Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce Staff

VADM Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer, Fort Pierce, Florida and San Diego, California »
Master Chief Rick Kaiser, USN (Ret.), Executive Director, Fort Pierce, Florida »
Elaine Ryan, Assistant Executive Director »
Andy Brady, Community Outreach/ Volunteer Coordinator »
Cathy A. Canada, MBA, Business Manager »
Amy Rosenberger, Retail Manager »
Yvonne Terwilliger, Executive Assistant/Office Manager »
Frank Thiele, Facilities Manager »
Dan Soderberg, Facilities
Jack Kowalski, General Counsel

VADM Tim Szymanski, USN (Ret.), Chief Executive Officer, Fort Pierce, Florida and San Diego, California

Tim has served in many Navy and Joint Special Operations assignments as a Navy Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) for over 36 years. He most recently served as the Deputy Commander for United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) after previously serving as the Commander of Naval Special Warfare (NSW). In both roles he oversaw the manning, equipping and training, and employment of NSW and joint special operations forces.

He has an extensive background in raising, equipping, and training Navy, allied and joint special operations forces and has served operationally in Iraq, Afghanistan, Haiti, and other places of crises. As Deputy Commander USSOCOM and as Commander NSW, he spearheaded force design and development initiatives, led organizational culture reviews and implementation plans, and developed leaders throughout the force.

He led initiatives to improve human performance and protect brain health across special operations. He developed programs to enhance cognitive performance and established polices to monitor and protect brain health improving the welfare and operational readiness of all special operations forces and their families.

He serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida and San Diego, California.

Master Chief Rick Kaiser, USN (Ret.), Executive Director, Fort Pierce, Florida

Born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Rick joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. He attended Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/S) training Class 109 in Coronado, CA. Rick was assigned to SEAL Team TWO in Little Creek, VA in 1980. He served at SEAL Team TWO from 1980 until 1985, specializing in winter warfare, combat diving, and sniping until he was selected for duty at SEAL Team SIX in 1985.

In 1993, Rick received the Silver Star Medal for Valor during the Battle of Mogadishu (Black Hawk Down). He served at ST-6 from 1985 through October of 2012. During his time at ST-6, Rick acted as sniper, explosives expert, lead training Chief, sniper team leader, and Deputy Operations Officer.

Rick continues to serve his country and fellow SEALs by helping to educate others about this unique special operations force and further the Frogman heritage as the Executive Director of Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce. Rick is married to Barbara Kaiser and has two children, Emily and Eric. Rick and Barbara currently reside in Vero Beach, Florida.

Elaine Ryan, Assistant Executive Director

Elaine serves as the Assistant Executive Director. After a decade as Marketing Director for the Fort Pierce Museum and serving as the National Marketing Director at the forefront of the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego effort, she now provides senior leadership across marketing, communications, and institutional strategy. She oversees brand development, integrated marketing initiatives, media relations, and supports major events and partnerships that advance the Museum’s mission and growth.

Elaine holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, San Diego, with advanced studies in photography and journalism. Her work in photography and writing has earned regional and national recognition.

Andy Brady, Community Outreach/ Volunteer Coordinator

Andy “The Legend” Brady has been a resident of Fort Pierce for thirty-nine years. Andy brings with him a strong background in hospitality, tourism, and customer service. While with the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Andy built solid relationships within the business community of St. Lucie County.

As an avid surfer, Andy is involved with many civic organizations that volunteer their time to protect the natural resources. The son of a career Army officer, Andy’s father graduated from West Point on June 6th, 1944 and retired in Hampton, Va. 1970.

Cathy A. Canada, MBA, Business Manager

Cathy Canada serves as Business Manager for the National Navy SEAL Museum, bringing more than 30 years of experience in finance, operations, and organizational leadership. She oversees financial processes, reporting, and systems to support the Museum’s mission and ensure strong stewardship of donor resources.

Throughout her career, Cathy has worked across nonprofit, corporate, and international environments, leading financial operations, strengthening internal controls, and supporting executive teams and boards with clear, actionable insights. Her background includes building and improving financial systems, managing audits, and guiding organizations through periods of growth and change.

Known for her collaborative and steady leadership style, Cathy focuses on creating structure, transparency, and accountability across the organization. She is committed to supporting the Museum’s long-term sustainability while helping ensure that resources are managed responsibly in service of its mission.

Cathy is based in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Amy Rosenberger, Retail Manager

Amy was born in Sussex County, Delaware. She lived there for 26 years before relocating to Florida in 2022. Amy brings more than eight years of customer service experience to the Museum and Gift Shop. She enjoyed seven years as an Assistant Customer Service Manager at a popular grocery chain and then transitioned to the Front Desk Supervisor at her local library. Amy received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Delaware Technical Community College. She prides herself on being organized and upbeat.

Amy is always open to good book recommendations, enjoys fishing with her husband, and spending time on the beach. She is very passionate about traveling, has visited almost all 50 states, and visited over 15 National Parks–her favorites Grand Teton and Arches. She and husband Alan have been together since 2014; they were married in 2019.

Yvonne Terwilliger, Executive Assistant/Office Manager

Born and raised in the Finger Lakes area of upstate New York, Yvonne relocated to Fort Pierce in 2021. She came to work at the Museum with over 35 years experience in Business Management. Yvonne has worked in healthcare and, most recently, at a global Fortune 500 company. With a vast amount of experience ranging from Finance, HR, Office Management, and Executive Assistant, Yvonne is well-versed in executive team strategy. She is a devoted supporter of local animal shelters and has assisted with finding homes for several rescue dogs.

Frank Thiele, Facilities Manager

Frank, a native of Hialeah, Florida, began his military journey at just 17 years old, enlisting in the Reserves as a Cargo Specialist. He later transitioned to active duty, retraining as a Mechanic with a focus on recovery operations. Over the course of his 17-year career, Frank served in a diverse array of units—including airborne, infantry, transportation, engineering, and special operations command—building a broad skill set that extended well beyond his primary role. He deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq, where he sustained injuries that ultimately led to his medical retirement. After leaving the military, Frank applied his technical expertise as an HVAC-R journeyman before joining the National Navy SEAL Museum staff in December 2021.