Connect with Our Team

Vernon J. Stewart leads El Paso County’s Department of Community Resources as the Executive Director and also as the County Veteran Services Officer. He oversees three critical divisions—Veteran Services, Justice Services, and Environmental Services—that directly impact the daily lives of residents. Under his leadership, the department connects Veterans to earned benefits, offers proven alternatives to incarceration, and advances responsible land use and sustainability across the County.

A U.S. Marine Corps Veteran with more than 15 years in local, state, and federal government, Stewart has earned national recognition for results-driven leadership, award-winning communications strategies, and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen public trust. He also serves as Director of Media Relations for the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Southern Colorado and as Vice President of Programs for the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. Outside of his professional and civic leadership, he is a volunteer girls’ lacrosse coach and former board member, event chair, and youth sports coach in multiple states.

Charles Graves serves as the Veteran Services Manager for El Paso County, where he leads an office of staff dedicated to securing benefits for Veterans and their families. He joined El Paso County Veteran Services in August 2020 and was promoted to manager in April 2022. A retired Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman with 25 years of service as a Combat Medic in the U.S. Navy, Charles draws on his firsthand understanding of military life and Veteran needs to guide his team’s work. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in leadership and management.

Chad Farris has served as the Administrative Services Supervisor at the El Paso County Veterans Services Office since 2020 and has been part of the El Paso County workforce since 2017. He served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, including a combat deployment to Iraq from 2003 to 2004. Chad holds a Bachelor’s degree in business finance and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. Passionate about supporting Veterans and their families, he assists them in navigating benefits, claims, and support systems with professionalism and care. His knowledge, integrity, and compassion have earned him the trust of the Veteran community he serves. Outside of his work advocating for Veterans, Chad enjoys spending quality time with his son.

A native of Northeastern Colorado, Jennifer has built her career on a foundation of service, integrity, and advocacy. She began working with this office in 2010 and soon earned accreditation through the Colorado Division of Veterans Affairs and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers. Since then, she has dedicated herself to supporting Veterans through the claims and appeals process, and currently serves as an Appeals Specialist. In May 2023, Jennifer expanded her role by conducting Board of Veterans’ Appeals hearings, furthering her commitment to ensuring each Veteran’s voice is heard and their service honored. Jennifer is proud to stand alongside those who have served, including her high school sweetheart, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of nine years. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her two amazing sons, who bring balance and inspiration to her life.

Adam is a dedicated Veteran Service Officer with a strong commitment to those who’ve served. A proud Veteran of both the United States Air Force and the Nebraska Air National Guard, he brings firsthand military experience and deep empathy to his role. Since 2013, he has worked in Veteran services, helping fellow Veterans and their families navigate benefits, claims, and support systems with professionalism and care. His knowledge, integrity, and compassion have earned him the trust of the Veteran community he serves. Outside of work, Adam values time with his family and finds joy in making music and giving back through service at his church. Whether advocating for benefits or mentoring others, he lives out his commitment to service in every area of life. His military background, faith, and passion for helping others make him a respected and approachable leader in the Veteran support field.

Beth Ann Belt proudly serves as an Assistant Veteran Service Officer, continuing her lifelong commitment to supporting Veterans and their families. A U.S. Navy Veteran, Beth previously worked as the County Veterans Counselor for Manistee County and as a Veteran Service Officer for Chippewa County in Michigan. She is passionate about helping Veterans navigate the VA claims process and access the benefits they’ve earned. Beth brings compassion, experience, and a deep sense of duty to every Veteran she assists.

Joshua Hutson proudly served in the United States Air Force for eight years before beginning a career with El Paso County, where he has worked for the past seven years. Starting as a Sheriff’s Deputy, he later transitioned into the role of Assistant Veteran Services Officer. In this position, he assisted Veterans and their families understand and access the benefits and resources available to them, ensuring they receive the support they’ve earned through their service. Joshua also serves as Secretary on the Executive Board of the Colorado County Veteran Services Officer Association, contributing to statewide Veteran advocacy efforts. With a background in military service, law enforcement, and Veteran affairs, Joshua remains deeply committed to serving those who have served.

Tiffany is an Administrative Coordinator at Veteran Services.  She has worked with El Paso County since November of 2024.  Tiffany served in the Army with one deployment during OIF and holds a bachelor’s degree in human services. Tiffany looks forward to serving the El Paso County Veteran Community.  In her spare time, you will find her outside enjoying the sun and the Mountains. 

My name is Renee Lacey. I joined El Paso County Veterans Services in August 2024, after 24 years in high school education, serving as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Assessment and high school principals. At El Paso County Veterans Services, I serve as an Administrative Coordinator, managing the front desk. I enjoy meeting new people, serving others, and bringing a smile to those I encounter, making this role a perfect fit. I support both Veterans and Veteran Service Officers by greeting visitors, answering calls, scheduling appointments, and providing helpful resources. In my personal time, I enjoy quiet moments outdoors and am passionate about living a life of faith in God, recognizing that without Him, I am nothing.

Paul honorably served 24 years and 19 days in the United States Army as an Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor (Noncommissioned Officer). He held key leadership roles including Section Leader, Unit Maintenance Supervisor, Instructor, and Quality Control Inspector. Paul led maintenance operations on critical Army aviation systems in combat zones, training environments, and garrison settings, ensuring readiness across tactical, operational, and strategic domains. He was consistently recognized for exceptional technical proficiency, decisive leadership, and effective mentorship of junior soldiers. His actions directly contributed to the sustained success of aviation missions and the development of future Army leaders. Paul earned multiple awards for excellence in maintenance, mission execution, and leadership. He upheld and embodied the Army Values in every assignment. Upon retirement from active duty, Paul continued his service as a Veteran Service Officer (VSO), where he advocates for Veterans and families by delivering expert guidance on VA benefits, claims, and entitlements.

Richard A. Gagne is a 21-year retired U.S. Army First Sergeant with a distinguished career specializing in Maintenance and Logistics operations. Throughout his military service, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to the welfare of soldiers under his care. After retiring from the Army, Richard transitioned his lifelong dedication to service by becoming a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for El Paso County, Colorado, in September 2020. In this role, he advocates for fellow Veterans, helping them navigate benefits, claims, and resources earned through their service. His firsthand understanding of military life, combined with his professionalism and compassion, makes him a trusted and respected advocate within the Veteran community. Richard remains committed to supporting and empowering Veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and assistance they deserve.

Sloane Allen serves as the El Paso County Assistant Veteran Service Officer. She joined the El Paso County Veteran Services in September 2022. Sloane is currently in the active army reserve unit on Fitzsimmons Reserve Center and has over 19yrs of military service with 2 deployments. Sloane has an Associates of Applied Science from Pikes Peak State College. She has lived in Colorado Springs since 1992.

Breton Martin is a proud Marine Corps Veteran, devoted husband, and father of four. After serving his country with honor, Breton continued his commitment to service by working for El Paso County, where he has been a dedicated employee for the past three years. Known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and passion for helping others, he brings a sense of integrity and teamwork to everything he does. Outside of work, Breton enjoys spending quality time with his family and staying active in his community.