About us

WHO WE ARE

Why SRQ Vets

There was a need. We recognized it. SRQ VETS, simply put, is a non-profit organization for veterans helping other veterans and citizens. We are located in sunny Sarasota, Florida. We pride ourselves on having a strong and positive impact on the community because we work closely with our local and national organizations. We are equipped to offer assistance, support, and volunteers for many events and occasions.
SRQ VETS TEAM

Meet the Team

Rob Kehs

President & Full-Time Director, SRQ VETS Inc.

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Rob Kehs is a U.S. Navy veteran and nonprofit leader dedicated to serving those who’ve served. From 1985 to 1989, he served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, building the discipline and teamwork that continue to shape his leadership today.

After his Naval service, Rob spent years managing restaurants in the hospitality industry, honing his skills in operations and team leadership. In 2017, he was introduced to SRQ VETS Inc. and quickly connected with its mission. He began volunteering, joined the board in 2018, and now serves as the organization’s first full-time Director and Board President.

Under Rob’s guidance, SRQ VETS has launched impactful events like the Annual Memorial Hike and Sporting Clay Fundraiser, expanded donation options, and built strong community partnerships. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to service, connection, and honoring veterans through meaningful action.

Dr. Jeff Gardner, PhD

Board Member

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Jeff first enlisted as an Infantryman in 1986, joining the Army National Guard as a member of the round-out brigade of the 10th Mountain Division. Jeff rose to the rank of Corporal and then Sergeant, serving as a Light Infantry Squad Leader. Jeff also served in the 3rd Battalion 172nd Mountain Infantry and taught as an instructor at the Mountain Warfare School while attending Norwich University: The Military College of Vermont. After graduating in 1991, he was commissioned as an active-duty Infantry Officer and started his service at FT. Benning GA. He later transferred to Military Intelligence and served in several units, including the 3rd Infantry Division, the 1st Armored Division, and the 1st Infantry Division. He was also an instructor for Military Intelligence Officers as well as Army ROTC Cadets at Valley Forge Military College. Once promoted to Major, he was selected as a Strategic Intelligence Officer and served in overseas assignments with deployments to the Balkans, Afghanistan, and in a Joint Special Operations Task Force in Iraq. He served as a staff officer at the U.S. European Command and on the staff of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel in 2012, having served at all levels from tactical to strategic.

After retiring, he worked at NATO Allied Command Transformation as a counter terrorism planner and instructor. He also served as a Colonel of Militia commanding a state defence force brigade for incident response, command and control, and crisis management. Jeff currently serves as a Department of Defense civilian for the U.S. Irregular Warfare Center (IWC) as an instructor and helping allied and partner nations deal with a myriad of threats. Dr Gardner has also worked as faculty at the NATO Special Operations University for 10 years, where he teaches intelligence and advanced courses for Allied Special Operations Command (SOFCOM). He holds three master’s degrees, a PhD in Homeland Security, as well as instructs civilian college courses on Homeland Security/Defence.

Gary Brumley

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Gary Brumley is an accomplished Law Firm Administrator at Mallard Perez, PLLC, bringing with him a wealth of experience in Human Resources and Management spanning over 13 years. Before his current role, Gary dedicated 20 years to the Kentucky National Guard, where he honed his skills in Human Resources Management, Finance, and Victim Advocacy.

Gary’s educational background includes a master’s degree in Business Administration with Distinction, which he earned from the University of Arkansas at Grantham. This academic achievement further solidifies his expertise and knowledge in the field.

In 2021, Gary, along with his wife Jennifer and daughter Hailey, made the exciting transition to Sarasota. However, their connection to the area goes beyond relocation, as they have been avid vacationers here for over three decades. This deep appreciation for the Sarasota region adds to Gary’s enthusiasm for his new home.

When Gary isn’t working, he enjoys indulging in his favorite activities. Golfing is one of his passions, allowing him to unwind and challenge himself on the course. He also finds relaxation by spending time around the pool, taking in the warm Florida weather. Additionally, Gary is a dedicated fan of the New York Football Giants, demonstrating his love for sports and loyalty to his team.

With his extensive professional experience, commitment to family, and zest for life, Gary Brumley brings a positive and uplifting spirit to his role at Mallard Perez, PLLC, and embraces the vibrant Sarasota community.

Bill Sterbinsky

Board Vice President

Mike Hamper

Board member

Ian Harrington

Board Member

Kapp McMullin

Board member

Todd Hughes

Board Member

Eric Konovalov

Board Member

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Eric Konovalov is an immigrant, refugee, who’s family fled communist Russia in the early 90’s, when he was ten years old. Growing up in Baltimore, MD, Eric found his appreciation for the United States and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1999 as an Aviation Operations Specialist and a Russian Linguist.
 
During Eric’s military career he had the honor to serve in combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. He also supported Joint Task Force Operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
 
After an eight-year career with the marines, Eric decided to focus on building his family and a new career. He received his degree in Business Administration from University of MD and then went on to lead a sales team for Xerox in the Baltimore area.
 
In 2012, Eric Joined DCA Imaging Systems as their Director of Sales and helped the company grow their revenues.
 
To grow himself as a leader, Eric became a certified leadership trainer and coach through the John Maxwell Team. In 2015 he founded his own Executive Coaching and Sales Training company, The Goal Guide, Inc.
 
In 2020, Eric, his wife Julia, and their two boys, Max and Mikey, made the move from Maryland to Bradenton, FL.
 
Today, Eric continues to operate the Goal Guide. He is the author of B2B Sales Secrets and the host of Lead Sell Grow – The Human Experience Podcast. He travels the country and speaks at here conferences on the topics of mindset, leadership, and sales.
He also enjoys coaching executives to help them grow their businesses and develop their leadership abilities.
 
Eric and his family love to spend their time discovering all the amazing things Florida has to offer and helping the veteran community whenever there is a chance.
GET INVOLVE NOW

Looking To Volunteer? Help The Veteran Community Today!

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