Grant DeHaven
Grant brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the Huntington’s Disease (HD) community and a passion for advocating for those affected by HD and other neurodegenerative diseases. His personal journey began in 2017 when his wife, Heather, was diagnosed with HD. Since then, he has dedicated himself to supporting the community by combining his lived experiences with his extensive professional background in public service and government operations, now contributing to HDReach’s mission.
Grant currently serves as the Director of Mission Assurance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, NC—the largest Marine Corps air station in the world. In this role, he oversees the protection of personnel, infrastructure, assets, and networks critical to the Department of Defense (DoD) mission. He also manages the base’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), leading responses to major all-hazard disasters, including the impactful Hurricane Florence in 2018.
A 2002 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College, Grant earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History before pursuing a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at Eastern Kentucky University, graduating in 2004. While completing his graduate studies, he was commissioned as a military intelligence officer through the U.S. Army ROTC program.
Grant’s military service spans over 12 years in the U.S. Army National Guard across Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. During his career, he supported various stateside operations and deployed overseas for Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom, utilizing his expertise in military intelligence.
At just 25, Grant became one of the youngest Magistrates in Virginia’s history. After this role, he worked for CRA, Inc., from 2007 to 2011, contributing as an Antiterrorism policy writer and action officer for Headquarters Marine Corps at the Pentagon. In 2011, he joined Booz Allen Hamilton as Lead Intelligence Trainer for the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Integration Cell (CI2C) at Fort Knox, KY, where he trained deploying soldiers in military intelligence operations.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Grant is the founder of the Bear Town Paddle Battles, an annual paddle sports event in New Bern, NC, that attracts participants from across the eastern United States. He and Heather are proud parents of two children and reside in New Bern, NC.
Grant’s commitment to the HD community, his professional expertise, and his leadership in both military and civilian roles make him a valuable advocate and ally for those impacted by Huntington’s Disease.
