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.
Al Kovach Jr.
U.S. Navy Veteran
Since 2023
A Navy veteran and former Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) national president, Al Kovach Jr., became the 10th editor-in-chief for PN in July 2023. He plans on bringing new and exciting information to PN readers, while continuing to preserve the historical importance the magazine has played in the lives of veterans and others with spinal-cord injury and disease since PVA’s inception in 1946.
Al joined the United States Navy in 1988 and sustained a spinal-cord injury (SCI) in a 1991 parachuting accident while serving on SEAL Team 5.
With a passion to serve, Al volunteered with the PVA Cal-Diego Chapter and was elected as a PVA national vice president in 2008. He also served as PVA’s national president from 2014 to 2017.
Prior to joining the Navy, Al was a competitive swimmer in high school and earned All-American honors during his senior year. He went on to swim for national and Big Ten Conference powerhouse Indiana University.
Following his SCI, Al continued to participate in sports. He competed in the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics, won the Los Angeles Marathon in 1997 and 1998, completed a 3,700-mile triathlon from Los Angeles to New York City in 1998 and won multiple titles in handcycling and triathlons.
Al has retired from racing, but he continues to ski recreationally and is always looking for opportunities to scuba dive anywhere there’s warm water.
Andy Nemann
Since 2011
Andy Nemann came to PVA Publications after more than six 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 30 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.
In his off-hours from editing, Andy volunteered for the Arizona Animal Welfare League for over a decade.
Sherri Shea
Since 1978
Sherri has been a pivotal part of PN Magazine for more than 40 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.
Dave Hostetler
Since 2024
Balancing sports and academics, the Walnut Creek, Ohio, native has a diverse background combining athletics and creative pursuits. He was recognized as an all-state high school basketball selection before attending Goshen College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art while competing as a collegiate athlete in basketball for four years.
He continued his education at Al Collins Graphic Design School, graduating at the top of his class with an Associate Degree in Advertising Design. During his 35-year career as a Production Director and Graphic Designer he has supervised the production of weekly newspapers, magazines and books, as well as managing design projects and schedules.
He was awarded the prestigious Eagle Award twice by American Cities Business Journals for overall excellence. Complementing his career, he dedicated 15 years to coaching girls youth and club softball teams, where he found great joy in mentoring young athletes. He looks forward to using his creativity to capture the passion and excitement of accessible sports.
Outside of work and coaching, his interests span professional and collegiate sports, mountain biking and road trips to national parks and unique destinations.
These activities help to fulfill his personal interests and also enrich his perspective and creativity in design.
Cindy Mazanyi
Since 2024
Cindy Mazanyi brings a wealth of care and attention to detail to her role managing magazine subscriptions at PVA Publications. A Minnesota native who now calls the sunny city of Phoenix home, her background as a spinal-cord injury rehabilitation nurse has honed her skills in organization, empathy and client care.
With her keen eye for accuracy and her dedication to customer satisfaction, Cindy ensures that every subscriber receives their publications promptly and without issue. Her experience in the healthcare industry has given her first-hand experience into the needs of our readers, equipping her with the patience and problem-solving abilities essential in helping you.
When not meticulously overseeing our subscription database, Cindy enjoys hiking the desert landscapes with her four-legged companions Luna and Daisy.
Cindy's blend of Midwestern warmth and professionalism makes her an invaluable addition to our organization.
John Groth
Since 2013
John Groth has covered every National Veterans Wheelchair Games since he joined.
Before coming to Phoenix, John spent 10 years in the newspaper industry as a sports reporter/editor throughout the Midwest. He's taken home honors wherever he's worked, including a 2007 Hoosier State Press Association first-place Best Sports Event coverage award.
In his spare time, John enjoys watching sports – especially Notre Dame and Indianapolis Colts football — along with trying out new, local restaurants and hiking.
John received his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Communications from DePauw University in Indiana in 2004.
Brittany Martin
Since 2015
Brittany Martin is pleased to bring her talents, passion and enthusiasm to the PVA Publications team. Writing, reporting and editing are her heart and soul, and she feels privileged to be given the opportunity to share the stories of veterans and others with spinal-cord injuries and diseases.
Brittany honed her journalistic skills in the newspaper industry, working as a copy editor, page designer, web content editor and social media manager for 10 years. During her tenure with 1013 Communications, the website under her guidance earned first place in the Arizona Newspapers Association’s Better Newspapers Contest for three consecutive years.
In her spare time, Brittany loves competing in skeet and sporting clays tournaments, working out, knitting, cooking, listening to music and spending time with her amazing husband.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 2005, where she graduated summa cum laude with honors from the Barrett Honors College.
Kerry Randolph
U.S. Navy Veteran
Since 2015
Kerry brings more than 20 years of graphic design experience and fresh ideas to the production team.
The New Mexico native served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Harpers Ferry LSD-49 before earning his BA in graphic design from Collins College.
In his free time Kerry enjoys basketball, photography and spending time with his wife and kids.
Christopher "Virgil" Di Virgilio
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Since 2009
Christopher works his magic keeping the web sites current with the content you crave. He is also the primary photographer for the magazine and many of his photos have graced the pages of PN magazine.
The Chicago native has called Phoenix home for more than 25 years. Prior to coming to PN he wrote for a variety of Arizona valley publications.
Christopher proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 12 years as a field radio operator and wireman.
He has volunteered as a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), helping socialize young puppies to one day be placed with people needing a service animal.
In his off-hours, Christopher is an artist who enjoys designing and creating scale models, props and dioramas from popular movie and television pop culture using a wide range of mediums and techniques.
Christopher is a licensed FAA drone pilot.
