Board of Directors

Meet our directors

Each of them gives their time to keep the farm open and free for veterans and their families.

• GJ

  Dr. Gabrielle Juba, CPA, CFE

  President

  U.S. Marine Corps

  Gabi is the current CFO of Creating a Family and the founder of Juba Forensics PLLC. She volunteers on the NCACPA’s Young Professional Cabinet and the NCACPA’s Education Resource Group. Gabi enjoys volunteering with her certified therapy dog Harley Quinn, hiking, gardening, dancing, and competing in triathlons and half marathons.

• FS

  MSgt. Fran Simone

  Treasurer

  U.S. Air Force, Retired

  Fran is a retired Air Force Master Sergeant with 21 years of service. His military and professional expertise is in the acquisition, development, operations, and sustainment of C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance) systems. Fran enjoys the outdoors, supports local and national children and family organizations, and is an advocate and support for fellow veterans and their families.

• RL

  MSgt. Robert Lauterbach

  Director

  U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

  Robert Lauterbach is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant with 20 years of service, who served as a Communications Chief, leading and managing tactical communications systems and teams. He is a network engineer, AI programmer, FPV drone pilot, and a local artist.

• JD

  Dr. Jeanine Davis

  Director

  Dr. Jeanine Davis is an associate professor and extension specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science with NC State University. She is based at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River.

• RK

  Rob Kinard

  Director

  U.S. Army, Retired

  Rob Kinard is a Veteran with 27 years of service, most of it in U.S. Army Special Forces as both an MOS 18C (SF Engineer) and 18F (SF Intelligence Sergeant). He deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq 19 times as a Green Beret and as a contractor supporting the U.S. Government in different capacities. Rob is also the owner of Good Times Mead and Good Times Farm, and runs Good Times Tactical, through which he supports U.S. SOF with training courses and communications systems. Stopping veteran suicide is at the top of his priorities, and the VHF’s charter is in perfect alignment with his own.

• SW

  Col. Steve Watkins

  Director

  U.S. Army, Retired

  Steve Watkins is a retired Army Colonel and aviator with 31+ years of service. He now champions veterans’ initiatives, serves on multiple community organization boards, and supports healing and connection through community service.

• DH

  CPO Delmar Hobkirk

  Director

  U.S. Navy, Retired

  Delmar brings two decades of military leadership and operational expertise to the Board. Throughout his 20-year naval career, he served aboard two ships, completed key assignments within the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, and dedicated three tours to instructing and mentoring the next generation of service members. Since retiring from the Navy in 2018, he has worked in the construction industry, including the last five and a half years in Western North Carolina. Outside of work, Delmar and his wife are active foster parents and enjoy traveling together.