EBA Welcomes New President and Regional Directors
Following a productive Winter Conference, the EBA is excited to announce Liz Riffle as its new President, alongside the appointment of new Regional Directors, ushering in a fresh chapter for the organization.
EBA Board of Directors
Liz Riffle
President
Riffle Farms
U.S. Navy veteran Liz Riffle raises grass-fed and finished bison in West Virginia. Riffle Farms was the first commercial bison operation in the state, and also the first to field harvest animals for state certified commercial sale. Liz is passionate about meat transparency, humane practices, and holistic management.
Carie Starr
Chairman of the Board
Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch
Carie Starr is the co-owner of Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch. She and her husband, Jarrod, began bison ranching in 2008. Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch (CVBR) directly markets their grass fed bison meat to consumers as well as wholesale markets. They offer tours, events, and on farm camping in tipis.
In addition to serving as a mentor for FACT, WFAN, and Rural Action organizations, Carie has served on a number of boards of directors including the National Bison Association and is currently serving as the Chairman of the Board of the Eastern Bison Association.
Herb Grove
Vice President
Brush Mountain Bison
Herb’s Farm, Brush Mountain Bison, is a multi-generational family operation located near Brush Mountain. Founded in 2011 with a small initial herd, the farm has grown significantly through networking and participation in the Eastern Bison Association. Herb innovatively integrated hemp byproducts into his bison feed, observing improved animal health and meat quality.
Nick George
Secretary/Treasurer
Coyote Run Bison
First generation farmer Nick George started his adult career running automotive related businesses prior to finding his true passion, bison. With help from his wife and family Nick built the farm from the ground up to where he currently raises bison, horses, miniature donkeys, chickens, and cattle dogs. Nick is continuously studying regenerative farming practices focused on enhancing soil health and environmental systems which in turn helps improve animal health.
Region 1
Tupper Sverduk
The Bison Farm
Growing up on his parent’s bison farm in Northeastern, PA, Tupper has been around bison for most of his life. He has been involved with the association since childhood and has been a member since February 2002. Since then, Tupper has shown animals in the EBA Winter Show and Sale for 22 consecutive years and has been awarded Producer of the Year for 12 of those years. He has served as the EBA President, Chairman of the Board and Region I Director. Tupper graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Animal Science and Agriculture Business. Currently, he raises bison on his farm in Mount Wolf, PA with his wife and three children, where they enjoy marketing their meat through local farmer’s markets and wholesale customers. In 2019, ‘The Bison Farm’ was formed out of a life-long passion for farming. Branching off from 191 Livestock Company, The Sverduks have transitioned their farm’s business model from simply production to retail and wholesale sales. They always knew they wanted to be involved with the local community and share with them how great bison is. After pondering a farm name for quite some time, the Sverduks finally decided to call it what everyone had been calling them since they brought bison to their little town of Mount Wolf, ‘The Bison Farm
David Sverduk
The Buffalo Shoppe, Inc
David Sverduk from Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania has been raising bison for 36 years. A member of the EBA since 1996, David has served as Chairman of the board, President, Vice President and Director of the EBA. He also served for seven years as Director of the National Bison Association. For 25 years David, owner of Bison Services was a full-time bison farm consultant. He currently is semi retired and only works part time with a few select farms. The rest of the time he raises bison and Registed Fullblood Chianina cattle. For the last several years, at least 1/3 of the Fullbloods registered in the US were bred at David’s farm
Region 2
Stacy Nofziger
Bracy Gold Bison
Stacy Nofziger, co-founder of Bracy Gold Bison Ranch in Swanton, Ohio, brings a passion for animals, coupled with her degree in Zoology and experience as a veterinary technician. She is dedicated to raising animals humanely and restoring the land with native bison. Stacy actively participates in regional and national bison associations to stay informed and share knowledge and strives to create a healthy environment for her animals, family, and community.
Gene Maddox
JJ Bison
For more than two decades, Gene Maddox has dedicated himself to bison ranching. Gene's love for his herd, as well as the hands-on involvement of his daughters and even grandchildren, reflects a deep-rooted passion for these magnificent animals and the land they roam. His commitment to a grain-supplemented, grass-fed diet ensures the bison's health and well-being.
Region 3
Bourbon County Bison
James Lewis of Bourbon County Bison brings his passion for animal science and sustainable agriculture to the Eastern Bison Association. With a Master's in Animal Science, James began raising bison in 2020. James is committed to providing high-quality bison products and educating his community about the health benefits of bison meat and the animal's historical significance to Kentucky.
