

Meet the Team

Co President
Brandon Olson
Brandon is a United States Marine Corps veteran with more than 9 years of experience and education as an FAA certified Air Traffic Controller. He is a self driven and resilient individual with a proven capability of high performance and efficiency under stressful conditions and dynamic environments. Concluding nine years of active duty service, Brandon had not only a decorated military career, but also tirelessly dedicated his efforts off-duty as an active member of the community through volunteering, and as a part-time student where he had received two associates degrees, and both an emergency medical technician basic and paramedic certification. Brandon is currently attending the University of Michigan as a full-time student to follow his passion for medicine and serving others.

Co President
Nick Read
Nick served as a helicopter mechanic in the Marine Corps for nine years. While in the Marine Corps, he was stationed at MCAS Miramar, Calif., and deployed three times, with one deployment to the Middle East. He attended WSP at the University of Michigan in 2021, where he is now entering his second year studying economics. Nick is the co-president of his school’s Student Veterans of America chapter and a transfer-bridges ambassador. Drawing from his experiences, Nick supports military-connected students transitioning to academic life to foster a supportive community in Michigan. Serving as a Fellow with Warrior-Scholar Project, Nick acts as a peer mentor to Veterans and Active-Duty Troops transitioning into higher education, teaching bootcamps at Yale, Notre Dame, Columbia, and University of Chicago. Outside the classroom, Nick is a passionate advocate for accessibility in outdoor activities. As a certified alpine and adaptive ski instructor with Achieve Tahoe, he dedicates his time to teaching disabled veterans and other individuals with disabilities, sharing the transformative power of the outdoors.

Vice President
Andrew Richar
Andrew served in the U.S. Navy from 2017 to 2022 as an Operations Specialist, spending most of his time stationed in Norfolk, VA. He separated as an OS2 and immediately began his college journey at Washtenaw Community College before transferring to the University of Michigan. Andrew currently serves as Vice President of the SVA here at Michigan. He is majoring in Economics and plans to pursue a career in wealth management. Andrew enjoys spending time outdoors. He also loves attending Michigan football games in the fall, going to concerts, and watching or playing a variety of sports.

Secretary
Mason Kodrich
Mason is a junior in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts studying economics. He served for four years in the United States Marine Corps as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle Crewman in the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion out of Camp Pendleton, Calif. Mason currently serves as secretary of the SVA and enjoys helping local veterans by working at the Washtenaw County Veterans Affairs office across town in Ann Arbor. Outside of his coursework, Mason enjoys rowing in the men’s rowing club at Michigan and playing chess.

Public Relations Officer
Nate Custer
Nate served in the U.S. Army from July 2019 to December 2023 as a Paralegal Specialist, primarily stationed at Fort Bliss, TX, with a rotation to Powidz, Poland. He is currently a junior at the University of Michigan, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in German. Nate is interning in Senator Gary C. Peters’s office, gaining firsthand experience in government and policymaking. He aspires to work in National Security Law for the U.S. Army as a civilian and eventually pursue elected office. In his free time, Nate enjoys sports, barbecues, and spending time with friends in Ann Arbor.

Treasurer
Markiana Schweitzer
Marki is a Junior majoring in Economics and Political Science through the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. She served in the United States Air Force as an avionics technician for the B-52H in the 5th Maintenance Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, Minot. Currently, Marki holds the treasurer position and is grateful to be working with such a wonderful team. In Marki’s free time, you’ll catch her playing board games, at Leslie Park pickleballing, or hanging out with friends!

SVA Advisor
Amy Kienast
Amy has worked as a Outreach Coordinator, for Veterans, Airline Technical Recruiter, Airline Corporate Recruiting Manager, National Director of Business Relations, Director of Career Services, Customer Service Manager, and Staffing Coordinator. Her areas of expertise are career advising, recruiting/talent acquisition, event planning, networking, sales, business-education relations, veteran resources, and managing projects. She was a board member for Camp Liberty, past board member for the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC), Co-founder and Past President of Yankee Ladies (Women in Aviation International Chapter), and a member and volunteer of numerous organizations.

Our History
Established in 2007, the Student Veterans of America was founded to provide resources and a community for veterans while attending colleges and universities. Given the average demographic of student veterans is around the age of 25 and up, SVA wanted to create a space for non-traditional students who have shared military experiences. Student Veterans of America at the University of Michigan is one of over 1600 chapters dedicated to helping create a community of student veterans.