Who We Are
Built From
Experience.
Our Mission
Closing the
Gap.
Mission First Foundation is a nonprofit organization built to support law enforcement and public safety professionals through training, equipment, and care.
We exist because many agencies face real limitations — limited budgets, limited training time, outdated equipment, and increasing demands on their people. Our goal is to help fill those needs in a way that creates real-world impact.
The Founder
Founded From
Experience
Mission First Foundation was founded by Christian DeVinney, a retired law enforcement sergeant and tactical leader with 25 years of service.
Throughout his career, Christian served in high-risk operational and leadership roles, including firearms instruction, SWAT leadership, and multi-jurisdictional training development. His experience spans patrol operations, tactical response, instructor development, and mission-critical decision-making.
Mission First Foundation was created from firsthand experience with the challenges officers and instructors face when trying to maintain readiness with limited resources. The Foundation exists to help bridge that gap and ensure professionals have access to the training, equipment, and support required to perform at a high level.
Christian DeVinney
Founder
Leadership
Our Board
Mission First Foundation is guided by a board committed to supporting public safety professionals and ensuring that donor contributions are used responsibly and effectively.
Pete Zizzi
Vice President
Pete Zizzi is a full-time Realtor, Broker/Owner, and Partner of TruAgent Real Estate in Rochester, New York. A licensed New York State Real Estate Broker, Pete began his career in real estate in 2004 and earned his broker's license in 2007.
Jennifer Acker
Treasurer
Jennifer Acker is a finance leader with nearly a decade of experience spanning financial planning, operations finance, and strategic business partnering.
John Bonacci
Secretary
John brings more than 15 years of senior sales management and leadership experience to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Kristin White
Board Member
Kristin White serves as Vice President, Executive Search & Advisory, partnering directly with CEOs, executive teams, and organizational leaders to identify, assess, and recruit executive and leadership talent.
Jeff Valentine
Board Member
Jeff Valentine is a technology growth executive. As President of Innovative Solutions, Jeff leads the executive leadership team with a focus on operational excellence, financial management, and product-led growth.
Support the Mission
Help ensure the professionals protecting our communities are trained, equipped, and supported.