Our team
President & Chief Fear Conqueror
“Shoot for the moon, get the moon. Nothing else is acceptable.” Since starting with the Center in 2006, Darcella has served all the roles of the VBRC including business counselor, outreach coordinator, presenter and currently Executive Director. She has over 18 years of experience in operating nonprofits, corporate communications, government and military administration and training.
Senior Business Consultant
A results driven and pragmatic operations and sales leader, Damon is skilled at growing businesses through innovation, creativity, strong financial acumen, and flawless customer service. He uses these skills to consult and mentor business startups and acquisitions, as well as existing organizations interested in growing. He is bottom line oriented with P&L experience in 7 different industries, including restaurant, franchising, retail and long-term care pharmacy, strategic alliances, pharmaceutical and biotech, and facilities services.
Executive Assistant
As an experienced communications administrator, Danielle is skilled in written and verbal communications, website management, event planning, team leadership, and customer support. She joined the team in 2019 and is looking forward to many years of growth with the VBRC.
Digital Marketing and B2B Trainer
Evyn is a St. Louis native and daughter of two army veterans. She started her career with VBRC in 2010 as a volunteer helping to initiate the centers social media presence. After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University in 2015 and moving to Chicago, Evyn has returned to the center to take on the role of Digital Marketing and B2B trainer.
Outreach Coordinator and B2B Trainer
Former civilian and member of the service industry turned U.S. Army noncommissioned officer. Kansas City native with leadership skills cultivated by a military lifestyle. Always in pursuit of more learning opportunities and ways to better myself and the organization. Joined the organization in 2020 and is looking forward to making a positive impact as the outreach coordinator and B2B trainer.
Start-Up Business Consultant
U.S. Army veterans and Missouri native, Ryan Scott, believes that no obstacle is too big, and no task is too small. Ryan’s time in the service instilled him with invaluable life skills, such as leadership, discipline, the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Most importantly, Ryan gained a desire to help other veterans succeed. Ryan looks forward to the years of success with the Veterans Business Resource Center, and can’t wait for the opportunities ahead.
Board of Directors
Frank B. Curtis
Director
Sheperd, Taylor, Shepherd, Taylor, Korum & Curtis, L.L.P.
Emeritus Board Members
Donovan Foster
Secretary, Board Chair (2012-2015)
CIO, Principal Consultant, Brinex
Victor Ponce
Director, Fundraising Committee Chair
Real Estate Expert Ponce Realty Group
Andrew Ishmael
Director
Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
Robert Fulstone
Emeritus, Board Chair (2004-2010)
Regional Partner at Face to Face Live
Edward Higgins
Emeritus, Board Chair (2010-2012)
Principal at Ashwood Consulting, LLC
Salim Awad
Emeritus, Board Chair (2015)
Attorney / Entrepreneur, Bucci Industries
Jacob Garth
Emeritus, Board Chair (2016)
Government Marketing Manager, Enterprise Fleet Management
Dennis Lane
Emeritus, Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, & Fundraising Committee
Chief Development Officer at MHD, Comprehensive Health Services, Inc
Carrie Ward
Member-At-Large
VP, Operations/Administration, Major Brands
Walter Johnson
Director
Mission Assurance Manager, ATK Lake City Army Ammunition Plant
Richard Dillard
Director
Dillard Partners
Morris Hervey
Director
President, TSi Engineering, Inc.
Ed Stout
Director
Managing Partner, Grant Cooper & Associates
David Noble
Director
Community Development & CRA Officer, Midland States Bank
Josh Stevens
Director
Vice President and General Counsel, Dover Development, LLC and Dover Capital LLC
Are you ready for the next steps?
Do you have a business idea? Are you ready to grow your already established Veteran business?
The first step is to Request Counseling so that we can assist you. We will take it from there. Our counselors are skilled at getting you from point A to B. Your unit has not left you!