Renée Medina, County Veterans Services Officer, leads the team that advocates for Veterans and their families as it relates to military service disabilities, education, housing, medical care, Veterans Preference, Burial and survivor benefits. Renée served as Veterans advocate/Senior Veteran Services Counselor for 6 years before being promoted to the Division Manager. Renee is a proud third-generation military sailor—a Veteran of the United States Coast Guard, having served 4 years active duty and 4 years as a Reservist with a recall to active duty after the attacks on the US September 11, 2001. Renée was the 2021 January Employee of the Month, is a graduate of Manatee County Emerging Leadership Program (2022) and serves currently as the Site Coordinator of the County Veterans Services Officers Association of Florida (CVSOAFL). Renée started working for Manatee County in the Tax Collector’s office. Previously, she served Monroe County Government as an Intelligence Analyst for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Office and as a 911 dispatcher.
Jack Ruark, Senior Veterans Services Counselor, conducts and oversees the direct, day-to-day contact with the Veterans Client base and staff. He also manages the Division’s Outreach program, making regular visits throughout the community, educating them about VA benefits and services our office provides. Jack is an active-duty retiree of the US Marine Corps and former banker. He serves as the Central West Vice President of the County Veterans Services Officers Association of Florida (CVSOAFL).
Ed Behn, Veterans Services Counselor and Training Coordinator, serves the Veteran community and their dependents by connecting them with their VA benefits as a Veteran Services Counselor with the Manatee County Veteran Services Office. Ed is a 10-year active-duty US Air Force Veteran. During his time in the Air Force, Ed served as a Security Forces Specialist and Combat Arms Instructor. He has served 4 tours of duty between Iraq and Afghanistan.
Victor McKenzie, Veterans Services Counselor and Outreach Coordinator, serves the Veteran community and their dependents by connecting them with their VA benefits. Victor is a nearly 8-year active-duty US Air Force Veteran. Prior to Manatee County, Victor worked for several years at Centerstone and Jewish Family and Children Services (JFCS) as part of the Operation Military Assistance Program.
Todd Enders, Veterans Services Counselor, serves the Veteran community and their dependents by connecting them with their VA benefits. Todd is an active-duty retiree (CWO FIVE) of U.S. Navy after a 33-year career. During his time in the Navy, Todd served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warfare Officer and Naval Science Instructor. He has served multiple tours of duty throughout the world with boots on the ground and on ships at sea.
Luis Roman, Veterans Services Counselor, serves the Veteran community and their dependents by connecting them with their VA benefits.. Luis is a 25-year 1998-2023 retired Police Officer from the Altamonte Springs Police Department in Central Florida. He was a property crime Detective, Public relation Officer, and Assistant Red team leader for the Crisis Negotiation team with Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Prior to that he was a Marine Corps Infantry Reservist with Delta Company 2nd Battalion 25th Marines from 1986-1992 and participated in Dessert Storm in 1991. He volunteered with the Honor Flight of Central Florida for 9 years as the Operations Director, where one of his primary and more rewarding responsibilities was to register Women who are Veterans with the Women’s Memorial in Washington D.C.
Anthony Allford, Veterans Services Counselor, serves the Veteran community and their dependents by connecting them with their VA benefits. Anthony served in the Navy, NATO and Air Force (retired). In the Navy, Anthony served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, then transitioned to Communications while in NATO and the AF. He has deployed numerous times by land, air, and sea.
George Knight, Veterans Services Counselor, serves the Veterans community and their dependents by connecting with their benefits as a Veteran Services Counselor with the Manatee County Veterans Services Office. George is a 3-year U.S. Army active-duty Veteran, George served as an Infantryman during his time in the military. Prior to Manatee County. George worked in retail manufacturing and logistics for 10+ years.
Kelly Lipp, Intake Specialist, is one of the first points of contact and helps to make VSO appointments more informative and productive. She also works on various intra-office projects, such as registering Veterans for Manatee Moves. Her skills developed after 20 years in the journalism world as an award-winning page designer and copy editor in newspapers, including the Bradenton Herald. She tells people that our office is about “making sure Veterans receive the benefits they’ve earned and connecting Veterans with the resources that they need.”
Miranda Notaro, Office Specialist, serves as the first point of contact for County Veterans and their families, providing essential guidance and support. She is committed to maintaining comprehensive knowledge of veteran services to ensure they receive the resources and benefits they need. With experience in the Manatee County School District, Miranda transitioned into her current role with enthusiasm, finding great fulfillment in assisting veterans and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children and relaxing on Florida’s beautiful beaches.
Maple, Support Specialist, is a working service dog.