Operation Song Leadership

Bob Regan

FOUNDER

Bob Regan is a Grammy and Dove Award-nominated songwriter with more than 200 songs, including 11 ASCAP Most Performed Awards. His songs have been recorded by internationally acclaimed artists such as Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, Roy Rogers, Hank Williams Jr, Kenny Rogers, Tanya Tucker, Rick Trevino, Andy Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Jake Owen, Randy Travis, and Reba McEntire.

Regan has also been a studio musician, a guitarist on the Grand Ole Opry and was a three-term President of the Board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International as well as their Legislative Chair. In that role in 2006, he helped pass the Songwriters Capital Gains Tax Equity Act. Regan also taught as an adjunct professor at Belmont University in the inaugural year of their songwriting program.

In 2012, Regan founded Operation Song®, an innovative charitable program that brings professional songwriters together with veterans and active-duty military to help them tell their stories in song.

Mike Byer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Mike Byer is the Executive Director of Operation Song®, as well as a retired Army First Sergeant, OIF/OEF Veteran, musician, and songwriter. He is also an alumni of Operation Song®.

Byer served in the Army for 21 years; 14 years with the Combat Aviation Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. His tours of duty include Operation Desert Storm Southern Watch, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chase Armstrong

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Chase is no stranger to the Nashville music scene, having previously served as a creative coordinator at Liz Rose Music Publishing and as the operations manager for the Listening Room. His wealth of experience, combined with a fresh perspective and innovative energy, makes him invaluable to our organization. We are confident that Chase’s contributions will help propel Operation Song to new heights in the coming years ahead.

Patricia Lizette

EVENT COORDINATOR

Patricia is the Event Coordinator for Operation Song, where she collaborates closely with the Operation Song team to unite veterans, songwriters, and the community. With years of experience as a Flight Inspector and Unmanned Aircraft Operator, Patricia brings a keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills to her role. She excels in coordinating events and fostering community engagement, always valuing the importance of teamwork and community. Patricia and the Operation Song team are dedicated to expanding the organization’s outreach and ensuring the success of their meaningful programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics Engineering and Unmanned Aviation Systems from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Pilot License. Patricia is fluent in English and Spanish and brings a warm, collaborative spirit to her work, helping Operation Song thrive. She is deeply passionate about the military community. She is devoted to honoring and preserving the legacies of American service members, always moving onward with a mission of hope and remembrance.

meg maddalena

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Meg Maddalena is the administrative assistant for Operation Song, partnering with team members to serve veterans and their families nationwide. Meg handles detailed planning and coordination for both programs, development, and administrative tasks including those for veterans, songwriters, and artists. Meg holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Management from Alfred University, where she played collegiate volleyball.


BOARD MEMBERS

Our Diverse Board of Directors includes Veterans, professional songwriters, and industry leaders, dedicated to serving the military.