Foundation Staff

Clair
Sassin

Chief Executive Officer

Clair Sassin

Clair Sassin serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Doughboy Foundation. In this role, she oversees all aspects of the Foundation’s work including strategic planning, fundraising, program development, staff development, partnerships and operations. She is responsible for expanding the mission of the organization beyond our memorial in Washington, DC.

Prior to joining the Doughboy Foundation, Clair served as president and CEO of the Tall Ship Providence Foundation, where she built the organization from one to 25 full and part-time employees; oversaw the restoration of Providence, a reproduction of the first ship authorized by the Continental Congress for the Continental Navy and led the team that built the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center. Prior to Providence, Clair served as executive director of the Naval Historical Foundation; and before that she was the director of communications and corporate relations for the Association of the United States Navy.

Before joining AUSN, Clair headed her own strategic marketing and communications consulting practice for 15 years and prior to that she worked at KPMG, The Greater Washington Board of Trade and the Potomac KnowledgeWay Project/Morino Institute.

An active member of the community, Clair has served on the board of directors of the Ronald McDonald house, the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation and the YMCA of the National Capital Area.

She holds a B.A. In General Studies from the University of Maryland and has received a number of awards including KPMG’s Praxis Award for Publicity and the Washington Achievers Award. Organizational awards include two Addy Awards and TripAdvisor’s Choice Award.

When not in the office Clair enjoys tennis, hiking, baking and traveling.

Morgan
Ewing

Director of Development

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Morgan Ewing

Morgan Ewing serves as the Director of Development for the Doughboy Foundation in Washington, D.C. In this role, he leads the Foundation’s fundraising strategy, builds partnerships with supporters across the country, and advances the organization’s mission to honor those who served in World War I. He works closely with the team to expand donor engagement and support the Foundation’s ongoing programming, both at the National WWI Memorial and through its digital initiatives.

Morgan brings over a decade of experience in development and nonprofit leadership, having worked on political campaigns and with mission-driven organizations. Prior to joining the Doughboy Foundation, he served as Development Director at the Human Trafficking Legal Center, where he led successful efforts to grow philanthropic support and increase organizational visibility.

A native of Minnesota, Morgan has lived in Washington, D.C., since 2015. He earned a degree in history from Ithaca College and is deeply committed to preserving and sharing the stories of those who served. Outside of his professional work, he sings Tenor 2 in a local chorus.

Kevin
Paul

Operations Manager

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Kevin Paul

Kevin Paul serves as the Operations Manager for the Doughboy Foundation in Washington, D.C. In this role, he oversees the Taps program, leads community outreach efforts, and coordinates special events with the National Park Service. He manages the operational details of wreath-laying ceremonies and performances at the National WWI Memorial, as well as at professional sporting events, parades, and television appearances across the country.

As an accomplished trumpeter and educator, Kevin has performed and recorded with many notable ensembles including the National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony and Richmond Symphony. He has been a soloist with the National Concert Band of America and various United States Army bands. He has also been featured with Richmond Symphony and Maryland Symphony Orchestras. Currently, he is the Adjunct Trumpet Professor at Loyola University and the founder of Military Trumpet Jobs, the largest resource for military band auditions. Additionally, Kevin contributed as a performer on the inaugural military band trumpet excerpt CD for the International Trumpet Guild. He is a member of a premier Military Band in Washington, D.C., where he has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and internationally, regularly performing for dignitaries at The White House and at ceremonies in Arlington National Cemetery.

Michael
Delaune

Program Administrator

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Michael Delaune

Michael Delaune is the Program Administrator for The Doughboy Foundation.

Christopher
Watkins

Facilities Manager

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Christopher Watkins

Chris Watkins serves as the Facilities Manager for the Doughboy Foundation, where his primary responsibility is coordinating with the National Park Service to ensure the upkeep of the World War I Memorial. He communicates regularly with Park Service officials to receive updates on the memorial’s condition and promptly reports any maintenance issues he observes. His role is integral to maintaining the memorial’s integrity and ensuring it continues to honor the service of World War I veterans.

In addition to his work at the Doughboy Foundation, Chris is a highly accomplished trumpet player. He performs with a premier military band in Washington, D.C., and has played at prestigious venues across the country, including the White House and Arlington National Cemetery. As an educator, he has presented masterclasses at renowned universities and music institutes. Chris holds degrees in music from Louisiana State University and the Manhattan School of Music, and his diverse career reflects his passion for music and dedication to excellence.