Nico serves as an Advisor to Valor Ridge, bringing a powerful combination of lived experience, leadership, and lifelong advocacy for veterans and first responders. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq conflict, Nico served 14 years as a Marine Officer. Following his second deployment to Iraq, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress—an experience that profoundly shaped his commitment to improving access to meaningful, dignity-centered recovery for those who serve.

After concluding his military service in February 2008, Nico transitioned his leadership into the nonprofit and recovery space, joining the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). There, he leads Operation Rebound, a nationally recognized program that supports injured veterans and first responders through adaptive sports, community connection, and purpose-driven recovery. His work has helped thousands of individuals rediscover confidence, identity, and resilience after injury or trauma.

In collaboration with Naval Medical Center San Diego, Nico also co-founded a weekly surf therapy clinic that has become an established therapeutic offering for injured active-duty service members and veterans. This innovative program exemplifies his belief that healing is multifaceted—addressing the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of recovery.

Nico is also the founder of the Buddy Bowl Charity Flag Football Tournament Series, an initiative that brings communities together to support wounded service members and first responders while raising awareness and resources for recovery-focused programs. His advocacy work has extended into public education as well; Nico and his family were featured in a Sesame Workshop episode titled Coming Home: Military Families Coping with Change, helping normalize conversations around military transition, trauma, and family resilience.

As an Advisor to Valor Ridge, Nico provides strategic guidance grounded in real-world experience—ensuring that programs remain aligned with the true needs of veterans and first responders. His perspective helps shape care that is trauma-informed, respectful, and rooted in long-term recovery rather than short-term fixes. Nico’s involvement reinforces Valor Ridge’s commitment to serving those who serve with integrity, understanding, and hope for better tomorrows.