Staff

 

April D. Foster is the Director for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. April served in the U.S. Army and the Ohio Army National Guard from 2005 until 2008. During such time she was deployed for 15 months, 12 of which she spent in the National Capital Region as part of Operation Noble Eagle which is a homeland air-defense mission. April is accredited with the Ohio Department of Veterans Service, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, The American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US, and a member of AMVETS Post 345.


Christine C. Annarino is a Service Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. Christy is a U.S. Army veteran having served with the 522nd Military Intelligence Battalion 2nd Armored Division at Fort Hood, TX as well as serving with the Ohio Army National Guard 737th Maintenance Battalion in Newark, OH. She is a 1981 graduate of Newark High School, a 2003 graduate of Otterbein University with a BA in Leadership & Management and a member of American Legion Post #398. Christy is accredited with the Ohio Department of Veterans Service, National Association of County Veteran Service Officers, The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US.

Adam W. Reed is the Senior Service Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. Adam joined the Ohio Army National Guard at the age of 17, after completion of Basic Combat Training he returned for his senior year of high school. Adam became a US Army Veteran having served with 2-174 ADA Battalion in our Nation's capital. He then completed his 10th year of the military attached to the 371st Sustainment Brigade in Newark, OH. Adam stays active by coaching football, basketball and baseball in the Newark area. Adam is accredited with the Ohio Department of Veterans Service, The American Legion, Military Order of the Purple Heart and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US. 

Keeley J. Brown is the Senior Administrative Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. Keeley joined the United States Army Reserves at the age of 22. She completed her Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Keeley became a US Army Veteran having served with the 376th Financial Management Support Unit attached to the 10th Mountain Division in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Keeley is a 2014 graduate of Zane State College with an Associates of Applied Business degree. Keeley is also a member of the VFW Post 9090.

William R. Thompson is a Service Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. Bill is a Retired U.S. Army Veteran having served for 23 years on active duty as a Military Policeman.  He deployed three times to the Middle East; twice to Iraq and once to Kuwait.  Bill served as a Drill Sergeant as well as a Military Science Instructor for the Santa Clara University Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC).  He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter #840 and the American Legion Post #764.

Jacob G. Humphrey is a Service Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission. Jacob joined the United States Navy at the age of 17 and completed the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training in 2009. He became a US Navy Veteran having served at the Office of Naval Intelligence with the Fleet Intelligence Detachment where he deployed with Carrier Strike Group 1 aboard the USS Carl Vinson in 2011 supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He completed his 9th year of the military service at United States Central Command in Tampa, Florida where he supported Operation Inherent Resolve.

Bradley L. Verhovec is a Service Officer for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission, where he is dedicated to assisting fellow veterans and their families in navigating the benefits, services, and resources they have earned through their military service. A proud United States Army veteran, Brad enlisted shortly after graduating from Northridge High School and completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He went on to serve as an Information Technology Specialist with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. As a veteran himself, Brad takes great pride in continuing to serve those who have served our country. Outside of work, Brad is a devoted husband to his wife, Holly, and proud father of their two sons, KC and RJ. An avid outdoorsman, Brad enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors with his family. Whether it's spending a day in the woods, fishing together on their boat, or cheering from the sidelines at their children's sporting events, family is at the center of everything he does. Brad and Holly especially enjoy being their boys' biggest fans, supporting them in their passions, and making memories together along the way.

Sara S. Thompson is the Special Programs Coordinator for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission.  With over 20 years dedicated to supporting military families and her community, Sara brings a deep understanding of service, compassion, and leadership to her role.  As a military spouse and longtime volunteer, she has worked tirelessly to support veterans and their families, earning honors such as the Commander's Award for Civilian Service and the President's Volunteer Service Award.  After her husband's retirement from the U.S. Army, the Thompson family made Licking County their home in 2023.  Sara is proud to serve alongside local veterans, helping connect them with resources, strengthen community ties, and ensure they feel supported.  Sara is a proud military mom to her daughter, Chloe, who serves in the U.S. Air Force, and she enjoys cheering on her son, Trace, at local sporting events.  In her free time, she loves Ohio State football, live music, and spending time outdoors with her family.

 

William A. Murphy is the Administrative Assistant for the Licking County Veterans' Service Commission.  William was born and raised in Gahanna, Ohio before enlisting in the US Army in 1996.  After enlisting his assignments included Fort Hood, Texas, Rhein-main, Germany, Fort Eustis, Virginia, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois and Fort Drum, New York. William retired from the Army in 2018. While at these assignments he completed tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Iraq.  He began hispost military career in education after obtaining his BA in History from Arizona State University, and his teaching certification from Ohio Dominican University. William taught in the Columbus, Ohio area from 2021-2025.  He is a father of three children and enjoys working on old cars, watching football, and traveling around our great country. 

Ryan M. Shock serves as the Financial Assistance Administrator for the Licking County Veterans’ Service Commission. Ryan began his military career when he joined the United States Coast Guard at the age of 20. He completed his basic training at Training Center Cape May in Cape May, New Jersey, followed by Gunner’s Mate “A” School in Yorktown, Virginia. Ryan served as a Petty Officer Third Class in Staten Island, New York, with the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) New York. Following his military service, Ryan continued his education and graduated from The Ohio State University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. From 2019 through 2023, he worked with homeless veterans through the Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH). Outside of his professional responsibilities, Ryan is a proud husband and father of two children. He enjoys reading and spending time with his family.