Nikeya Thomas joined our board in April 2023 and serves on the board Loan Review Committee, advising on loans applications greater than $50,000. She currently works as the Industrial Hemp Program Coordinator with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Ms. Thomas earned a bachelor’s of science in Food Science and Nutrition from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University in 2012. In addition, she earned a master’s degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Biosecurity and Agricultural Life Sciences in 2017.  She’s worked in Food Science and Food Safety for over 10 years and currently works with farmers to provide regulatory guidance and assistance and aid in developing their crop into food products. Prior to this, she began in the food industry by way of manufacturing companies. She is a published author of nationally recognized research by way of The International Food Protection training Institute in 2017. She’s worked with the Food and Drug Administration on national recalls and research of food borne illness outbreaks. Ms. Thomas is well versed in food safety protocols and regulations from farm to table, and is excited to engage with our work to support transformation and equal access in regional foodsheds.