, employment law, and as a corporate in-house while employed by the federal government, a labor union at AFL-CIO headquarters, private corporations, sole practitioners, a credit union, and the White House during the Reagan Administration.

Debbie was the President of a national paralegal association – the American Alliance of Paralegals. She has been a guest speaker at education conferences on ethics, the future of the paralegal profession, and paralegal regulation. Debbie has been published in various professional journals and bar and paralegal association newsletters. She also wrote a paper titled “The Ethical Wall – Its Application to Paralegals” which was published through Westlaw, a legal research industry leader.

Debbie served on many community boards and committees in her native Washington, DC. She received an award for her dedication to Y-Me of the National Capital Area.

Debbie is a magna cum laude graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Legal Studies

 

Board Member

Debbie worked as a paralegal in the areas of tax law, white collar crime, bankruptcy, real estate, litigation, labor law, employment law, and as a corporate in-house while employed by the federal government, a labor union at AFL-CIO headquarters, private corporations, sole practitioners, a credit union, and the White House during the Reagan Administration.

Debbie was the President of a national paralegal association – the American Alliance of Paralegals. She has been a guest speaker at education conferences on ethics, the future of the paralegal profession, and paralegal regulation. Debbie has been published in various professional journals and bar and paralegal association newsletters. She also wrote a paper titled “The Ethical Wall – Its Application to Paralegals” which was published through Westlaw, a legal research industry leader.

Debbie served on many community boards and committees in her native Washington, DC. She received an award for her dedication to Y-Me of the National Capital Area.

Debbie is a magna cum laude graduate of George Mason University with a degree in Legal Studies.

Board Member

Board Member

Dr. Janet Brown is a Professor in the Psychology Department at Liberty University. She has taught General Psychology (Honors), Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Introduction to Research and Directed Research. Dr. Brown has taught the following courses online: Psychology of Childhood, Research 201 and Statistics for Psychology 355. She currently teaches General Psychology (Honors), Developmental Psychology (Honors), Personality Psychology (Psyc 341), and Studies in Interpersonal Communication – HSCO 508. She is an Advisor to Alpha Lambda Delta honors society and serves on Honors thesis committees

Dr. Brown is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Key Women Educators, the National Coalition on Violence against Animals, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the Virginia Association for Psychological Science.

Dr. Brown received an award from the Center for Research & Scholarship at Liberty University to pursue research on Social Cognitive Theory and its Application to the Cyber S.W.A.T. Program. The research is also sponsored by the National White Collar Crime Center.

The Cyber S.W.A.T.™ Team Program is a paradigm shift in online safety and responsibility education. What makes this program—and her research—unique is its utilization of peer-to-peer learning. This research will examine whether young people listen to and learn from a similarly-aged peer more readily than they do with adults. It is anticipated that data obtained from her study will further improve the efficacy of education in online safety and responsibility.

Board Member

Dr. Janet Brown is a Professor in the Psychology Department at Liberty University. She has taught General Psychology (Honors), Developmental Psychology, Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Introduction to Research and Directed Research. Dr. Brown has taught the following courses online: Psychology of Childhood, Research 201 and Statistics for Psychology 355. She currently teaches General Psychology (Honors), Developmental Psychology (Honors), Personality Psychology (Psyc 341), and Studies in Interpersonal Communication – HSCO 508. She is an Advisor to Alpha Lambda Delta honors society and serves on Honors thesis committees

Dr. Brown is a member of the Council on Undergraduate Research, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Key Women Educators, the National Coalition on Violence against Animals, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the Virginia Association for Psychological Science.

Dr. Brown received an award from the Center for Research & Scholarship at Liberty University to pursue research on Social Cognitive Theory and its Application to the Cyber S.W.A.T. Program. The research is also sponsored by the National White Collar Crime Center.

The Cyber S.W.A.T.™ Team Program is a paradigm shift in online safety and responsibility education. What makes this program—and her research—unique is its utilization of peer-to-peer learning. This research will examine whether young people listen to and learn from a similarly-aged peer more readily than they do with adults. It is anticipated that data obtained from her study will further improve the efficacy of education in online safety and responsibility.

Board Member

Board Member

Graeme Page is the CEO and co-founder of Skyll, a company at the forefront of integrating AI with education to promote online safety. At just eleven, Graeme launched his first venture, Fallen Angel, which rapidly grew into a leading influencer marketing firm, working with clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Fashion Nova, Hinge, and Liquipel, and generating over one billion impressions per month on Instagram and Twitter.

His deep understanding of social media’s potential and risks fueled his passion for creating safer digital spaces, leading to the development of Skyll. This innovative platform offer an AI-powered movie game that educates teens on social media safety through interactive storytelling and decision-making, made available in schools across the United States. Based in Dana Point, California, and born in Toronto, Canada, Graeme’s career reflects his commitment to transforming the digital landscape into a  secure environment for learning and interaction.

Board Member

Graeme Page is the CEO and co-founder of Skyll, a company at the forefront of integrating AI with education to promote online safety. At just eleven, Graeme launched his first venture, Fallen Angel, which rapidly grew into a leading influencer marketing firm, working with clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Fashion Nova, Hinge, and Liquipel, and generating over one billion impressions per month on Instagram and Twitter.

His deep understanding of social media’s potential and risks fueled his passion for creating safer digital spaces, leading to the development of Skyll. This innovative platform offer an AI-powered movie game that educates teens on social media safety through interactive storytelling and decision-making, made available in schools across the United States. Based in Dana Point, California, and born in Toronto, Canada, Graeme’s career reflects his commitment to transforming the digital landscape into a  secure environment for learning and interaction.

Board Member

Regional Manager West

Dave has worked as a volunteer for Safe Surfin’ Foundation for several years.

Dave is retired from the United States Postal Service and worked for Moose International for 14 years as the Regional Manager and Territory Tanager for the Michigan Moose Association. During that time he was named “Top Director” in 2009 and 2017. Dave served as a liaison between the state managers and the International board.  Dave supervised all board meetings and nurtured hundreds of volunteers and fellow employees to achieve their fundraising and community outreach goals.  He is also a lifetime member of The Loyal Order of Moose and VFW.

For many years Dave has lobbied for numerous charities at the Michigan State Capitol and on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

He also serves on the conservative clean energy committee in Washington D.C.

Dave resides in North Branch, Michigan with his life partner Colleen Kaldahl.

Regional Manager West

Dave has worked as a volunteer for Safe Surfin’ Foundation for several years.

Dave is retired from the United States Postal Service and worked for Moose International for 14 years as the Regional Manager and Territory Tanager for the Michigan Moose Association. During that time he was named “Top Director” in 2009 and 2017. Dave served as a liaison between the state managers and the International board.  Dave supervised all board meetings and nurtured hundreds of volunteers and fellow employees to achieve their fundraising and community outreach goals.  He is also a lifetime member of The Loyal Order of Moose and VFW.

For many years Dave has lobbied for numerous charities at the Michigan State Capitol and on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.

He also serves on the conservative clean energy committee in Washington D.C.

Dave resides in North Branch, Michigan with his life partner Colleen Kaldahl.

Regional Manager West

Regional Manager East

Jim has worked with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation since it was first introduced to the Loyal Order of Moose. While living in Michigan, he attended Ferris State University. He served as a Regional Manager for Moose International for the WV, VA, and MD-DE-DC Moose Associations. In 2000 and 2001, he was awarded as a Top Director; after his retirement in 2019, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from Moose International.

Jim was given special recognition from the Michigan State Senate and House of Delegates for contributions to the local citizens and his community. He also served as President of the Michigan Bingo and Gaming Association Organization.

As an active fundraising chairman and member of the Board of Directors of Paws With A Cause, he was instrumental in assisting the organization in raising funds to provide service dogs to physically challenged individuals.

Before his retirement, he actively raised funds for Safe Surfin to provide bulletproof protective vests to local police officers and their canine officers.

Jim resides in Nitro, WV, with his wife Dona of 30 years; they have five adult children, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Regional Manager East

Jim has worked with the Safe Surfin’ Foundation since it was first introduced to the Loyal Order of Moose. While living in Michigan, he attended Ferris State University. He served as a Regional Manager for Moose International for the WV, VA, and MD-DE-DC Moose Associations. In 2000 and 2001, he was awarded as a Top Director; after his retirement in 2019, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from Moose International.

Jim was given special recognition from the Michigan State Senate and House of Delegates for contributions to the local citizens and his community. He also served as President of the Michigan Bingo and Gaming Association Organization.

As an active fundraising chairman and member of the Board of Directors of Paws With A Cause, he was instrumental in assisting the organization in raising funds to provide service dogs to physically challenged individuals.

Before his retirement, he actively raised funds for Safe Surfin to provide bulletproof protective vests to local police officers and their canine officers.

Jim resides in Nitro, WV, with his wife Dona of 30 years; they have five adult children, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Regional Manager East

Secretary/Treasurer

Lizena (Liz) Thompson joined the Safe Surfin’ Foundation in 2022. She is a summa cum laude graduate from ECPI University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Science. Lizena was recognized for numerous Dean’s List and attendance awards.

Lizena now has 10 years of experience with customer service and in the IT field. With the privilege of cross-training with many different departments, she has been able to expand her knowledge in many areas.

In 2020, Lizena suffered a traumatic brain injury and was unable to work during her year long recovery. The opportunity to join the Safe Surfin’ family as the Administrative Assistant came at the perfect time. She is excited for this new journey and with 2 sons of her own, she is dedicated to the mission of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

Secretary/Treasurer

Lizena (Liz) Thompson joined the Safe Surfin’ Foundation in 2022. She is a summa cum laude graduate from ECPI University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Science. Lizena was recognized for numerous Dean’s List and attendance awards.

Lizena now has 10 years of experience with customer service and in the IT field. With the privilege of cross-training with many different departments, she has been able to expand her knowledge in many areas.

In 2020, Lizena suffered a traumatic brain injury and was unable to work during her year long recovery. The opportunity to join the Safe Surfin’ family as the Administrative Assistant came at the perfect time. She is excited for this new journey and with 2 sons of her own, she is dedicated to the mission of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation.

Secretary/Treasurer

Key Components of Safe Surfin'

Our Purpose

The Safe Surfin’ Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit Cyber Safety and Responsibility educational initiative, created by law enforcement professionals in 1998, and dedicated not only to protecting youth from those who would do them harm, but pro-actively educating them in the safe and responsible use of today’s ever-changing technology. Together, we’re improving and saving lives. Please join us in our quest.

Our Approach

Over the last two decades, we have gained valuable insight into the effectiveness of our message. In order to stop predators in their tracks, we must have informed citizens of cyberspace who have fully embraced the principles of online safety and responsibility. Your ongoing support is critical and will help us educate the internet users that are confronted with danger.

Our Goal

An informed citizenry of cyberspace makes for a safer world. We want to stop the predators right at their intended victims, before a crime has occurred. We want to stop hateful or illegal text messages before they are sent. We want to see technology used to brighten the lives of others, rather than be an instrument of harm. And our goal is to get you involved.

Our Advisors

Coach Frank Beamer – Advisor

Amanda Stewart –  Advisor

Rick Jones – Advisor

Beth Worth – Advisor

Jeff Lybarger – Advisor

Vicki Johnson – Child Advocate

Tony Schiena – International Human Trafficking Expert

Safe Surfin' Logo

Interested in learning more about our organization...
send us a message.

Our Founders

A big thank you goes out to our Founders for their proactive efforts in recognizing the significance of educating our youth on safe technology usage and impact it makes in their lives.

Sheriff Mike Brown, Ret.

FOUNDER

Robin Sundquist

CO-FOUNDER

DONATE TODAY