Our Associates

This Is Who We Are.

Our associates possess the diverse skillset and drive to meet any challenge.

Our associates have years of combined experience in the fields of analysis, management, training, development, infrastructure support, modeling, and simulation. Beyond their experience, they also have the drive and care to meet the needs of each program they tackle. Read more about the leadership that makes The ASTA Group so successful.

Dr. Linda Brent

Owner/Chief Executive Officer, The ASTA Group, LLC

Dr. Brent started her career in special education after earning a BA in Education, an MS in Psychology, and finally an Ed.D. She then taught for many years at the university level in teacher education and training and development in business. Dr. Brent has about 25 years of past experience operating government-oriented businesses. In 2007, she created The ASTA Group where she currently provides strategic vision and leadership for the company. 

Beyond her role at The ASTA Group, Dr. Brent lends support as a staff for the National Training and Simulation Association (NTSA) with responsibilities for Strategic Planning. At NTSA, she is a member of the I/ITSEC Conference Planning Committee, a liaison to the Modeling and Simulation Congressional Caucus on Capitol Hill, and the Chair of the National Committee for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.

Additionally, Dr. Brent is actively involved in a number of national and international organizations that support the defense and educational solutions industry. For example, she has held faculty and research positions at several leading universities and colleges, teaching courses in research design, human learning, training design, and human factors. Dr. Brent has also been a research associate for the US Air Force in neural networking and adult learning/task management. 

Rob Denmon

Director of Operations, The ASTA Group, LLC

Robert is an Air Force Veteran who served as an F-15 Avionics Technician and Technical Instructor before retiring in July 1995. He was stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida; Langley AFB, Virginia; Bitburg, Germany; and Lowry AFB, Colorado before finishing his time in the military at Shepard AFB, TX. Following his Air Force career, Robert worked in the Technical Staffing industry from 1996 to 2011 in the field of Business Development, servicing clients throughout the Southeast region. After this, he moved into the Residential Construction industry, assuming a role in Project Management from 2011 to 2019. Since July 2019, he has been with The ASTA Group, LLC, in the role of Training and Operations Manager. He is excited to once again provide service DOD and Military clients.

Robert has a daughter, Ashley, who works in the medical field and a son, Brandon, who is in his final phase of his 20-year Air Force career as a structural/ composites aircraft professional supporting the B1, F-22, and the F-35 aircraft. He is blessed with seven grandchildren, four boys and three girls, who live in Florida and Alaska.

Donna Hobbs

Staff Accountant, The ASTA Group, LLC

Donna Hobbs is a Staff Accountant at The ASTA Group where she tracks and executes the accounting duties for our fast-paced and constantly growing business.  Donna has expertise using her Computer Information Science training to update and create accounting and purchasing systems for small businesses.  In her spare time, she volunteers with her local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) chapter in Northwest Florida and participates in local community outreach services.

Erica Haglund

Training Systems Architect, The ASTA Group, LLC

Erica Haglund is a Training Systems Architect with The ASTA Group, where she designs courseware and training. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Instructional Technology, working on her dissertation looking at traditional instructional systems design models and the changing technological landscape. She holds a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, along with Bachelors in both English Education and English, Professional Writing and Publishing. She is the Communications Director for the Central Florida chapter of Women in Defense.  Previously, she taught high school English, speech and debate, and gifted. Erica also serves as the Focused Workshop lead on the National Training and Simulation Association committee for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.  Erica now leverages her instructional background in her instructional design work at ASTA. When she is not working, Erica enjoys reading and exploring everything Central Florida has to offer.

Have a question about our capabilities or potential business opportunities? Feel free to contact us!