As a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, Marcee is passionate about advocating for veterans, and has spent her life after service researching and learning new ways to engage, communicate, and effect positive change for this diverse population. A native Californian, born and raised in Ventura County, Marcee has an intimate and enthusiastic appreciation for the work, programs and services, championed for veterans on the central coast.

As the current VA Certifying Official at UCSB, Marcee helps prepare transitioning military veterans for their next chapter in higher education. She counsels, supports, and helps prospective student veterans and military dependents navigate admission requirements and financial aid procedures to one of the nation’s leading public universities. Marcee has experience working with Veteran Service Officers, veteran organizations, the California Student Aid Commission, and the Veterans Benefits Administration.

Her current role as a committee member on the California Women Veterans Leadership Council, as well as her previous experience serving as a federal caseworker and field representative for a local Southern California congressional district office, has given Marcee valuable practical experience working for the veteran community and has tested her skills in building and maintaining constructive relationships with a diverse array of stakeholders . She is knowledgeable of federal, state and local governments structures and legislative processes.

Marcee’s graduate research at the University of Southern California focused on communication and customer service issues within the Department of Veterans Affairs, with a specific emphasis on women veterans’ access to and mental health care services throughout California. She anticipates this research will help the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet) better understand the needs of a growing population of contemporary women veterans and their relationship with the VA.

Marcee is a strong advocate for veterans looking to use their state and federal benefits. She looks forward to continuing fostering awareness of the veteran community and facilitating access to resources, veteran’s benefits, and advocating for positive policy changes on both the state and federal level.