The Jump for Valor Team
Our Board of Directors are comprised of both active duty and retired military officers who are passionate about serving the veteran community.
Chris Derbak
FOUNDER & CEO
Chris Derbak’s paths in the military, aerospace engineering and skydiving almost all coincided simultaneously. Derbak completed his first static line jump at 18 years old and was hooked, pursuing his A license shortly thereafter. A year later, he began his military career by enlisting in the US Air Force, where he deployed in multiple theaters of operation. While enlisted, Derbak attended Embry Riddle, completing his Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. After a 20-year military career, Derbak retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and decided to further pursue his passion for skydiving and is now an Accelerated Freefall Instructor (AFFI), Tandem Instructor (TI) and coach. Derbak understands the difficulty transitioning military members can face, and brings his professional and personal experience to Jump for Valor by re-engaging veterans with their passions and purpose in their new lives.
Dawne Nickerson
chief of staff
Dawne Nickerson served 8 years as a US Navy Corpsman. While on active duty she served at Bethesda Naval Hospital, the USS Emory S. Land, NAS Oceana, and Sewell’s Point branch clinic. After serving, she went on to become the first female paramedic in Kent County Delaware, serving for 10 years. She has dabbled as an entrepreneur, a banking officer, director of development – now Dawne is a DoD employee serving the Air Force. She spent 6 years at Dover AFB as the Chief of Community Engagement and now serves as the Deputy Chief of Public Affairs at Joint Base Charleston, SC. Dawne is a valiant supporter of veterans and active military members. She understands the challenges faced by those coming off of active duty, and is passionate about making a difference.
