Our Staff

After 20 years of military service, including ten combat tours, leadership alongside America’s finest warriors, and recognitions such as the Bronze Star and special operator of the year, Eric learned that true impact comes from humility, growth, and service to others. Surrounded by elite teammates throughout his career, he focused on earning their trust, leading with integrity, and continually challenging himself to be better.

That commitment to growth continued after retirement, where he earned his MBA, built a small business, and served nonprofit communities as a volunteer treasurer and founding member. These experiences reinforced a simple pattern in his life: keep learning, keep serving, and keep showing up for those who sacrifice most.

Today, he’s honored to continue serving his country by caring for military families as Executive Director of the Rick Herrema Foundation. For the past two years, leading RHF with a vision grounded in compassion, accountability, and expansion, aiming to change the way America cares for its military families. His role is to empower the team, strengthen our mission, and help carry forward a legacy worthy of those who serve.

(Photo: Eric Ballester pictured left with RHF Board Chair Trabue Bland, President of ICE Futures.)

The Rick Herrema Foundation proudly welcomes John Yerby as the new Deputy Executive Director. John is an accomplished Non-Profit Leader with over 37 years of exemplary service in the United States Army, excelling in operations and logistics. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer Five from U.S. Army Forces Command, serving in key roles such as Command Chief Warrant Officer and Command Logistics Advisor. John holds advanced leadership education from the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Army Logistics University and is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. His commitment to service and continuous development aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission. We are excited to have John bring his leadership experience, strategic thinking, and energy to support our mission of service.

Financial Director and Executive Committee member, Kimberly is an active duty military spouse. As a family, they have endured more than a dozen combat deployments. She is a mother of to two daughters and also a former Army kid whose late father served in the Vietnam War. She has a degree in accounting and has spent most of her professional career working as an auditor and finance manager for local governments located near Ft. Lewis, WA and Ft. Liberty, NC.

Amber Pafford serves as the Director of Impact for the Rick Herrera Foundation, where she leads efforts to translate the Foundation’s mission into strategic initiatives, meaningful partnerships, and measurable community impact. With 20 years of experience as a military spouse and a professional background in marketing, communications, and special event coordination, Amber brings a unique combination of strategic leadership, community insight, and relationship-building expertise to her role. Her career has centered on developing initiatives that connect people, organizations, and resources to create meaningful outcomes. As the Director of Impact, Amber works to expand the Foundation’s reach, cultivate strategic partnerships, and develop programs and experiences that create lasting value for the communities the Foundation serves. Her approach is rooted in purposeful collaboration, innovative thinking, and a commitment to turning vision into action. A longtime member of the military community, Amber understands the importance of service, resilience, and investing in people. She is passionate about building a lasting legacy through the Rick Herrera Foundation and ensuring its work continues to create meaningful impact for years to come.

Loyd Rhoades serves as the Director of Operations for the Rick Herrema Foundation (RHF),
where he continues his lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life for Service
Members, Families, and communities through meaningful events and initiatives. After 27
years of active-duty service to the Nation, Service Members, and their Families, Mr.
Rhoades brings extensive leadership experience to RHF. His Army career began as a
Platoon Forward Observer (13F) and culminated as the Garrison Command Sergeant Major
at Fort Hood, Texas, one of the Army’s largest installations. Throughout his military service,
Mr. Rhoades earned a bachelor’s degree in General Studies and numerous professional
certifications, establishing himself as a respected and sought-after leader. He deployed
more than five times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
Freedom, serving a total of 72 months in combat zones. Through his work with RHF, Mr.
Rhoades remains dedicated to giving back to Soldiers and Families. He believes that
quality-of-life programs, shared stories, and meaningful experiences strengthen
connections and create lasting memories.

Tammy is an experienced Operations & Administrative Manager driven by integrity.  She takes pride in providing effective customer service and is an asset to her team as she orchestrates everyday processes. As the Operation & Administrative Manager for RHF her goals include simplifying the reservation process and creating a space at Rick’s Place where all military families are supported to extend the mission through fun quality activities.

Alexandria Serna is a military spouse and mother of two beautiful children. Alexandria has an extensive education completing her MBA at Grand Canyon University with an emphasis in accounting. Children and serving others are her passions. Alex has been a director for a daycare center and an active member of Village Baptist Church where she also served as the Director of Operations. She feels right at home at Rick’s place and wants to extend that loving welcome to all the wonderful families of the surrounding areas.

Ashley Stevens serves as the Program Coordinator for the Rick Herrema Foundation, bringing more than a decade of experience creating programs and experiences for military-connected families. A lifelong member of the military community, Ashley grew up as an Army child and later became an Army spouse, giving her a personal connection to the families she serves. Before joining RHF, she led programs reaching thousands of military families nationwide and partnered with the National Park Service and other military-serving organizations to create opportunities for connection and adventure. Ashley loves the great outdoors and believes some of the best family memories are made exploring, laughing, and trying something new together.

Cesia brings a deep personal connection to the military community and a genuine passion for supporting the families who stand alongside those who serve. As the granddaughter of a retired Air Force veteran and the daughter-in-law of a retired Marine, she has a lifelong appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice that define military families.  For Cesia it is a privilege to give back to a community that has deeply influenced her own family’s story.  As a mother of four beautiful children, Cesia understands the importance of strong families and the power of having a supportive community behind you. These experiences have strengthened her commitment to creating meaningful connections and ensuring military families feel seen, valued, and supported throughout their journey.

Tim is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of operating experience in residential, commercial and heavy civil construction.  While humbly maintaining the beauty, life and serenity of Rick’s Place, he strives to move the mission of RHF forward. Being a USAF Veteran and coming from a long military bloodline, Tim has inherited a strong sense of discipline, dedication, patriotism and commitment to excellence in all endeavors.  Driven by a passion for success, Tim approaches every project with determination and attention to detail.  Outside of work he finds solace and inspiration through his family, friends and in all of nature, indulging in outdoor activities that rejuvenate the mind and spirit.  Finding joy and peace in the great outdoors.

Zack is a military veteran with six years of service and one combat tour. He has experience and education in Information Technology. Zack continues his service through Rick’s Place by supporting military families and building relationships in the community. He believes in the mission of Rick’s Place and supports the mission by enhancing the technology at RHF.

Latonia is a retired Army veteran who brings years of leadership, compassion, and a heart for service to our team. As our Support Services Specialist she is dedicated to helping individuals and families access the resources and support they need. In her spare time, Latonia enjoys spending time with her two Yorkies, visiting with family, reading and writing fiction, playing card and board games, exploring new places, and giving back to the community.

Ben is excited and enthusiastic to join the Rick’s Place team.  The son of an Army veteran and grandson of Army Reserve and Navy veterans, he is very passionate about working for a foundation that supports the United States’ military members and families.  Ben has been involved with Rick’s Place since he was a young teenager, and he has been a camp counselor for Rick’s Place summer camps for two summers since 2023.  Additionally, he was glad to assist with the 2025 Ninja Course.  He enjoys completing any task he is given, and he loves to learn new skills.  Now, Ben is excited to fill the role of support services, where he will endeavor to make the visions of Rick’s Place become a reality.