The Team

These are the people that brought Flowers For Heroes to life.

Board of Directors

Russ Phillip, Jr.
“When creating Flowers for Heroes, people would always ask me why I was doing it, seeing as I have not lost any family to war. This is true. However, if it were cancer that would be a different story -- 80% of my friends’ deaths have been from cancer. I saw the effects of the devastating loss, and saw the families with a pile of bills and insurance burdens – often overwhelming burdens.”

“When I first learned about Gold Star families, it struck a nerve in my body. Here are families struggling to survive because their loved ones gave their life for all of us. I was moved to act because I don’t take my freedom lightly. In creating Flowers for Heroes, I wanted to make a difference for the families the soldiers left behind, while also honoring the soldiers themselves. I couldn’t think of a better or more beautiful way than with red, white, and blue flowers.”

Russ manages the overall operations of Flowers for Heroes, aligning the efforts of everyone involved to reach the organizations overall goal --to honor our fallen heroes and support the families they left behind. Russ’ amazing ability to inspire and motivate continues to drive Flowers for Heroes towards success.
Before deciding to pursue his dream of bringing flowers to the masses by using the power of the internet, Russ was most recently head of operations for the multi-million dollar commercial divisions at All American Phillip’s Flowers, Inc. (Phillip’s Flowers) and a member of the firm’s Board of Directors. Founded in 1923, Phillip’s Flowers is a well-established retail floral company in the Chicago area.

Russ started in the floral business as a young boy, as his father was a second generation owner of the firm. In 1986, Russ began his full time career at Phillip’s Flowers.

His career and training took him around the globe, where he trained with some of the best talents in the floral industry including Bachman’s in Minnesota, Pittsburg Cut in Pennsylvania, the Netherlands floral market, and the American Academy of Floral Design.

Russ has extensive retail and management background, as well as expertise in all occasion floral design, commercial floral design, wedding floral design, wholesaling, importing, international ordering, telecommunication operations, dispatch operations, commercial interior landscape design, and commercial holiday display design.

Russ graduated from Western Michigan University in 1993. He earned his Degree’s in business communication, sociology, and social work, with a minor in theater.

Myra Peterson-Love
“I have always believed that freedom is not free. Yet it is easy for all of us to take our everyday freedoms for granted. I admire the men and women among us who have dedicated their lives to protecting our great nation. Unfortunately, many have lost their lives in the process. We need to remember their sacrifice and continue to honor them through their families. Supporting Flowers for Heroes allows us to do just that.”

Myra’s dedication to Flowers for Heroes is shown through amazing organizational and management skills. As Senior Vice President, she operates behind the scenes as the organization’s real work horse. Her extensive information technology and web design skill has given Flowers for Heroes international recognition.

Myra is responsible for technology and development for the YBF Network. In addition, Myra is a founding partner of Larym Design, LLC, a search engine optimization and custom web development firm. Prior to that, Myra was the Senior Vice President of E-commerce and advertising for New York City based Urban Box Office Network. Myra was also co-founder and President of Omniverse Digital Solutions, LLC (ODS) a Springfield, Va. based media-technology company.

Prior to founding ODS, Myra spent six years as a technical and management consultant with Silicon Graphics (SGI) and Silicon Studio ( an SGI subsidiary). Her work has led her to work with entertainment giants, including George Lucas’s Industrial Light and magic (ILM), Michael Jackson, DreamWorks, Disney, ABC, HBO, Showtime, TNT, Michael Douglas, Mel Gibson, Earth Wind and Fire, Sinbad, David Bowie the Rolling Stones, and many more.

Previously, Myra spent more than 10 years at Hewlett-Packard where she held several management positions marketing to Fortune 500 companies.

Myra has been featured in Business Week, Minorities and Women in Business, Essence Magazine, Black Enterprise, Ebony Magazine, BET Weekender, and more. Born in Philadelphia, Myra studied Computer Science at the University of California at Davis and Art History at Richmond College in London England.

Kevin Schulhof
“I joined the team to help coordinate the effort to raise significant funds for families enduring emotional and financial devastation. Leaving family and friends behind for long periods of time to defend our nation is a concept that most American’s are not able to identify with. When our soldiers are unable to return from defending our country, each of us has the obligation to help support the families that are left behind.”

“This is an opportunity for each of us to make a meaningful contribution that honors U.S. soldiers and supports their families in time of great need. I encourage everyone to become involved in this effort however possible– send a note via the website if you have suggestions for the team.”

Kevin is responsible for Hewlett-Packard's Information Management Consulting Practice finance and accounting. He brings a significant technology and entrepreneurial background as well as hands-on international accounting, tax, acquisition/integration and management experience.

Prior to joining HP via an acquisition, Schulhof served as Vice President of Finance or Controller for both domestic and multi-national companies. He is a graduate of Purdue University with majors in accounting and industrial management.

Nick Economos
“I am involved with Flowers for Heroes because freedom isn’t free. The bulk of my generation, and me specifically, have reaped the rewards of freedom and democracy without having to make the sacrifices of prior generations and the sacrifices our brothers and sisters that are now serving have made. They put their personal dreams and visions on hold, along with their families, while risking their lives to unselfishly serve our country.”

“My brother-in-law is currently serving a tour in Kuwait, and I have two nephews also serving in the Army overseas. I owe it to them, and to their families -- along with the countless number of others who have served on my behalf -- to do what I can to help honor their tremendous sacrifices.”

In addition to running the marketing and online social marketing efforts for Flower For Heroes, Nick Economos is a founding partner and President of State Street Financial Group and its affiliated companies. Nick directly oversees the Financial Planning division. He is responsible for the development of the State Street Wealth Management Solution, its proprietary financial planning platform. Nick specializes in providing financial advice to entrepreneurs, their key executives, and high-net worth individuals and families.

Nick earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Counseling and Planning from Purdue University. His professional designations include Certified Family Business Specialist, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist and he is Certified in Long-Term Care.

Economos holds the FINRA Series 7 (General Securities), Series 6 (Investment Company Products, Variable Contracts), Series 63 (Uniform Securities State Law Exam), Series 65 (Investment Advisor) registrations, as well as Life Insurance and Health Insurance Licenses. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Planners.

Operational Staff

Jerry H. Cizek, IV
“My heart and soul go out to the brave men and women in our Armed Forces. It is through their dedication and selfless actions that we are able to live in a free nation. Although I have not served in the military, I think that there are other ways people can help America remain the greatest nation in the world; one of those ways is to show our undying support for our troops.”

“Flowers for Heroes has given me the opportunity to give back to the people and families that have sacrificed so much for our freedom. I respect their courage and patriotism more than words can describe. I am determined to help FFH make a difference in the lives of our soldiers and their families as we keep the memories of our fallen heroes alive.”

As Director of Operations, Jerry Cizek oversees the day-to-day activities required to move forward with the organization's mission. Since joining the Flowers for Heroes team, his efforts have been to execute the tasks necessary to attain the goals set by the board of directors.

Jerry’s responsibilities involve coordinating the fundraising activities of the organization to provide Flowers for Heroes with the resources to properly honor our fallen soldiers. In addition, he plays a major role in planning, preparing, and promoting the FFH flower placement ceremonies.

By actively participating in various events around the Chicago-land area, Jerry has helped to establish strong relationships with other military support organizations and member of the community.
Jerry is a recent graduate of Illinois State University where he majored in Professional Sales & Marketing at the College of Business. He continues to maintain strong ties with both faculty and students at ISU. In 2010, Flowers for Heroes hopes to utilize the exceptional student body through various internships and career opportunities.

Veterans Advisor

Gerald Paulsen
Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Paulsen is President/CEO of Paulsen Productions based in Elgin, Illinois. He is an internationally recognized expert in the field of professional development and a published author. Mr. Paulsen has been designing, developing and conducting presentation skills management and leadership programs throughout the United States, South America, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Europe, China and the Pacific Rim since 1994. Paulsen Productions currently has offices in the United States, Guam, Brazil, and China.

Armed with over 20 years of research and experience, Jerry delivers his messages clearly and profoundly. Jerry also walks his talk, always looking polished and professional. A former non- commissioned officer, Jerry learned from personal experience how image can define a career.

Mr. Paulsen has worked with federal and state governments, Fortune 500’s, and hundreds of small and emerging companies worldwide. Prior to founding his business, he served with distinction in law enforcement for fifteen years, receiving numerous commendations both as a patrol officer and a detective and received the honor of Police Officer of the Year in 1993. He is most proud of his service to his country as an Army veteran, serving in numerous assignments which included CoA/2BN/129 th Infantry Division, USAREC and the 12 th Special Forces Group (ABN).

Now, as a veteran business owner, Mr. Paulsen is a highly recognized and respected veteran business owner, traveling extensively throughout the United States speaking in support of veteran legislation and helping to educate veterans in the federal procurement arena and related veteran business issues. In addition to his worldwide corporate clients, he has taken his copyrighted methodology and developed a special program for assisting service - disabled veterans who are engaged in vocational rehabilitation. Jerry’s work, care and dedication for assisting his fellow veterans are highly regarded and he is constantly sought after to speak in both the veteran and civilian communities across the country.

Jerry’s credentials are unquestionable, having spoken at national conferences and conventions throughout the United States and abroad. He has worked with the corporate world for more than 17 years, delivering keynote speeches, and following up with breakout sessions where participants are a part of the program in his unique highly interactive sessions. With an impressive list of clients including American Express Financial Services, the United States Army, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Astra Zeneca, Marcus & Millichap, Deloitte & Touche, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Jerry has clearly left his mark on thousands the world over.

Mr. Paulsen has received many awards and accolades, including being recognized by former President George H. Bush, the Outstanding Person of Illinois from Illinois Governor Jim Edgar and the Illinois Jaycees, the Award of Excellence from the United States Department of Defense, two time recipient of the Lions Club International Distinguished Citizen Award and is in the Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs. He is the recipient of the 2008 United States Small Business Administration Veteran Business Champion of the Year Award, as well as being recognized as the September 2009 Veteran of the Month from the Illinois Department of Veteran’s Affairs.

Jerry has grown Paulsen Productions to 3 divisions: Presentation Skills Dynamics TM, Education Impressions SM and Motivation Concepts SM . He continues to inspire and lead and empower people worldwide.