Our Board
Melanie Gonzalez
Marine Corps Veteran
Chair
Melanie brings years of leadership experience in Veteran support and nonprofit strategy. As a Marine Veteran, she leads with discipline, compassion, and a deep understanding of peer community needs.
Jeremy Duers
Marine Corps Veterans
Vice-Chair
Jeremy is a proud Marine Veteran and lifelong community advocate. His work supports the Coalition’s outreach, policy efforts, and mission-driven governance across New York.
Kristina Contrell-Walsh
Secretary
Kristina is a passionate organizer and peer support champion. As Secretary, she ensures accountability, communication, and seamless coordination between Coalition partners.
Robin Carson
Treasurer
Robin brings a strong background in financial systems, business development, and organizational training. A certified professional business coach and Six Sigma Green Belt, she previously managed training operations for a national healthcare company and has led staff development programs across sectors.
Juanita Hotchkiss
Board Member at Large
Junita brings lived experience and grassroots insight to the board. She supports the Coalition’s mission with a focus on cultural humility, community voice, and inclusive engagement.
The Team
Who We Are
Gavin T Walters
US Air Force Veteran
Founder- ED
Gavin is the founding Executive Director of the Dwyer Coalition for Military Veterans & Families, Inc. A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran with a masters in social work, Gavin has spent over a decade advocating for Veterans, military-connected families, and peer support programs across New York State.
He previously led the Vet2Vet Program in Ulster County. Gavin brings lived experience, policy insight, and a deep commitment to ensuring no Veteran or family falls through the cracks.
845-616-2570
Aimee Hurlbut
Executive Assistant & Operations Specialist
Aimee is the glue behind the day-to-day operations of the Coalition. She manages communications, logistics, internal systems, and ensures the mission runs smoothly from the inside out. With a background in nonprofit support and a passion for details, Aimee keeps the team grounded and forward-moving.
123-456-7890
Cory Oconnor
US Army Veteran
Veterans & Community Engagement Coordinator
Cory is the Coalition’s connector. As an Army Veteran and engagement coordinator, he brings lived experience, grassroots insight, and an authentic presence to every space he enters. Cory supports outreach, relationship-building, and ensures that community voices are represented in everything we do.
123-456-7890