The National Veteran Business Development Council is entering a defining new chapter—one marked by strengthened leadership, strategic board restructuring, and an accelerated commitment to equipping veteran-owned businesses for success in an increasingly digital and global marketplace.
At the center of this evolution is a renewed focus on execution—turning readiness into results—and ensuring that certified veteran-owned businesses are not only prepared to compete, but positioned to win.
Strengthening Leadership and Governance
As part of its strategic path forward, NVBDC has implemented key leadership updates and a thoughtful restructuring of its Board of Directors to enhance governance, accountability, and long-term impact. These changes reflect a clear commitment to stability, clarity, and performance as the organization scales its national and global footprint.
A major milestone in this evolution is the appointment of Elaine M. Taylor as Executive Director. In this role, Taylor will work directly with the Board to drive operational alignment, expand partnerships, and execute on NVBDC’s strategic initiatives.
Her appointment signals a sharpened focus on growth and execution. As noted in the official announcement, Taylor brings more than 25 years of experience across defense, government, and nonprofit sectors, with a track record of aligning strategy with measurable outcomes and building high-impact relationships that drive results.
Working alongside Interim CEO John Oleson and Board Chair Jim Cowper, the leadership team is aligned around a clear objective: scale NVBDC’s impact while maintaining the integrity and trust that defines its certification.
Driving Digital Readiness Through Strategic Investment
Beyond leadership, NVBDC is doubling down on one of the most critical challenges facing veteran entrepreneurs today: digital readiness.
Through a major grant initiative led by Annette Stevenson, NVBDC is advancing a comprehensive effort to help veteran-owned businesses modernize, compete, and scale in today’s economy. This initiative is designed to deliver practical, actionable support across key areas that directly impact business growth:
- Understanding and leveraging AI tools for operational efficiency and market advantage
- Developing strong private-sector capability statements that resonate with corporate buyers
- Building export readiness and entering global markets with confidence
- Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks to meet corporate and government requirements
- Enhancing overall digital infrastructure and competitiveness
This initiative is not theoretical, it is execution-focused, aligning directly with NVBDC’s broader Digital Readiness Initiative and Services Committee programming.
From foundational training like Marketing 101 to advanced sessions on capability statements, exporting, and AI-driven growth strategies, NVBDC continues to deliver high-impact education that translates into real-world opportunity.
Expanding Global Access and International Certification
As global supply chains evolve, NVBDC is also expanding its international reach—ensuring veteran-owned businesses are not limited to domestic opportunities.
A key addition to this effort is Fernando Hernandez, a globally recognized leader in supplier diversity from The Coca-Cola Company, who is joining NVBDC to help expand its international certification strategy and global corporate engagement.
Hernandez brings unmatched experience, having led multi-billion-dollar supplier diversity programs at organizations like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and AT&T. His leadership will play a critical role in scaling NVBDC’s global initiatives and strengthening pathways for veteran-owned businesses to access international procurement opportunities.
This aligns directly with NVBDC’s recent efforts, including:
- Launching export strategy programming in partnership with the International Trade Administration
- Delivering export readiness financial training in collaboration with the Export-Import Bank of the United States
- Expanding global partnerships that open doors to international markets
The message is clear: NVBDC is not just preparing veteran-owned businesses for opportunity—it is actively building the pathways to access it.
From Readiness to Results
NVBDC’s evolution is grounded in a simple but powerful shift: moving from preparation to performance.
Through stronger leadership, strategic governance, targeted investment in digital readiness, and expanded global access, the organization is creating a comprehensive ecosystem where veteran-owned businesses can thrive.
This is about more than certification.
It is about connection.
It is about capability.
And ultimately, it is about outcomes.
As NVBDC continues to grow, one thing remains constant—its mission to ensure that veteran-owned businesses are recognized, trusted, and positioned to compete at the highest levels of the global economy.
And with the right leadership, the right strategy, and the right tools in place, the future is not just promising—it is actionable.
