Farmer Veteran Coalition Adds 3 New Board Members
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.
These new members bring diverse expertise in agriculture, education, military service, and public leadership, furthering FVC’s mission to support veterans in agricultural careers.
The FVC Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s strategic vision. Board members contribute through leadership, advocacy, and representation, helping to strengthen the national movement that assists veterans transitioning into farming and ranching.
“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. Based in Middlebury, Vermont, he brings decades of experience in agricultural equipment and public service, including leadership roles in local government and dairy advocacy.
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.
Ellis is an expert in national security and agriculture’s role in supply chain resilience. She and her husband also run a regenerative cattle farm in Arizona.
Liz Riffle, a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran, is a leader in regenerative agriculture and the bison industry. She owns Riffle Farms in West Virginia and The Honest Carnivore in Virginia.
Riffle also serves as President and acting CEO of the Eastern Bison Association and sits on the board of the National Bison Association.
These leaders will help shape the future of veteran-led agriculture as FVC continues to grow its impact nationwide.