FOUNDER & President
Douglas Bowen
Doug Bowen has spent over 30 years building not only businesses but also people and communities. Beginning his career in construction, he grew a company that endured for decades before turning his focus to empowering others. A recovering alcoholic who understands the power of second chances, Doug founded Thrive America to help individuals gain skills, mentorship, and opportunities for sustainable careers in construction and related trades.
His vision is simple but powerful: provide people with the chance to work, grow, and pursue their own American Dream. By partnering with nonprofits, businesses, and grant providers, Doug is creating pathways to stability and purpose. With grit and gratitude, he continues to build a movement where individuals can rise and communities can thrive
Vice President
Michelle Hoover
Michelle Hoover serves as a board member and volunteer coordinator at Thrive America, where she helps shape programs that support individuals overcoming addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. A proud member of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, Michelle draws from her heritage and lived experiences to advocate for Native communities and others seeking opportunity and stability.
Her journey through small business, hospitality, and personal hardship has given her deep compassion for those facing life’s toughest challenges. Carrying forward the memory of her late husband Dave, Michelle works to create real pathways to change — helping people gain job skills, secure livable wages, and pursue homeownership. At her core, she is committed to building community, second chances, and a future where everyone can thrive
Treasurer
Zachary P. Bergstrom
Zachary P. Bergstrom’s life reflects resilience, redemption, and service. Raised in Spokane, Washington, he overcame personal struggles with addiction and incarceration, turning his journey into a mission to help others rise. Today, Zach works directly with at-risk youth and individuals battling addiction, focusing on early intervention, job training, and real-world employment opportunities.
Through Thrive America, Zach advocates for practical initiatives such as driver’s license assistance, transportation access, and pathways to homeownership — tools that empower people to pursue stability and the American Dream. His leadership is rooted in lived experience, making him a powerful mentor and voice for hope, perseverance, and renewal
Secretary
Nicolas Andrew Searcy
Nicolas Andrew Searcy grew up in Chewelah, Washington, where he lived what seemed like an all-American childhood filled with sports, music, and community. After 9/11, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a Journeyman in Nuclear Munitions at Malmstrom Air Force Base. Following his service, Nicolas struggled with readjusting to civilian life, leading to substance use, poor choices, and ultimately a 20-year prison sentence.
While incarcerated, he found purpose as a self-taught Veteran Service Officer, learning about the benefits and resources available to veterans. Today, Nicolas is committed to ensuring that other service members know their rights and opportunities, helping them avoid the mistakes he made and guiding them toward productive lives. His mission is clear: support veterans, educate communities, and use his story to inspire second chances and hope for a better future.
Chief Operation Officer
Donnelle Velaquez
Donnelle Velasquez’s journey spans corporate technology, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, but her greatest strength comes from resilience. After a near-fatal accident and decades of battling addiction that led to incarceration, she rebuilt her life through recovery, faith, and service. Today, she owns and operates businesses, oversees major venues as a supervisor with Compass Group/Levy, and partners in asset recovery to help families regain financial stability.
As a board member of Thrive America, Donnelle uses her lived experience and leadership skills to guide programs that support recovery, job training, and second chances. Her story embodies the mission of Thrive America: no matter how far someone falls, they can rise again — and in rising, help others thrive
Chief Fundraising Administrator
Bridget Roy
Bridget Roy brings extensive management experience to Thrive America, having overseen multiple businesses, including truck stops where she managed up to 70 employees. As a single mother of two, she balanced raising her children with building a career in leadership, drawing strength from challenges she faced growing up in a troubled household. Those experiences gave her deep empathy for others navigating unstable environments.
Her passion for service has included volunteering with foster families, where she witnessed how difficult upbringings can shape children’s futures. At Thrive America, Bridget is dedicated to helping people gain the job training and life skills needed to pursue meaningful opportunities. She believes everyone deserves the chance to achieve the American Dream and works to guide others toward stability, confidence, and a better path in life
Board Member
Jae Vanskiver
After completing the Oregon Electrical Apprenticeship Program, Jae Vanskiver became a licensed journeyman electrician and advanced to the level of Supervising/Master Electrician in both Oregon and Washington. With years of hands-on experience, he currently oversees teams of electricians, ensuring the safe and efficient installation and maintenance of electrical systems.
Specializing in commercial projects—including remodels, tenant improvements, and new construction—Jae Vanskiver brings deep technical knowledge, leadership, and a results-driven approach to every job site.
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