We have seen a few staff changes over the last few months at the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and would like to introduce you to two fresh faces that will be working to support our members across the state.

Samantha “Sam” Norman is our new Program Support Specialist. Sam will be supporting Governmental Relations meetings, the policy development process, and the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation AgPAC. She will also be supporting fundraising staff for the Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) with their fundraising efforts. Sam obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Tech. She holds a master’s degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics and a bachelor’s degree in Animal and Poultry Science. Sam grew up on a draft horse and mule farm in Baltimore County, Maryland. Currently she and her husband Brian reside on a farm in New Kent County where they are raising their son Walter. Sam still enjoys her draft horses and mules on their farm in Quinton where she rides and drives as much as possible. Sam shared she is excited to join the governmental relations team!

Elijah Griles is our new Commodity Specialist in the Agriculture, Development & Innovation Department. Elijah was born and raised on a small cow/calf farm in Amelia County. Whether cutting hay, working calves, or simply going for a stroll through the pasture in the evening, he loves being in nature and working with all creatures. A 2019 graduate of Virginia Tech he is also a dyed in the wool Hokie. Completing degrees in both Theatre Arts and Animal and Poultry Sciences, Elijah was often asked how he could possibly combine the two. At graduation he revealed that he did so by serving as the HokieBird, Virginia Tech’s beloved mascot. He is excited to work with members and use his background to tell the story of Farm Bureau in his new position in the Department of Agriculture, Development, and Innovation. When not doing something agriculture related, he loves playing music, backpacking, rock climbing, and doing anything outdoors with people that he loves. Although Virginia will always be home, he finds a way to go to some faraway place from time to time, having visited 47 states and 7 countries. He can’t wait to see where Farm Bureau takes him!

We hope you will soon be able to meet and work with both Sam and Elijah! We are excited about their joining our team and all that the future brings with their support of our members and all Virginia agriculture and forestry!