Meet The Executive Board
Regina Rembert, Founder/Executive Director
Regina Rembert, Founder/Executive Director of Think Veterans First, is a delightful, kind, compassionate and self-less Woman of God who is deeply rooted in Duty, Honor, Country, Faith and Family. Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, Regina has lived in Arizona, Mississippi, and Columbus, Ohio. As a lifelong learner, Regina earned an Associate of Arts from Columbus State Community College, both a Bachelor of Science in Political Science/International Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in French from The Ohio State University, as well as a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century from Ashland University.
Along life’s highway, Regina has loved history, science, teaching, and training. Since 2008, Regina has held Certifications from SHRM, DDI, Lean Six Sigma and Blanchard Leadership Training. Regina worked in Human Resources in the Public Sector at J.C. Penney Logistics, Luxottica Optical Manufacturing and Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric Company. Throughout her expansive 22-year Military & Government career she worked at The U.S. Army Reserve, Department of Veteran Affairs (AZ), Department of the Air Force, Military and Veteran Success Center (AZ), as well as the Department of Veteran Affairs (OH). In 2010, Regina retired as Chief Paralegal Non-Commissioned Officer with the U.S. Army Reserve, where she supervised a staff of Paralegals and was responsible for the morale and welfare of over 16,000 enlisted soldiers in a 4-state region.
In 2008, Regina launched Brightstar Consulting LLC, a for-profit business providing HR, Training and Professional Development to both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. “During the Pandemic and lockdown of 2020, I noticed several initiatives promoting Women-Owned Businesses and Small Businesses, but I saw a gap in promoting Veteran-Owned Businesses. Therefore, I launched BuyVet in 2020, and we changed the name of the nonprofit to Think Veterans First™ in 2021 to better serve the veteran community.”
“We are a community of Veterans, and the nonprofit offers a total of 5 programs which support and promote Veteran-Owned Businesses in Central Ohio. We host the annual VetOhioExpo,
BuyVeteran Week, and monthly Veteran Networking Events. As of November 2025, we are hosting an Awards Ceremony to recognize Veteran-Owned Businesses. In December of 2025 we are launching the Think Veterans First Business Directory.” The subscription-based directory will include “only” vetted Veteran-Owned Businesses. The list will provide a company profile and description of the products or services offered by Veteran-Owned Businesses. The TVF Directory will be hosted on a proprietary platform and through expansion will list Veteran-Owned Businesses from across the nation. The Directory will be monitored and managed daily to provide relevant, timely and accurate information.
Two additional programs will be implemented in 2026 which include a Workforce Transition Program, Vet2Hire, which prepares Veterans as they join the civilian workforce. Due to Regina’s underlying passion for education and mentoring youth, she is also launching a Youth Mentoring Program, Vet2Mentor, where Veterans will go into elementary schools and spend one-on-one time with students who are falling behind their grade level in reading or math. “The Veterans impact on a student is life changing. Not only will the student’s reading or math skills improve, but the one-on-one mentoring will be an experience that the child will never forget.”
Regina Rembert is a progressive thinker and is driven to make the world a better place. Her genuine and sincere concern for the Veteran Community is evident throughout her ongoing dedication and commitment to her Veteran brothers and sisters. “Not only am I thankful for my Veteran family, but I am extremely grateful for my husband, children and grandchildren. I am so very blessed, and they bring me the joy and inspiration to just keep on living!”
Allen Perk, Board Chair Think Veterans First, is gracious, patient, humble and pours his heart and soul into the clients and organizations he serves. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Allen settled in Columbus, Ohio in 1980, after earning his Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Systems Analysis from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. “I have always had a love for computers, for business and for exceptional customer service standards. From the time I was 6 years old to 15 years old, I held a paper route and delivered The Cleveland Press to 71 homes on my route. I quickly learned the importance of taking my responsibilities seriously.” Allen’s older brother, who was a Freshman in college, brought home one of his textbooks for computer science class. At that time, Allen was in 6th grade, and he got ahold of the book. He read it cover to cover and fell in love with computers and knew immediately that computers would be his vocation!
Allen wasted no time embarking on computer software development and cybersecurity. He worked for The State of Ohio for 4 years and developed software programs which stood the test of time for over 3 decades. Allen accepted a position with Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) and as a Senior Software Engineer he won awards in 1984, 1987, and 1989 for excellence in software development and client services and support. After a 7-year career with DEC, Allen decided it was time to launch his own software development and cybersecurity company, XLN Systems, in January 1991. “At our peak time we employed 17 employees and were serving 75 clients. I am proud to say that 97 percent of our clients returned for additional project work. I often heard from clients that they tried working with ‘larger’ organizations than ours, but they all failed! We put our heart and soul into every project and every client. Because of our knowledge and dedication, our software solutions worked. Delivering the solutions and demonstrating it to the client was an extremely satisfying day for me!” XLN’s clients include the Ohio Lottery, Bureau of Workers Compensation, Department of Education, Greif Brothers, and Lexis Nexis. “We worked with the Ohio Lottery from 2001-2022 and kept them happy for 21 years.” XLN Systems was built from scratch and since Allen’s retirement in 2023, his son Anthony has taken the reins.
In 2006, Allen met Regina Rembert, Founder/Executive Director of Think Veterans First. “Regina and I have kept in touch over the years and in 2020 she asked me to serve on the Board. I am aligned with her vision to support Veterans and Veteran-Owned Businesses, as I have 2 brothers who served in the military. Since I have a passion for launching, building and growing organizations, I immediately said ‘Yes.’” As Board Chair, Allen provides ideas, topics for discussion, and advice on programs and marketing strategies. In addition to the quarterly Board Meetings, subcommittees meet every 6 weeks to keep Think Veterans First moving forward in a progressive, transparent and authentic manner. “We have a matchmaking program which connects Veterans to Civilian-Owned and Veteran-Owned Business who are looking to hire full-time permanent employees. Additionally, we have a Veteran Database that lists profiles of Veteran-Owned Businesses along with the products and/or services they provide. The Directory serves the entire Veteran-Owned community and ecosystem.”
Due to Allen Perk’s knowledge, wisdom and effective communication skills, he is a sought-after Board Member. He served on the Board of CyberOhio (7 years), National Federation of Independent Businesses (12 years), and Franklin University Center for Public Safety & Cybersecurity Education (5 years). “I enjoy staying active in both the For-Profit and Non-Profit Communities. Being part of growth and sustainability processes is meaningful and requires patience and persistence. As I am known for saying, ‘I am an overnight success—30-years in the making!’”
Edwin Quinones, Board Treasurer Think Veterans First, is supportive, respectful and humble and loves life as he appreciates each new day! Born and raised in the Bronx, a borough in New York City, Edwin grew up in the heart of a city tainted with crime and despair. After his own brush with death at age 12, he emerged with an attitude of gratitude for life. “My initial mindset was survival mode, and I was thankful that I made it through school and graduated from James Monroe High School. I loved to draw portraits, cartoons and superheroes. The highlight of my High School years was meeting Stan Lee, who complimented me on my artwork!”
Edwin started in the mailroom at CBS and was promoted 4 times, earning his way to the Accounts Payable Department at CBS. When Edwin turned 26, he moved to Florida and worked for Applied Benefits Research. Four years later he moved to Las Vegas and worked in the California call center for AAA. “I ended up moving back to Florida and was re-hired at Applied Benefits Research who subsequently changed their name to Ceridian. After leaving Ceridian, I worked for Outback Corporate Office in the Payroll Department as the Garnishment Coordinator. I was not the most popular person in the company, but I was steadfast and did what was expected of me.”
In the midst of Covid, Edwin took yet another leap of faith and moved to Columbus, Ohio. Edwin found the perfect position at Economic Community Development Institute (ECDI) which allows him to serve for-profit business owners and assist them throughout their journey of launching, funding and growing their respective businesses. “I love my position as WBC Manager, and I have received 4 promotions during my 5 years at ECDI. During a typical month, I meet with 60+ clients. Our free services benefit for-profit business owners who need access to assistance, funding and resources.”
In July of 2022, Edwin met Regina Rembert, Executive Director of Think Veterans First. “I was excited to learn about the non-profit and how she serves Veteran-Owned Businesses.” Regina launched both the VetOHIO Expo and the BuyVet Week in 2021, as strategies to highlight and promote Veteran-Owned Businesses in Central Ohio. From the inaugural Expo, Think Veterans First has expanded their programs and services including an online subscription-based directory that has the capacity to support Veteran-Owned Businesses across the United States.
“Regina and I kept in touch since 2022. I believe in her and I was honored when she asked me to join the Board as Treasurer in May of 2024. I am excited to contribute my knowledge of accounts receivable, accounts payable, financials, payroll, and HR to Think Veterans First.” Edwin is passionate about making business introductions and connecting others to resources to improve their business efficiency, productivity and profitability.
Edwin is driven, loyal, innovative, collaborative and forward-thinking. “I always tell my clients to do what they love, to take chances and to stay on top of all aspects of their business. Every element is important. If the business owner is not driven, then they are not going anywhere!” Edwin has arrived at this point in his career by taking chances, embracing life and by focusing on what he can control. He is honest, pure and straightforward and that secret sauce makes him invaluable to the clients he serves. “I like to authentically serve others, and I am good a reading people. I am ‘all in’ and pour into my clients with every ounce of my soul. When people hear my name, I hope they think of me as a person who is always happy, smiling, positive and real with others---and enjoying every moment along the journey of life!”
Steve Lancianese, Board Secretary Think Veterans First, is a proud Veteran, Husband and Father. Growing up in the Akron/Canton area, Steve enrolled at West Point and joined the U.S. Army immediately upon High School graduation. “I loved math, and I thought about pursing a career in the Engineering field, but I made the decision to join the Army instead and that was the best decision I could have made at that time!”
As an Army Aviator for 8 years, Steve moved up through the ranks as Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, and Captain. Throughout his military career, he served as Platoon Leader, Operations Officer and Company Commander, leading as many as 50 in his company. “I loved being a pilot and flying an attack helicopter. I was stationed in Alabama, Georgia and New York and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The camaraderie with other military personnel is tight. When you are serving together for a common mission a strong bond is formed.”
Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Literature and Mechanical Engineering from West Point. Upon returning to civilian life, he enrolled at Duke University in North Carolina and earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA). He applied his business acumen to his positions at EY-Parthenon, JP Morgan Chase and currently at Copper Run, where he has been in Investment Banking in Mergers and Acquisitions since 2023. “Everyday I am faced with high stakes and high risks as we are putting together business deals valued at 10-100 Million dollars. These are exciting transactions which require a full team on both the buyer’s and seller’s side. There is a great sense of pride and accomplishment when the deal is done!”
Steve met Regina Rembert, Founder/Executive Director of Think Veterans First, as an Exhibitor representing Bunker Labs, at the 2023 VetOHIO Expo. “I was impressed with Regina’s passion and dedication for promoting Veteran-Owned Businesses. Regina is a retired service member, and she has worked tirelessly to build a community of Veterans and provide resources which will aid Veterans as they grow and sustain their businesses.”
In July of 2024, Steve joined the Board of Think Veterans First. As Secretary, he is responsible for preparing Board Agendas, Board Minutes and Administrative Reports for the quarterly Board Meetings. “The involvement from all the Board members is authentic and genuine. I am supportive because I see the value that Think Veterans First delivers to Veteran-Owned Businesses regardless of their stage of growth. Veteran-Owned Businesses are invited to exhibit or sponsor the annual VetOHIO Expo, to participate in networking opportunities, to access resources and to make valuable connections.”
Steve Lancianese is generous and humble. He is intentional with his time, both personally and professionally. “I want to contribute and to make a positive impact on others. As a Commander in the U.S. Army, I learned that the strength of an organization is built through the team and the culture.” Steve is proud to support the Veteran Community as that is who he is. “Joining the Army shaped my life. It is important to cultivate and appreciate your relationships, to embrace opportunities to meet new people, to listen to others and to understand the value of hard work.”
