Our Staff

Eric Ballester is excited to provide two decades of special operations experience and service-driven commitment to a legacy that honors the sacrifice of the fallen by preserving and empowering the afflicted. A 20-year military career surrounded by the nation’s finest warriors is Eric’s most prideful accomplishment, to surround yourself with the best and brightest; having stood shoulder-to-shoulder with patriots on ten combat tours assisted Eric in earning accolades such as special operator of the year. Upon retirement and consistent with his values of continuous growth, going first, and accepting challenges, Eric opened a small business, earned a business degree, and volunteered as a nonprofit treasurer & founding member. His leadership ethos emphasizes humility while fostering strength to empower teams. His journey is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and a passionate commitment to the military family. Eric supports RHF with his attributes and strengths to extend the foundation’s impact nationally!

Eric pictured on the left with RHFs founder Josh and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Chief Master Sergeant (Ret.) Colon-Lopez

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.

Abby Barnett grew up in Fayetteville in a Military family. Her love for Rick’s Place began as a volunteer helping with monthly community events which led her to join as a staff member. Supporting service members and their families is an integral part of her lifestyle. As the Program Director, Abby builds and maintains free activities for Military families. Seeing people enjoy the programs at Rick’s Place motivates her to offer new and exciting programs every month.

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.

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.

I bring a diverse background in sales and marketing with a deep understanding of family dynamics (having both my Bachelors and Masters in the subject) and the unique structure of Military Families. I am enthusiastic about expanding the reach of RHF through our core values. As the proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Building strong families begins at home, and RHF aims to provide the necessary support to help Military Families unite, acting as the foundation that supports the village. Through our programs and events in a secure setting, we strive to bridge those essential gaps.

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.

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.