May 9, 2025
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Attn: Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) Program
RE: Letter of Support for Vernell Stokes-Rogers – SOS Grant Application

 

Dear Grant Review Committee,
It is my distinct honor to provide this letter of support for Vernell Stokes-Rogers in connection with her grant application to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services’ Suicide Prevention and Opioid Addiction Services (SOS) Program. As a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and former Operations Manager at Toyota Financial Services, I had the privilege of promoting Vernell into several leadership roles—roles in which she not only met expectations but consistently exceeded them, even under the most challenging circumstances.

When our Total Loss operations were underperforming and facing critical compliance and performance issues, it became clear we needed a leader with exceptional vision, resilience, and a people-first approach. Vernell was the clear and only choice. She stepped into the role with determination, hand selected a high-performing support team, and led a comprehensive operational turnaround that achieved unprecedented success across all key metrics.

Under Vernell’s leadership:

• Our department met and exceeded goals that had never been achieved before.

• She introduced a scorecard and remediation process that significantly reduced compliance issues and audit findings.

• Her process improvements led to a 25% reduction in overtime, driving greater cost-efficiency.

• She collaborated seamlessly with Risk, Finance, and Operations, improving accuracy in financial reporting and overall audit readiness.

•  She successfully managed the first-ever remote transition of 144 employees during the pandemic—an unprecedented feat—while maintaining productivity and team engagement.

• Equally important, Vernell has always demonstrated an unwavering commitment not only to her team, but also to her community and greater causes. As Chair of the Women Influencing and Impacting Toyota (WIIT) Advisory Council and a dedicated member of our Charitable Contributions Committee, she used her leadership platform to champion diversity, inclusion, and service—values that clearly continue to guide her work.

 

Vernell’s proposed initiative—focused on enhancing financial literacy and stability for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF)—is both timely and essential. Financial hardship remains one of the most under-recognized contributors to mental health struggles, substance misuse, and suicide. Her structured, outcomes-based approach—including one-on-one coaching, targeted education, and measurable results—has my complete support.

From first-hand experience, I can say without hesitation that when Vernell commits to something, it is done with excellence, integrity, and purpose. If awarded, this grant will not only be in capable hands—it will be the catalyst for meaningful and lasting change.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if additional information is needed regarding Vernell’s qualifications
or our experience working together.
Sincerely,
Timothy Hale
Veteran, U.S. Armed Forces
Former Promoting Manager
Toyota Financial Services