By Jamie Martin
The National Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) has announced the addition of three accomplished individuals to its Board of Directors: Brian Carpenter, Alicia Ellis, and Liz Riffle.
Their extensive backgrounds in agriculture, education, military service, and leadership are expected to contribute significantly to FVC’s mission of helping veterans build careers in agriculture.
The Board of Directors serves an essential function by providing strategic guidance, advocacy, and oversight as FVC works to support military veterans transitioning into farming and ranching. With this expanded leadership team, the organization is poised to advance its national efforts more effectively.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Brian Carpenter, Alicia Ellis, and Liz Riffle to the Farmer Veteran Coalition Board of Directors,” said Jeanette Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer of FVC. “Together, their leadership will strengthen our ability to serve the Farmer Veteran community. We look forward to the impact they will have as we continue to grow and support our Farmer Veterans.”
Brian Carpenter, a retired Vermont Army National Guard member, is the Owner and General Manager of Champlain Valley Equipment, which operates agricultural dealerships in Vermont and New York.
Carpenter also has a strong public service record, serving as Chair of Middlebury’s Selectboard and as a leader with the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance.
Dr. Alicia Ellis, a former U.S. Air Force officer, is the Director of the Master of Arts in Global Security at Arizona State University. Her work focuses on economic statecraft and agricultural security in supply chains. Ellis also runs a regenerative cattle farm in Arizona with her husband.
Liz Riffle, a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps, is a leader in regenerative agriculture and the bison industry. She owns Riffle Farms in West Virginia and The Honest Carnivore in Virginia. Riffle holds leadership positions with the Eastern Bison Association and the National Bison Association.
Their collective expertise will help shape the future of veteran-led agriculture across the United States.
Photo Credit: farmer-veteran-coalition
Categories: National