Veteran Community Support
The Strategic Growth Collective
The Growth Collective serves as the advisory body of Space Coast VMAC, guiding strategy, mentorship, and outreach across the agricultural community and veteran communities.
The Growth Collective will:
Engage and connect regionally with veteran farmers to build collaboration and community across the nation.
Identify and communicate key issues impacting veterans in agriculture, ensuring their needs and perspectives are represented.
Provide expert insight to support VMAC programs, partnerships, and veteran training initiatives.
Composed of 12 members representing one of the USDA production regions, these representatives serve as regional points of contact for veterans in agriculture. Your regional representative is here to listen, support, and bring forward your ideas, requests, and concerns as we work together to strengthen the future of American agriculture.
Board of Directors
Mr. Brian Nordman
Mr. Brian Nordman
Mr. Brian Nordman
As a Marine veteran, I have transitioned into the agricultural community, where I connect with fellow veteran farmers. Through the Space Coast VMAC, we share resources and support one another in our journey towards successful farming.
Ms. Flor Rios
Mr. Brian Nordman
Mr. Brian Nordman
Program Director Ms. Flor Rios graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, as a social scientist with a deep understanding of Indigenous storytelling and symbology. Captivated by the land’s mythic relationships, she explored what it means to be a human in space, what technologies we would carry, how new environments would shape
Program Director Ms. Flor Rios graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, as a social scientist with a deep understanding of Indigenous storytelling and symbology. Captivated by the land’s mythic relationships, she explored what it means to be a human in space, what technologies we would carry, how new environments would shape us, and how our stories would evolve. Currently, she is working on a Masters of Science in the department of human factors and behavioral neurobiology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Central Florida. Ms. Rios continues to expand her research in humans, agroecology in space, and the impact of agricultural communities on sustainability. Inspired by her NASA internship at Kennedy Space Center, she is dedicated to making science accessible through stewardship, education, and the development of the TLALOC-01 Science Fellowship, which supports veteran farmers and emerging leaders in the Space Coast VMAC.
Mr. Dan Rickter
Mr. Brian Nordman
Mr. Dan Rickter
AgTechnologist Dan Rickter is an agricultural technologist and former military logistical engineer dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems within the agricultural community through precision and innovation. With a background in operational planning and systems integration, he bridges defense engineering principles with agricultura
AgTechnologist Dan Rickter is an agricultural technologist and former military logistical engineer dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems within the agricultural community through precision and innovation. With a background in operational planning and systems integration, he bridges defense engineering principles with agricultural technology to improve efficiency, resilience, and resource management. At Space Coast VMAC, Dan applies his expertise to design scalable solutions that empower veteran farmers, strengthen local food networks, and align agricultural production with modern environmental and technological demands.