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.

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.

Nealy is a retired Army veteran with over 20 years of leadership experience, including assignments in Psychological Operations. She holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from National Defense University and brings a background in planning, community engagement, and team development.  Now raising a busy household with her husband and four children, including one with special needs, Nealy is driven by a deep sense of purpose and compassion in all she does. She is known for being resourceful and has a knack for connecting people with the right tools, support, and opportunities. Her experience navigating support systems and building meaningful relationships within the military community uniquely equips her to support the mission at Rick’s Place. She is honored to serve military families with empathy, integrity, and heart.

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.

Selah is a videographer with a passion for visual storytelling and a degree in Mass Communications. She first connected with RHF through her church and has since filmed events like the Ninja O-Course and DC Shootout—experiences she truly enjoyed. As the daughter of an Army veteran, she feels connected to RHF’s mission and loves being part of a peaceful, purpose-driven team.

Rachel is a dedicated active duty military spouse from Arkansas who is passionate about serving military families.  As a Support Service Specialist with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, she brings enthusiasm and a strong commitment to providing meaningful support.  She strives to make a positive impact by connecting with others and offering reliable assistance.

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.

Diesel had volunteered at Rick’s Place for many years before taking the opportunity to step up in a support services role. As a casual nature lover and the son of a retired army veteran, such a position in RHF made sense. He knows the dynamics of military families and hopes this experience will help aid patrons of the park. He is very passionate about watching and contributing to both the growth and upkeep of the park. Outside of the organization, Diesel is attending college and pursuing various musical hobbies.