Meet The Team

Brian Giese

Prior to establishing the foundation, Brian was the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of True Influence. Brian co-founded True Influence in 2008 and over the next 13 years the company grew to thousands of full-time employees and contractors worldwide, scaling it to extraordinary revenues, and years of escalating profit. In November 2021 Brian led the company’s acquisition to a successful outcome.

Now, he is dedicating his time finding and implementing innovative solutions to improving Christian education and social programs. To this end, Brian and his wife, Patty, founded the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation in 2022.

Brian is originally from Maryland and now spends time in Annapolis. He lives with his wife, Patty, and is the proud father of three children and three grandchildren.

Patricia Giese

Patty is passionate about young children and helping them to develop into strong Christian leaders. Prior to helping raise the Giese clan of three kids, Patty was trained as a Register Nurse (RN) with experience at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center amongst others.

Patty is a dedicated children’s advocate and served for ten years in the children’s ministry of Community Bible Study (CBS) in Bethesda, Maryland. She loves people of all ages and has a special affinity for the elderly.

She is inspired by the role she sees the Giese Foundation playing in linking Christian student development to individual success, family cohesion, and community resilience.

Michelle W. Hellstern

Michelle is a faith-driven leader whose 25+ years in healthcare operations, regulatory compliance, and nonprofit leadership have prepared her for a greater mission—one divinely placed before her. When God opened the door for her to connect with Brian and Patty Giese, it was more than an opportunity; it was a calling. Aligning her expertise with her passion for philanthropy, Michelle found her purpose in shepherding others through faith-inspired service.

As Senior Advisor for the Brian & Patricia Giese Foundation, Michelle is deeply committed to building trust, fostering connections, and transforming communities. To her, philanthropy is more than generosity—it is an act of faith, where intention and service align to create lasting impact in Greater Annapolis and beyond.