Course: Host Family

David Wald – Chief Program Officer

David Wald serves as Chief Program Officer at HER Campaign, bringing with him a unique blend of legal expertise, international leadership, and programmatic vision. Formerly the Country Director for a global anti-human trafficking organization, David oversaw operations across five residential treatment centers and a $6 million annual budget—all rooted in survivor-centered, evidence-based care.

David led the implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) systems to ensure quality, measurable outcomes. But his passion goes far beyond metrics. With a background in law and a heart for justice, he is dedicated to building systems that protect, uplift, and dignify every individual.

At HER Campaign, David’s leadership ensures that programs not only meet the moment—but prepare survivors and communities for long-term transformation.

Ben Cooley – Chief Development Officer

Ben Cooley is a global voice in the fight against human trafficking. As the founder and former CEO of one of the world’s largest anti-trafficking organizations, Ben led an international movement that spanned five cont inents, rescued thousands from exploitation, and helped shape global policy and awareness around modern-day slavery.

With over 15 years of executive leadership, Ben has mobilized rescue operations, trained frontline professionals, and launched survivor aftercare programs that prioritize long-term healing. A powerful communicator and renowned advocate, he has shared his message on stages from national parliaments to packed arenas, rallying leaders and communities to action.

Ben’s mission is bold: freedom in our lifetime. At HER Campaign, his global experience, passionate vision, and commitment to sustainable change fuel a new chapter of innovation and impact.

James Richardson – Chief Financial Officer

James Richardson brings more than two decades of financial leadership to HER Campaign, where he now serves as Chief Financial Officer. A former Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), James has guided Fortune 500 companies through complex financial strategies, risk mitigation, and operational transformation. Most recently, he led financial operations for a $150 million enterprise, driving growth and sustainability at scale.

At HER Campaign, James blends analytical precision with visionary strategy. His expertise in scaling mission-driven organizations, optimizing fiscal performance, and building resilient teams ensures that every dollar invested advances the mission of restoration. For James, good stewardship isn’t just a financial principle—it’s a call to serve something bigger than numbers: the lives being changed every day.

Selah Catt

Since joining HER Campaign in 2022, Selah has been a passionate force for change and healing within the community. Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Selah is driven by a lifelong calling to authentically love and support those who are hurting.

With a heart for collaboration, Selah actively engages with the community of Billings, MT, educating others about HER Campaign’s mission, the warning signs of human trafficking, trauma-informed care, and the strengths-based approach. Her compassionate advocacy empowers individuals and organizations to become more informed and supportive allies.

Selah’s deep calling extends beyond education—she is devoted to speaking freedom, joy, and wisdom over survivors of trafficking and those in direct care. Her voice and presence inspire hope, healing, and transformation, embodying the very essence of HER Campaign’s mission.

Ariel DeHart

Ariel has spent over a decade championing those society often overlooks. As a licensed social worker, she has worked across diverse communities, specializing in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and de-escalation strategies. Whether navigating acute mental health crises or advocating for systemic change, she believes that mental health care should be as accessible and well-researched as any other medical field.

Ariel brings not just expertise but energy. With a mix of passionate enthusiasm, sharp wit, and a deep commitment to advocacy, she is relentless in pushing for environments of holistic, compassionate care. To Ariel, mental health treatment isn’t just clinical—it’s human, relational, and essential to true restoration.

McKenzie Gibson

McKenzie has spent years on the frontlines of critical care as a Registered Nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, specializing in high-risk maternal-fetal medicine. Whether through life-saving interventions or holistic support, she has built a career around caring for women in their most vulnerable moments.

But McKenzie’s impact goes beyond the hospital walls. She has a gift for turning clinical spaces into places of comfort and resilience—sometimes even gliding through them on light-up roller skates, bringing unexpected joy. Her passion for creating spaces of belonging now extends beyond medicine, as she helps build HER Campaign’s vision of a safe and healing home for survivors. To McKenzie, true restoration begins with feeling seen, safe, and valued.

Christian DaCosta – The Storyteller with a Purpose

For Christian, a camera is more than a tool—it’s a vehicle for transformation. As an award-winning Director of Photography, he has spent over a decade crafting compelling narratives across continents, industries, and platforms. Whether in documentary filmmaking, commercial production, or live events, his goal remains the same: to tell stories that inspire, educate, and uplift.

Christian believes that storytelling has the power to change hearts and shift culture. At HER Campaign, he uses his lens to amplify voices, shed light on injustice, and glorify God through media that sparks awareness and action. His work ensures that every survivor’s journey is honored, every story is told with dignity, and every moment captured serves a greater purpose.

Gareth Gilkeson – The Visionary Connector

A platinum-selling songwriter, entrepreneur, and creative leader, Gareth knows the power of a well-told story. As the co-founder and leader of Rend Collective, he helped shape one of Europe’s most successful bands in its genre, using music to connect hearts across the world. But Gareth’s vision doesn’t stop at the stage.

A passionate advocate for philanthropy, social responsibility, and the fight against modern slavery, Gareth is a dedicated networker, bringing people together to fuel HER Campaign’s mission. His gift for storytelling and relationship-building helps amplify the heartbeat of HER Campaign—creating spaces where survivors can find hope, healing, and home.

Sammy Higgs – The Strategist for Impact

Every movement needs both vision and execution—Sammy brings both. As Co-Founder and COO of HER Campaign, he combines his expertise in nonprofit management, financial planning, and strategic development to ensure the organization’s sustainable growth.

With a background in psychology and business leadership, Sammy helps shape programs that are not just effective but life-changing. His commitment to operational excellence ensures that HER Campaign doesn’t just provide short-term relief but builds a lasting framework for survivor care.

Living in Billings, Montana, with Britney and their four children, Sammy is dedicated to seeing a world where survivors don’t just recover—they thrive.

Karri Ellen Johnson – The Competitor for Change

Karri Ellen is an athlete at heart, having competed at the highest levels of lacrosse on USA stages and in the inaugural women’s professional leagues. Her competitive drive and leadership on the field have seamlessly translated into a dynamic and multifaceted professional career.

With a professional background spanning education, fitness, healthcare, branding, and now human trafficking intervention, Karri Ellen’s experience is anything but linear. She is passionate about applying strategic business principles to create sustainable levels of care for women, always through a trauma-informed lens.

Holding an Experiential Certificate from iSEP, she is skilled in leading and building high-performing teams. Karri Ellen is committed to using her expertise to drive impactful, systemic change—ensuring that organizations not only serve but truly empower those they support.

Britney Higgs – The Architect of Hope

Britney is more than the Founder and CEO of HER Campaign—she is its beating heart. Since co-founding the organization with her husband, Sammy, in 2016, Britney has built a national movement to empower survivors through aftercare and emergency stabilization.

Her journey began in 2015, witnessing firsthand the struggles of trafficking survivors in war-torn regions. With a background in film and marketing, she has since used her creative expertise to develop a nonprofit that is both innovative and deeply relational. HER Campaign’s vision under Britney’s leadership is clear: to expand Emergency Stabilization Programs nationwide, ensuring every survivor receives the immediate, stabilizing care they deserve.

At home in Billings, Montana, Britney and Sammy raise their four children while continuing to advocate for policy change, awareness, and long-term survivor empowerment.