President/Chair of the Board

Derek Tillemans is U.S. Army Veteran and lifelong advocate for service members, Veterans, and First Responders. Throughout his career and personal life, Derek has dedicated himself to creating opportunities that honor the sacrifices of those who serve while strengthening connections within the community.

With a passion for sports as a tool for healing and resilience, Derek has been instrumental in launching Heroes League South and shaping its mission to equip Veterans, First Responders, and their families with resources, events, and experiences that foster camaraderie, recovery, and growth. His leadership combines military discipline with a collaborative, community-focused approach, ensuring that every program reflects the organization’s core values of integrity, service, and impact.

Derek’s vision is centered on building sustainable programs that bring people together, from youth camps and family events to large-scale tournaments that showcase both athleticism and solidarity. His commitment to empowering others and creating a legacy of service continues to guide Heroes League South’s growth and outreach across Texas and beyond.

Vice President/Vice Chair of the Board

Timothy L. Kellner is a retired U.S. Army Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO), decorated sniper, and the Co-Founder of Heroes League South. He is widely recognized for his expertise in marksmanship, leadership, and service under combat conditions. His military career gave him a deep understanding of the lasting challenges veterans face long after leaving the battlefield.

Since retiring from active duty, Tim has remained deeply committed to serving the veteran and first responder community in North Texas. He has volunteered his time and leadership to multiple DFW-based veteran organizations, supporting programs that foster mentorship, camaraderie, and healing opportunities. Through this work, he has become a trusted advocate for veterans and their families across the region.

At Heroes League South, Tim draws on his military background, leadership skills, and community relationships to shape programming and strengthen outreach. His mission is to ensure that veterans, first responders, and their families have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive whether on the ice, in sports, or throughout the community.

Treasurer/Chief Operations Officer

Candace Moehnke is a Navy widow and former Marine spouse whose life has been shaped by service and sacrifice. Her former spouse, a Marine combat veteran of Operation Desert Storm, faced the challenges of PTSD giving Candace a firsthand understanding of the struggles many military families endure.

She currently serves as the Internal Operations Manager for a Dallas-based company, where she brings expertise in compliance, organizational systems, and operational management. In addition, she co-founded Heroes League South, where she channels her passion for giving back into building programs that support veterans, first responders, government personnel, and their families.

With integrity, resilience, and a heart for service, Candace is dedicated to honoring sacrifice and strengthening communities through inclusive sports programs, outreach, and opportunities that help heroes and their families heal, connect, and thrive.