Leadership
DAV advocates for those men and women who defend the American way of life, and our leadership structure reflects that. Since our founding, our National Commander has been democratically elected by our member veterans. That tradition ensures that the DAV will always put service for America’s veterans first.
Subject Matter Experts
At DAV, we’re veterans helping veterans. We have firsthand experience and deep understanding of the core issues impacting the men and women who have served our country. To view an individual spokesperson’s full bio, please click on their name below.
DAV Board of Directors
2024-25
Nancy Espinosa, Utah
Chairperson
Coleman Nee, Massachusetts
Vice-Chairperson
Jerry Estes, Utah
Treasurer
Barry A. Jesinoski, Kentucky
Secretary
David Gerke, Missouri
Director
Nachee Miller, DC
Director
Ricky Barenbrugge, Michigan
Director
Daniel Contreras, California
Advisor
Michael E. Dobmeier, North Dakota
Advisor, National Judge Advocate
DAV Executive Committee
2024–25
- National Commander Daniel Contreras, California
- Sr. Vice Commander Coleman Francis Nee, Massachusetts
- 1st. Jr. Vice Commander John Donovan, Arkansas
- 2nd Jr. Vice Commander Cynthia Madison, Virginia
- 3rd Jr. Vice Commander James A. Procunier, North Carolina
- 4th Jr. Vice Commander Glenn Hohman, Arizona
- Past National Commander Nancy Espinosa, Utah
- NEC 1st District Francis F. Whitty, Massachusetts
- NEC 2nd District Michael Martin, New York
- NEC 3rd District Joyce Gaddis, Maine
- NEC 4th District Mark Donberger, Delaware
- NEC 5th District Leonard M. Johnson, Pennsylvania
- NEC 6th District Nachee Miller, DC
- NEC 7th District Mary Ann Keckler, Florida
- NEC 8th District Michael Harman, Tennessee
- NEC 9th District Leon Booker, Georgia
- NEC 10th District Ricky Barenbrugge, Michigan
- NEC 11th District Dennis F. Hanneman, Ohio
- NEC 12th District Alfred Reynolds, Illinois
- NEC 13th District Eric D. McGinnis, Indiana
- NEC 14th District Scott Berndt, Minnesota
- NEC 15th District David C. Gerke, Missouri
- NEC 16th District Michael Kerr, California
- NEC 17th District Jerry D. Estes, Utah
- NEC 18th District Don Brown, Hawaii
- NEC 19th District Brigitte G. Marker, Washington
- NEC 20th District Paul Shook, Texas
- NEC 21st District Harry O. Komprood, Arkansas
National Judge Advocate
2024–25
- Michael E. Dobmeier, North Dakota
National Chaplain
2024–25
- Debra Varner Dancer, Alabama
