Donald L. Van Beck, Chairman, CEO, Executive Director

After serving in the Army at the end of WWII and again for the Korean War, Don started his early career in accounting and managing data processing departments.  He then started a series of electronics companies, each time selling them to NYSE companies.  He "retired" in 1971 and became a faculty member of CMT at the University of Colorado for the next 14 years, lecturing to entrepreneurial company presidents.  During that time, he also lectures at several other universities, authored two books, in addition to consulting and speaking at conventions. He became active in public service and was Chairman of the Water Authority in Conyers, Georgia and in 1996 he was Chairman of the Rockdale Amateur Athletics Authority which had the responsibility of building the Equestrian Park for the Olympics.  Don is a member of Rotary, Korean War Veterans Chapter 169, an Emeritus Life Member of the Institute of Management Accountants, the 24th Infantry Division Association, the American Legion and SCORE,  He and his wife, Julia, have six children.

William K. Rector, Construction Director

Bill is a transplanted West Virginian, he spent 26 years in the Air Force and retired as a full Colonel in 1984. He and his wife Betty have three daughters and reside in The Plantations where he is active in community affairs and on various veteran's projects. He has served as Chairman of the Veterans Appreciation Committee, a recognition dance that raises funds for the Plantations' Memorial Park and the Fort McCoy Veterans home. He serves as the Honor Guard Captain for deceased veterans Memorial Services at The Plantations.

K. Howard Wiener, Finance Director

Howard has been a CPA for over 40 years with 30 years of auditing or managing not for profit entities. He has received awards from Rotary, Jaycees and named a Fellow of the Florida Council for Community Mental Health for outstanding contributions to community health in the State of Florida. He has been a board member of numerous state and local civic organizations and governmental advisory groups.

Jane Townsend Sexsmith, Administrative Director

Jane Townsend is a 30 year resident of Lake County and became involved with the veterans Memorial campaign as a way to show her patriotism as a proud mother of a US Marine. Her son served 5 years during the Lebanon/Grenada crisis and as an Embassy Guard in Istanbul, Turkey. She is currently the coordinator of all the office volunteers. She is a member of Altrusa International, a Board member of the Orlando Ballet and a Board member of the Children's Advocacy.

James Bradford, Volunteers Director

Jim enlisted in the US Marine Corps in September of 1958 and served two years on the USS Forestal. Jim finished his active duty time with the Base MP’s at Camp LeJeune.  While with the MP’s he was at the Cuban blockade and Bay of Pigs.  After his military stint he worked in the steel industry until 1996.  He spent the last 10 years doing corporate security and personal protection. He held the elected office of Constable for Chester County, PA.  He and his wife Claire moved to Florida in 1996. Jim serves as an officer with the VFW and has held offices with the Marine Corp League at the national level.