Your Elected Support Team
“From racing across America to guiding you out of darkness. Together, we can illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow.”
Bill Taitano - Executive Director
William Taitano, born in Guam in 1948, moved to Oklahoma in 1952. As a young boy facing cultural and racial challenges, he developed resilience with the support of his family. Growing up during the transformative 1960s and 1970s, William embraced values of hard work and honor, advancing from laborer at Oklahoma Natural Gas in 1968 to a corporate communications manager at ONEOK, where he retired after 40 years.
Overcoming personal struggles, including addiction in the 1980s, William dedicated himself to health and fitness, becoming a role model for his two daughters. In 2016, tragedy struck when his eldest daughter died in a murder-suicide witnessed by her young daughter, Pierce. William shifted his focus to supporting his granddaughter, who is now an advocate for suicide prevention as part of Team Suicide Prevention (TSP).
William’s journey reflects perseverance and purpose, driving his commitment to raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
Mary Mills - Executive Secretary/Social Media Administrator
Mary Mills, a Master Sergeant in the United States Army with over 20 years of service, is a passionate advocate for helping others. Originally from Southern California and now residing in Oklahoma, she is also a semi-retired Registered Nurse who recently overcame a 23-month battle with cervical cancer.
Mary is grateful for her supportive husband of 31 years and is a proud mother to nine accomplished children and four wonderful grandchildren, along with two angels in heaven. Her life took a transformative turn through her connection with Team Suicide Prevention (TSP) and Bixby Bicycles, which provided vital support during her darkest moments.
Today, Mary enjoys family movie nights, video game days, and learning to ride a bicycle. Her journey has deepened her commitment to service and community, inspiring her to empower others through her experience and compassion.
Craig Jackson - Executive Treasurer/Web Administrator
Craig is a 69-year-old dedicated father and husband of 43 years, who has transitioned from a successful career as an Electrical Engineer and Information Technology Consultant to a life rich in passion and purpose. After 28 years at IBM, he embraced retirement to focus on his family and pursue the activities that bring him joy.
A cancer diagnosis and treatment profoundly reshaped Craig's life priorities, igniting a desire for new learning opportunities and experiences that challenge him both physically and mentally. This journey has deepened his commitment to helping others in his community, as he believes that sharing his experiences can inspire and uplift those around him.
Craig thrives in the outdoors under clear skies and gentle breezes. His hobbies reflect his adventurous spirit, including participation in triathlons (Ironman), ultra running, endurance bike racing, and photography. He also enjoys woodworking, adventure backpacking, mountain climbing, kayaking, and even skydiving—activities that highlight the vibrant life of a 69-year-old retiree who embraces every moment with enthusiasm.
Tom Watkins - Public Relations Director
Tom is a dedicated Tulsa Police Officer who balances his multifaceted life as a loving husband and devoted father of two. With a passion for running, cycling, and competing as a triathlete, he embodies health and perseverance, aligning seamlessly with the life-saving mission of Team Suicide Prevention (TSP).
Tom's commitment to community extends beyond his professional role; he is no stranger to nonprofit fundraising. He the fundraising and sponsorships, he funded a mission trip for himself and his wife for an entire year, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact. Through his actions and advocacy, Tom continues to inspire those around him to prioritize health, resilience, and compassion.
Michelle Metcalf - Community Engagement Director
Michelle Metcalf is a dedicated education professional as a former educator, assistant principal, and counselor. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Director of Student Services at Tulsa Tech, where she plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational experience for students. As the leader of the TT Guidance Team, Michelle is committed to fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes student well-being and academic success.
In addition Michelle actively contributes as the Chair of the Tulsa Tech Mental Health Committee, advocating for mental health awareness and support services within the institution. Her commitment to this cause is deeply personal; in 2023, she and her husband faced the unimaginable loss of their daughter to suicide. With her work with Team Suicide Prevention, Michelle strives to help other families navigate their grief and find community support. Michelle’s journey is one of resilience and compassion, as she strives to create a brighter future for students and families alike.
Tony Mills - On-Site Logistics Director
Tony leads a fast-paced life as an exceptionally talented welder, with over 20 years of experience in the oil and gas pipeline industry. He is a devout and loving husband, as well as a devoted father to more children than he ever predicted.
In his free time, Tony passionately embraces the outdoors, enjoying activities such as fishing and cycling. During the summer months, you can find him either cycling on the trails or cruising on his Harley-Davidson along the streets.
His unwavering commitment to his family, his faith, and his perseverance in all endeavors help others see TSP’s life-saving mission. Despite facing health challenges, Tony stays a beacon of positivity, always smiling and spreading happiness wherever he goes.
Charlotte Lindley - Editorial and Communications Director
Charlotte was born in Midland, Texas the heart of “Friday Night Lights”. Raised in a stable, hard-working family with conservative values she never experienced anything but love and appreciation. She completed her graduate degree in counseling with additional certifications: strength and conditioning coaching, life coaching, personal training, and color and style coaching. Charlotte’s formal education in psychology allowed her to effectively communicate with customers for over 30 years as co-owner of an antique reproduction doll company, winning numerous awards for their beautiful creations. One of her responsibilities was writing print articles for doll publications.
Charlotte’s passion is running with her first marathon in 1974. Her love for long-distance running pushed her to take up Ultra Running in 2007. She would go on to complete several 50 and 100-mile races over the next two decades, however after a serious accident in 2020 Ultra running was over. Charlotte’s partner Bill and she have been partners since 2012. They connected over their passion for endurance sports. They’ve adjusted their level of competition over the years but continue to prioritize health and fitness.
Eric Gomez - Corporate Sponsorship Director
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Eric is the proud son of Lt. Col. Rick and Mary Gomez. He cherishes family life as a devoted husband and a loving father to three children, as well as one grandchild.
Eric is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness having championed these causes for over a decade. His personal journey with anxiety and depression, coupled with the profound loss of a young cousin to suicide, drives his commitment. With a deep appreciation for the rich architectural heritage of the area, Eric combines his expertise in real estate with a commitment to preserving the past using his general contracting business.
As a Board Director, Eric is dedicated to sharing stories of resilience and hope, believing in the power of narratives to inspire change. He envisions a future documentary during our next Race Across America (RAAM) that captures the struggles and triumphs of individuals facing mental health challenges and the impact of suicide.
Dennis Crosby - Art and Graphic Director
After a fulfilling career in the oil and gas pipeline industry, where he dedicated over 30 years as an analyst and business systems developer, Dennis embraced retirement in 2019. Before his tenure in the corporate world, he had the privilege of touring the United States for 14 years as a member of a rock band, a time that instilled in him a passion for creativity and collaboration.
Since stepping back from my professional commitments, I have been fortunate to pursue my love for endurance sports. I have completed numerous marathons, ultra distances, triathlons, and adventure races, often taking on these challenges after the age of 50. Each race has not only tested my limits but has also deepened my appreciation for resilience and the joy of living life to the fullest.
I continue to embrace each day with enthusiasm, cherishing the opportunities to explore new adventures and inspire others along the way.
Pictures and bio arriving soon for
Gil Vasquez - Development Director
Donna Ryter - Volunteer Engagement and Recruiting Director