Meet the faces behind Vet First, Inc.
Founders
Cierra and Michael Weatherly are entrepreneurs and philanthropists. They currently own and operate multiple companies across diverse markets and verticals, including technology, government, professional sports, real estate, viticulture, and agriculture. They met in high school in northeastern North Carolina and have known each other for over 25 years, 15 of which they have been married. They split time currently between Virginia Beach, VA and their farm winery in the Shenandoah Valley. They have two children (Sienna and Mylan) and a little Boston Terrier (Mia). They handle the day to operations at Vet First and coordinate with Jason Reid on planning, communication, logistics and delivery.
Vet First Inc. Farm Garden Manager – Skyline Meadows Farm-Rockbridge County, VA
Jason Reid is our Vet First Inc. Farm Garden Agriculture Manager at our Flagship Operation (Skyline Meadows Farm & Ecco Adesso Vineyards). Jason has an extensive background in farming; he and his family owned and operated their own farm in New Jersey before relocating to the area. Jason served in the Navy and has extensive experience in the areas of project management, supervision, training, coordination, strategic planning, administration, maintenance, operations, customer service, risk analysis, quality assurance, production control and logistical solution with global applications. He is our onsite leader for Vet First, has the best sense of humor, and can wrangle our sheep like no other.
Jason Reid is our Vet First Inc. Farm Garden Agriculture Manager at our Flagship Operation (Skyline Meadows Farm & Ecco Adesso Vineyards). Jason brings with him over twelve years worth of experience in regenerative agriculture, intensively-planted market garden systems, and livestock management.Jason is a husband, father, and avid homesteader who absolutely loves stewarding God’s land. He lives on his homestead in Rockbridge County with his wife, son, and dog where they raise meat birds, layers, katahdin sheep, and a plethora of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.A few fun facts: he is also a lifelong surfer, avid traveler, Tolkien fan, Spanish speaker, and a veteran of the US Navy who’s dedicated to growing and building resiliency in our local foodshed. Follow along on our farm adventures on our Rockbridge County Vet First Inc. Instagram page @vetfirstinc_lex & @vetfirstinc.
Jason Reid is our Vet First Inc. Farm Garden Agriculture Manager at our Flagship Operation (Skyline Meadows Farm & Ecco Adesso Vineyards). Jason brings with him over twelve years worth of experience in regenerative agriculture, intensively-planted market garden systems, and livestock management.Jason is a husband, father, and avid homesteader who absolutely loves stewarding God’s land. He lives on his homestead in Rockbridge County with his wife, son, and dog where they raise meat birds, layers, katahdin sheep, and a plethora of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.A few fun facts: he is also a lifelong surfer, avid traveler, Tolkien fan, Spanish speaker, and a veteran of the US Navy who’s dedicated to growing and building resiliency in our local foodshed. Follow along on our farm adventures on our Rockbridge County Vet First Inc. Instagram page @vetfirstinc_lex & @vetfirstinc.
Cheif AR&T (Aquisition, Research, & Technology) & AgVets Program Director
James Mershon serves as Chief AR&T (Acquisition, Research & Technology) and AgVets Program Director for Vet First Inc., leading strategic initiatives that integrate advanced technology development, government and commercial acquisition strategies, and veteran-focused agricultural innovation.
In this dual leadership role, he directs research, partnership development, and technology transition efforts designed to accelerate the deployment of emerging solutions across defense, agriculture, and dual-use technology sectors. He works closely with government agencies, industry partners, academic institutions, and venture stakeholders to identify opportunities, secure funding pathways, and guide programs from concept through operational implementation.
As AgVets Program Director, Mr. Mershon oversees initiatives that empower military veterans through agriculture, technology training, and entrepreneurial pathways. The program focuses on creating sustainable agricultural ventures and workforce opportunities by leveraging modern ag-technology, research collaborations, and mission-driven partnerships.
With more than three decades of experience across technology development, business strategy, and program leadership, Mershon specializes in:
• Government and commercial acquisition strategy and contracting pathways
• Technology scouting, research coordination, and innovation pipelines
•¤Public–private partnerships and venture collaboration
• Dual-use technology transition from research to operational deployment
• Veteran workforce development through agricultural and technology programs
Through these efforts, he helps position Vet First initiatives at the intersection of national security innovation, sustainable agriculture, and veteran economic empowerment, advancing solutions that strengthen both communities and mission capabilities. You can find James at both farm garden locations and he leads the AgVets Education classes at our Williamsburg locations.
Bee Keeper – Williamsburg Winery Farm Apiary
Deb Harman is our Airforce veteran bee keeper at the Williamsburg farm garden location. Deb has been successfully trained under the Vet program, Hives for Heroes, and has shared her knowledge to other veterans, skill bridge interns, and volunteers. The farm harvests the local honey and sells it at the onsite winery, The Williamsburg Winery, and also the sister farm location and winery at Ecco Adesso Vineyards. All proceeds go back to Vet First Inc.
For more information email jmershon@vetfirstinc.com
