Leadership & Governance

Board & Leadership

Veterans, advocates, professionals, and community leaders working together to guide JAVC with accountability, service, and a shared commitment to those who served.

Meet the People Guiding JAVC

JAVC’s Board of Directors provides governance, strategic oversight, and community leadership. Our executive and clinical leaders turn that direction into daily programs, services, and long-term solutions for veterans across Mohave County.

Governance

Board of Directors

BLPortrait coming soon

President, Board of Directors

Ben LaParne

Ben brings more than 30 years of commercial land-development experience, including site development, infrastructure, contractor coordination, and major capital projects. His background gives JAVC practical governance strength in long-range planning, property development, site readiness, and construction initiatives.

As Board President, Ben helps guide organizational strategy while bringing deep familiarity with Mohave County and a strong commitment to JAVC’s mission and the long-term development of projects such as Liberty Commons.

JMPortrait coming soon

Vice President

James Moorish

James serves as Vice President of the JAVC Board of Directors, supporting board governance, strategic planning, organizational continuity, and community partnership.

A fuller professional biography will be added as current profile materials are finalized.

NCPortrait coming soon

Secretary

Shirley “Nani” Chrimes

Nani brings more than five decades of organizational leadership, communications, volunteer service, and administrative experience to JAVC. She previously worked for the State of Arizona, beginning in Vocational Rehabilitation and later serving as an administrative liaison supporting residential housing for people with disabilities.

Her background also includes leadership and volunteer work with the Kingman Elks Lodge, her church, and other nonprofit organizations. As Board Secretary, Nani supports accurate records, clear communication, and strong governance practices.

KCPortrait coming soon

Board Chaplain

Chaplain Kevin Cousineau

Kevin serves as JAVC’s Board Chaplain, bringing faith-based leadership, pastoral support, prayer, and a steady focus on the dignity and spiritual well-being of veterans.

His role helps keep JAVC’s mission grounded in service, compassion, accountability, and community while supporting veterans, staff, volunteers, and board leadership.

RMPortrait coming soon

Board Member • Director of Homelessness

Richard Mickle

Richard is a U.S. Army veteran whose leadership is shaped by lived experience. After military service, he experienced 27 years of homelessness before rebuilding stability and becoming a strong advocate for veterans facing housing insecurity.

Since joining the board in 2021, Richard has helped strengthen outreach, resource-fair and Stand Down engagement, and JAVC’s understanding of the barriers veterans face when moving from homelessness toward long-term stability.

LWPortrait coming soon

Executive Director & Board Member

Lonnie Wills

Lonnie is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served from 1989 to 1997 and reached the rank of Sergeant. His background spans technology, entrepreneurship, construction, project leadership, organizational transformation, and veteran advocacy.

As Executive Director, Lonnie leads JAVC’s day-to-day operations and growth while working with the board, staff, public partners, donors, and veteran stakeholders to expand housing, transportation, clinical support, technology, and long-term initiatives such as Liberty Commons.

Program Leadership

Clinical & Program Leadership

JCPortrait coming soon

Clinical & Program Director

Julie Cartwright

Julie brings decades of behavioral-health and counseling experience to JAVC’s clinical and program operations. Her advanced education includes graduate study in Behavioral Sciences and Counseling as well as a PhD in Abnormal Psychology.

With approximately 32 years of professional behavioral-counseling experience, including work supporting veterans, Julie provides clinical and program leadership across Operation 6 and JAVC’s broader veteran-support services.

Portraits: approved board and leadership portraits will replace the temporary initials as each image is finalized. The page is already wired to the final image locations, so portraits can be added without rebuilding the profiles.