ABOUT CVA

A message from our Executive Director:

Who We Are

We are veterans from every branch of uniformed services and every conflict from World War II to the Global War on Terror. We are the families of those who have proudly worn the uniform. We are patriotic citizens who value America’s ideals and are concerned about the fate of our country. We come from all walks of life and live in every community across America.

We are committed to the historical promise of our nation: that all Americans have an equal opportunity to pursue prosperity. Throughout our years of service and many deployments around the world, we have seen firsthand what happens when freedom and free markets are interfered with and fail. We know all too well that freedoms surrendered are rarely – if ever – regained. We know that veterans, service members and their families have unique experiences with and perspectives on the issues facing our country.

For this reason, we must rally again to serve as active citizens to elevate those experiences and perspectives to empower our fellow citizens and deliver solutions to shape a better American future.

CVA delivers people-empowering solutions rooted in liberty-based principles to tackle issues Americans face. By elevating veterans’ unique perspectives and trusted leadership, CVA builds engaged communities of veterans and activists equipped to inspire action, amplify concerned voices, and help improve American lives.

Our Team

John Vick

Executive Director

John Byrnes

Strategic Director

Herb Ford

General Counsel

Tyler Koteskey

Policy Director

Sarah Shriver Smothers

Communications Director

Kyle Buckles

Marketing Manager

Michael Nudo

Federal Legislative Liaison

Lauren Stewart

Senior Legislative Affairs Liaison

Brian Fay

Digital Organizing Manager

Kandace Raymond

Director of Grassroots

David Huston

Deputy Director of Grassroots

Chris Enget

Education Director

Leo Garcia

Strategic Director, Nevada

Michael Pichichero

Strategic Director, Ohio

William Huff

Strategic Director, Florida

Jessica Villarreal

Strategic Director, Texas

Luis Velazquez

Strategic Director, North Carolina

Adam Jahnke

Strategic Director, South Carolina

Jimmie T. Smith

Coalitions Director

William Thomas

Coalitions Director

Adam Miller

Grassroots Engagement Director, Ohio

Edrys Leyva

Grassroots Engagement Director, Florida

Josh Klatt

Grassroots Engagement Director, Ohio

Ryan Gerchman

Grassroots Engagement Director, Nevada

Tim Taylor

Grassroots Engagement Director, Arizona

Dawn Longie

Grassroots Engagement Director, Montana

Angela Jander

Grassroots Engagement Director, Texas

Ron Aksel

Grassroots Engagement Director, Virginia

Alexa Rice

Grassroots Engagement Director, Texas

Brittany Parks

Grassroots Engagement Director, Florida

Jenn DePew

Grassroots Engagement Director, South Carolina

LeRoy Hudson

Grassroots Engagement Director, Nevada

Thurman Ragsdale

Grassroots Engagement Director, Texas

Jessica Slankard

Grassroots Engagement Director, Ohio

Cody Frizzelle

Grassroots Engagement Director, North Carolina

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