Executive Director, USAF VETERAN

As the Executive Director of Growing Veterans, Cody is dedicated to expanding the organization’s reach, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing programs that support veteran reintegration and well-being. His vision is to develop sustainable initiatives that empower veterans through agriculture, peer support, and mental health advocacy, ensuring long-term impact for both veterans and the broader community.

Cody brings a wealth of leadership experience from his service as a Pararescueman in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserves from 2008 to 2020, during which he deployed to the Horn of Africa, Turkey, and Afghanistan. Following his military career, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is completed a Master’s in Integrative Health Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Under Cody’s leadership, Growing Veterans will strengthen its agricultural programs, enhance mental health resources, and foster a supportive network that empowers veterans to thrive in civilian life. His commitment to community-building and integrative health will drive the organization’s growth, ensuring that veterans continue to find purpose, healing, and connection through meaningful work.

Farm Manager, US ARMY Veteran

Thomas is an Army Veteran who separated from the military in November, 2018.  During his service he was stationed at JBLM in Tacoma. He did one tour in Iraq and one tour in Syria. He spent 5 years in Phoenix, AZ before moving to Bellingham in May of 2024.  He began volunteering at Growing Veterans Lynden in June 2024 and as of January, 2025 is now the newest intern through the VA Work Study Program. He is also a student at Western Washington University studying Recreation and Leisure Management and Psychology. 

BOARD PRESIDENT

Jessi is a USAF Veteran. She served as a Flightline Crew Chief working on C-130's, C-17's, and ended on KC-135's. After the military, she went to school for Radiology, and has worked in that field for 10 years. She is also a Realtor and Military Relocation Professional specializing in guiding fellow veterans through their real estate needs. She is passionate about educating veterans on the benefits of the VA home loan. Jessi has herself benefited from the dirt therapy and peer support provided by Growing Veterans and is dedicated to helping them "keep growing" in return.

BOARD VICE PRESIDENT

Connor is an Army veteran, a National Board Certified special education teacher, and an avid yard farmer. He came to Growing Veterans for the vegetables and camaraderie but stayed for the transformational mental health resources. Being involved with Growing Veterans has inspired him to “Keep Growing” as a teacher, father, husband, and community volunteer; and he’s honored to help carry the organization’s mission forward as a member of the board.

SECRETARY OF THE BOARD

Richard currently practices business law in Kirkland, WA. Prior to entering private practice he graduated from the University of Washington Law School & also received a degree in Business Administration from Western Washington University. Richard does various pro bono work for non-profit organizations and causes he feels passionate about.

BOARD TREASURER

Michael is a Marine Corps veteran with 20 years of organizational leadership & development experience in the public and private sectors. He currently serves as ED for farming incubator Viva Farms, and previously as the interim ED for Growing Veterans as well as the director of Helping Hands Food Bank.

COFOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER

Chris currently works as a PTSD counselor where he devotes his professional practice to healing combat veterans. Chris is a post 9/11 USMC veteran & Purple Heart recipient. He is an alum of both The Mission Continues & AmeriCorps. Chris remains involved on the farm & at the heart of our organization to this day.

Follow his journey & veteran advocacy on twitter at @UnshakenMe

BOARD MEMBER

Mike is a Vietnam War veteran having served in the amphibious Navy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at UMass Amherst and his Master’s in Agricultural Science at WSU. His career was in extension agriculture education in Northeast Washington and he also worked for the WSDA as a field inspector for USDA Organic certifications in Northwest Washington. He has served on several nonprofit and co-op boards and has continuously been a volunteer since Growing Veterans was founded. He brings knowledge of organic/sustainable agricultural production practices and years of perspective of GV history.

BOARD MEMBER

Bill, a Professor Emeritus at Western Washington University, designed and administered writing programs at 4 universities before moving to Bellingham. His father, a WWII and Korean vet, served in the 1st Marine Division, the Old Breed. Bill grew up four houses from Camp Lejeune and as a child met Chesty Puller three times. Since 2013 he has helped develop GV’s grant writing system. The Lynden farm is one of his favorite calming places in Washington. 

“I’m honored to help Growing Veterans build strong business partnerships and create a greater impact in our community. Growing Veterans Dirt Therapy and Peer Support Training have been monumental in my personal growing and healing since my retirement from the Guard. I look forward to continuing and developing opportunities for Veterans and Non-Veterans to make connections in their communities in hopes to end isolation that leads to suicide. ”

Logan was born and raised in Central Wisconsin, Logan enlisted in the Army National Guard shortly after September 11th, 2001. Logan served in the ARNG from 2002-2022 as both an Artilleryman and Food Supply Specialist. During his time in the Guard, he deployed twice to Iraq, was part of the Operation Jumpstart Border Mission, Hurricane Irma relief mission, and part of a COVID Relief mission. During his time in the ARNG Logan earned an A.A.S. in Nutrition from Glendale Community College and a B.A.S. in Special and Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.