About Us
From a six-page newsletter in 1945 to a monthly publication that spans the globe, PN continues to be an invaluable resource for people with spinal-cord injuries, family members, and caregivers alike.
Originally, PN was known as Paraplegia News, and during an era where spinal-cord injuries were considered a life-altering tragedy, our mission was clear.
Since that time we have seen great strides in technology, public awareness, and the general perceptions concerning people with disabilities and wanted to recognize that Paraplegia News meant more than paraplegia.
It embodies the “power” of the spirit, the “professional” contributions to society, the “personal” story within each person, the “practical” resolve to carry on, and even the “playful” nature of the soul.
In short – we are PN, and we welcome you to better wheelchair living.
(click on any name to learn more about them.)
Richard Hoover - Editor
Richard Hoover
Editor
Since 2007
Mr. Richard Hoover has a long relationship with PVA Publications spanning back to his service as Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) president, 1984-1987, where he contributed his voice and leadership for disabled veterans' rights and awareness. His crowning moment was during his 1986 testimony before Congress where he outlined the need for better financial and medical benefits for veterans programs.
Mr. Hoover is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and Vietnam veteran with 148 combat missions in his F-4 Phantom. During a flight in a Convair F-106A Delta Dart fighter/interceptor in 1973, he ejected from his disabled aircraft and experienced a parachute failure from an altitude of 2000 feet resulting in a spinal-cord injury.
It was after the passing of Cliff Crase, SPORTS `N SPOKES founding editor, that Mr. Hoover was asked to step in as acting editor to continue Cliff's legacy. In 2009, Mr. Hoover accepted the position full-time. We welcome his proud service to the country, his unwavering dedication to PVA Publications, and his many years of experience.
Sherri Shea - Marketing and Circulation Director / Office Manager
Sherri Shea
Marketing and Circulation Director / Office manager
Since 1978
Sherri has been a pivotal part of PN Magazine for more than 30 years. She has literally worked in every department, starting at the front desk, and then accounting and on to the production layout department.
She has penned articles for both publications and has become the advertising and marketing guru for the publication while employing her keen sense of experience with the daily operations. Sherri received her BS degree in business from Clarion State University in Pennsylvania.
Diane Doyle - Office Assistant
Diane Doyle
Office Assistant
Since 2007
Diane's felicitous flare and personable style has earned her the reputation of "go-to-girl" when there is a task at hand or research project that needs immediate attention. The Minnesota native has been contributing her talents to the PVA Publication family for more than four years in the form of customer service, media relations, and shipping and receiving, just to name a few.
Outside the office she enjoys the partnership of her husband and spoiling her little dog Princess. Chances are that Diane will be the first voice you hear when you call our offices.
Ann Santos - Assistant Editor
Ann Santos
Assistant Editor
Since 1987
Unlike the other PVA Publication employees, Ann came to work in the Circulation Department. The Wisconsin native has dedicated more than 20 years to our sister publication, SPORTS ‘N SPOKES, helping to develop the style and guidelines for the magazine. She worked her way to editorial coordinator for, PN magazine, before retiring four years ago. She was quickly asked to apply for the assistant editor position and has been leading the way ever since. Ann is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point and holds a BA in applied arts and science.
Brenda Martin - Editorial Coordinator
Brenda Martin
Editorial Coordinator
Since 1991
Brenda took her turn at front-desk duties when she first came to work for PVA Publications 20 years ago and has since become one of our most trusted eyes when scanning the copy that eventually becomes SPORTS `N SPOKES, our sister publication. With a B.A. in journalism from Kansas State University, Brenda's career in writing began right out of college in a most unlikely place for a journalist. She applied her newly acquired skills with a Kansas City contracting company compiling bid offers and newsletters for new construction job projects. That level of attention to detail paved the way for Brenda's flawless approach in editing and writing.
Ann Garvey - Graphic Art Director
Ann Garvey
Graphic Art Director
Since 1987
Despite being the second Ann in the PVA Publication office, Garvey, as she is best known, is as original as a snowflake and brings a unique blend of humor and professionalism to the our little family. Like so many in the office, Garvey started working the front desk 24 years ago helping to orchestrate the many tasks of deadline, circulation, and customer service, and in the process has honed an exceptional flare for her job. The Utah native moved to Ariz. in 1959 and recalls wondering why there weren't horses tied to posts around town. Garvey attended Brigham Young University, where she earned her BS in speech pathology.
Suzi Hubbard - Circulation and Subscription Coordinator
Suzi Hubbard
Circulation and Subscription Coordinator
Since 1997
Suzi came aboard PVA Publications more than 15 years ago and has become a trusted member of our family, especially to all our customers and subscribers. She is the voice you hear for subscription questions or when ordering everything shopping cart items. The native Arizonian is a graduate of Glendale Community College where she earned her AA in education. Suzi's devotion and genuine love of people is a treasured trait in and out of the office.
Chuck McKenzie - Editorial & Website Coordinator / Production Assistant
Chuck McKenzie
Editorial & Website Coordinator / Production Assistant
Since 2007
Chuck has a long relationship with newsprint spanning back to his days in the Air Force where he was editor for the Jet Journal newspaper on Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Ariz. The Ohio native has called Phoenix home since arriving for military duty in 1968 where he was assigned to the public affairs office. Chuck received a BS in mathematics from Ohio University. He is the creative talent behind the publication's bold imagery and has merged his old-school skills with 21st century technology, giving him a unique blend of insight and vision.
Christopher Di Virgilio - Web Content Manager / Writer
Christopher Di Virgilio
Web Content Manager / Writer
Since 2009
Christopher works his magic on keeping the websites current with the content you crave.
The Chicago native has called Phoenix home for more than 16 years and has written for a variety of valley publications and founded his own writing and editing business. He is a Marine Corps veteran and spends some of his free time helping local veteran organizations and state legislators to promote veteran affairs for both active and prior service military members. Christopher attends Phoenix Community College where he is working toward an AA degree in journalism.
Andy Nemann - Editorial Coordinator / PN
Andy Nemann
Editorial Coordinator / PN
Since 2011
Andy Nemann came to PVA Publications after more than four years as an editor with the Gannett Magazine Group where he helped manage two national magazines and a trio of Florida travel publications. Nemann has more than 20 years of journalism experience, including writing for a national newswire and managing custom publishing projects for clients such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University of Arizona. During his spare time the Cincinnati native enjoys hiking, golf, Ohio State football and spending time with friends.







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