Operation Homefront Executive Staff

Jim Knotts, President/CEO: A former Air Force public affairs officer and veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Jim served for two years on Operation Homefront’s national board of directors. He chaired the fundraising committee, which raised more than $30 million in support of the organization’s efforts on behalf of military families. Prior to accepting the position with Operation Homefront, Knotts served as director, corporate citizenship, at Lockheed Martin headquarters in Bethesda, Md. In that capacity, he led the corporation’s efforts in philanthropy, community involvement, education outreach and volunteer activities. In addition, he served as director for Web communications, where he was responsible for the company’s public web presence.

Tim Farrell, Chief Operating Officer: Farrell is a retired Air Force officer with more than 23 years of service. His three combat tours span Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn. In his final combat tour, he commanded the joint base defense force which secured Iraq's largest and most diverse array of aircraft, Army logistics assets and combat troops. He has served in multiple operational and headquarters leadership positions; commanded two Air Force squadrons and two Air Force groups; and has a strong background in training, organizational development and strategic planning. Farrell has been awarded three Bronze Star Medals and the Legion of Merit.

Very quickly upon military retirement, Farrell became a sought-after nonprofit leader in South Texas, serving as a planning committee member for the San Antonio Clean Technology Forum and Mission Verde Alliance, and in his first post-Air Force career role as Chief Operating Officer of the San Antonio Children’s Museum. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University.

Amy Palmer, Chief Developoment Officer: Palmer is responsible for fundraising, development, and corporate relations for Operation Homefront nationwide. She has served in a variety of leadership positions at the organization since August 2004, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Programs and Field Operations Officer, and Interim Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining Operation Homefront, Amy was the executive director and founder of the Armed Forces Foundation. She administered five state chapters of the foundation. Upon joining Operation Homefront, Amy’s organization was acquired by Operation Homefront, which expanded the organization from a San Diego charity to a national nonprofit organization. Palmer is an Air Force veteran, medically separated from the Air Force due to a back injury she suffered during the Gulf War. She was serving in the personnel career field at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., at the time of her separation in March 1996. After her separation, she returned to the same role as an Air Force civil service employee, where she remained until her husband’s military assignment transfer to Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M. After a four-year assignment in New Mexico, the family relocated to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., then to San Antonio in 2005 when Amy's husband was assigned to Randolph Air Force Base and subsequently to Lackland Air Force Base.

Laura Yzaguirre, Chief Financial Officer: Yzaguirre has a degree in accounting and general business from St. Edward’s University, and graduated with a master of science degree in business administration from Kennedy-Western University. Prior to being appointed as Operation Homefront's CFO, she served as CFO with the San Antonio Area Red Cross for nine years. During her tenure at Red Cross, she managed the San Antonio Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuation financial assistance process representing approximately $6 million and was one of the first members of the National Red Cross Finance Disaster Relief Team. Yzaguirre was one of 10 employees chosen to spearhead the redevelopment of Kelly Air Force Base, currently known as Port of San Antonio, and managed the development of the accounting department representing about $15 million in funding. Laura also worked with the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs for eight years in accounting and audit. There she established an accounting system to enhance operational efficiency that managed and tracked $100 million in federal funds and also spearheaded a department audit that found approximately $1 million in misplaced federal funds.

Operation Homefront Executive Staff

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