The National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA) is an organization with a history dating back to 1946. In the aftermath of World War II, many veterans earned state and federal benefits which required coordinated efforts to ensure veterans received these entitlements. Thus, states developed a department or agency specifically to manage veterans’ affairs and carry out the responsibility for veteran services and programming.
NASDVA was formed to connect the leaders of these agencies in order to:
- foster the effective representation of persons claiming entitlements on account of the honorable military service of any person as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101;
- provide a medium for the exchange of ideas and information;
- facilitate reciprocal state services;
- secure uniformity, equality, efficiency, and effectiveness in providing services to veterans and their family members in all states and territories; and
- maintain an interest in all veteran legislation.
The NASDVA members represent all fifty states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Nationally, we are the second largest provider of services to veterans and our roles continue to expand.
State directors as leaders of governmental agencies are tasked by their respective governors, state boards and/or commissions with a the responsibility to address the needs of veterans regardless of age, gender, era of service, military branch or circumstance of service. Collectively, states contribute more than $6 billion annually in service of our nation’s veterans and their families. We are connected by the bonds of honorable service and united by our common goal to make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.
NASDVA President
Tim Sheppard- Wyoming Veterans Commission Executive Director
Tim retired from the Army after a distinguished 40-year career, during which he served as the Chief of Staff for the Wyoming Army National Guard and the commander of Camp Guernsey, Wyoming. As an Army Engineer, he took great pride in completing construction projects throughout Wyoming and across the globe. While leading Camp Guernsey, he developed and implemented a strategic plan that transformed the camp into a world-class training facility.
Currently, Tim serves as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission. In this role, he is especially proud to have established impactful initiatives such as the Veterans Talking to Veterans program (VTTV) and the Veterans Feeding Veterans program (VFV).
Tim is deeply involved in his community and holds leadership roles in several organizations. He is a distinguished past governor for the Rocky Mountain District of Kiwanis and serves as president of the board of directors for Raising Readers in Wyoming. Additionally, he is the vice president of the board for the Cheyenne After School for Kids program and a past president of the board for the Cheyenne YMCA. Tim also contributes as a regional director for the First Lady’s Wyoming Hunger Initiative (WHI).
A graduate of Leadership Wyoming in 2007, Tim currently serves as its immediate past chairman of the board. He also participated in the Wyoming Academy 2024, a collaborative effort between Leadership Wyoming and the Wyoming Business Council.
Tim is a dedicated family man, married with seven children, including two sets of back-to-back twins. He has a deep love for the Green Bay Packers, cycling, general fitness, and reading. His life’s work reflects a commitment to service, community, and continuous personal and professional growth.
Executive Committee
| Position | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| President | Tim Sheppard | Wyoming |
| Sr. Vice President | Terry Prince | Illinois |
| Jr. Vice President | Patrick Farrell | Virgin Islands |
| Secretary | Mark Tscampl | Idaho |
| Treasurer | Lonnie Wangen | North Dakota |
| Historian | Gary Harter | Utah |
District Vice Presidents
| District | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Kasim Yarn | Rhode Island |
| Southeast | Patrick Farrell | Virgin Islands |
| Midwest | Brad Lindsay | Minnesota |
| Southwest | Patricia Ross | Georgia |
| Far West | David Puente Jr. | Washington |
Past Presidents
| Year | Name | State |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | Dennis Wimer | Indiana |
| 2023-2024 | James S. Hartsell | Florida |
| 2022-2023 | Wanda Wright | Arizona |
| 2021-2022 | Thomas Palladino | Texas |
| 2019-2021 | John Hilgert | Nebraska |
| 2018-2019 | Alfie Alvarado-Ramos | Washington |
| 2017-2018 | Verdie Bowen | Alaska |
| 2016-2017 | Randy Reeves | Mississippi |
| 2015-2016 | David Brasuell | Idaho |
| 2014-2015 | Lonnie Wangen | North Dakota |
| 2013-2014 | Clyde Marsh | Alabama |
| 2012-2013 | Jim Willis | Oregon |
| 2011-2012 | David Fletcher | Arkansas |
| 2010-2011 | Linda Schwartz | Connecticut |