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
2023-24
Joseph Parsetich, Montana
Chairperson
Daniel Contreras, California
Vice-Chairperson
Charles Edwards, Texas
Treasurer
Barry A. Jesinoski, Kentucky
Secretary
David Gerke, Missouri
Director
William “Bill” Dolan, Nevada
Director
Jerry Estes, Utah
Director
Nancy Espinosa, Utah
Advisor
Michael E. Dobmeier, North Dakota
Advisor, National Judge Advocate
DAV Executive Committee
2023–24
- National Commander Nancy Espinosa, Utah
- Sr. Vice Commander Daniel Contreras, California
- 1st. Jr. Vice Commander Coleman Francis Nee, Massachusetts
- 2nd Jr. Vice Commander John Donovan, Arkansas
- 3rd Jr. Vice Commander Cynthia Madison, Virginia
- 4th Jr. Vice Commander James A. Procunier, North Carolina
- Past National Commander Joseph Parsetich, Montana
- NEC 1st District Francis F. Whitty, Massachusetts
- NEC 2nd District Israel Rivera, New York
- NEC 3rd District Joyce Gaddis, Maine
- NEC 4th District Johnnie Walker, New Jersey
- NEC 5th District Leonard M. Johnson, Pennsylvania
- NEC 6th District John Patterson, Maryland
- NEC 7th District Mary Ann Keckler, Florida
- NEC 8th District Dave Sensat, Louisiana
- NEC 9th District Leon Booker, Georgia
- NEC 10th District Rolly Lee, Michigan
- NEC 11th District Dennis F. Hanneman, Ohio
- NEC 12th District John Polk, Wisconsin
- NEC 13th District Eric D. McGinnis, Indiana
- NEC 14th District Kevin Grantier, Montana
- NEC 15th District David C. Gerke, Missouri
- NEC 16th District Gerald G. Wilson J.R., California
- NEC 17th District Jerry D. Estes, Utah
- NEC 18th District William “Bill” Dolan, Nevada
- NEC 19th District Brigitte G. Marker, Washington
- NEC 20th District Charles Edwards, Texas
- NEC 21st District Harry O. Komprood, Arkansas
National Judge Advocate
2023–24
- Michael E. Dobmeier, North Dakota
National Chaplain
2023–24
- Debra Varner Dancer, Alabama
