About Us

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Chair

Mark Lusk born and raised in Weatherford TX, is a highly dedicated U.S. Army veteran and seasoned professional who brings a wealth of leadership and diverse civilian experience to his role as Chairman of the Board for the North Texas Veteran Business Council (NTXVBC).

Mark's dedication to service began with his time in uniform. As a Military Police K9 Officer in the U.S. Army, he completed a critical deployment to Iraq, developing invaluable skills in leadership, discipline, and strategic execution under pressure. Prior to his military service, he also served his community as a Civilian Police Officer, demonstrating a career-long commitment to protection and community well-being.

Since transitioning from the military, Mark has excelled across several diverse sectors, including commercial glass, security, and sales. This broad background gives him a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities veterans face in the civilian marketplace.

For the past four years, Mark has focused his expertise in finance as a Mortgage Loan Officer with Pure Funding. This role leverages his problem-solving skills to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals, a perspective that is highly valuable in guiding the NTVBC's mission.

As a founder and leader of the NTVBC, Mark is passionate about the organization's core mission: empowering veterans to successfully launch, sustain, and grow their businesses. His experience helping establish the NTVBC has connected him with a robust network of community members and businesses eager to support the veteran community.

"Starting the VBC has been a profoundly rewarding experience. Our focus is to provide the tangible tools, resources, and mentorship necessary to translate military discipline into lasting business success for every veteran we serve."

Mark’s history of involvement with various nonprofit organizations underscores his belief in community building and shared success, making him a driving force behind the NTVBC's growth and impact in North Texas.

Vice Chair 

Cameron Jones is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, business owner, and dedicated advocate for the veteran community. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC), where he is passionate about supporting veteran-owned businesses, fostering meaningful connections, and helping fellow veterans thrive in life after military service.

Cameron served in the United States Air Force for 10 years as an F-16 Avionics Specialist, where he developed a strong foundation in discipline, precision, and teamwork while supporting mission-critical aircraft systems. 

Following his military service, Cameron continued his commitment to excellence through a tenured career at Lockheed Martin, working as a Product Support Engineer on the F-16 program, where he helped sustain and support one of the most iconic fighter platforms in the world.

After more than a decade in the defense industry, Cameron transitioned into entrepreneurship, co-founding Old Souls Ink in Weatherford, Texas alongside his wife, Stephanie. Old Souls Ink is a faith-driven, veteran-owned tattoo studio built on the values of integrity, service, craftsmanship, and community. Through the studio, Cameron has found a unique way to serve others—helping clients tell their stories through meaningful, custom artwork while creating a welcoming, purpose-driven environment.

Cameron’s passion for serving veterans extends beyond business. He is deeply committed to mentorship, advocacy, and community involvement, using both his professional experience and personal faith to encourage purpose, healing, and connection among those who have served. His role on the Board reflects his belief that when veterans support one another, stronger businesses—and stronger communities—are built.

Secretary

Amber Garretson retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years, 9 months, and 27 days of service as a Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist. A native of southeastern Washington State, she eventually found her way to Texas “when the Navy told her to transfer” and has proudly called it home ever since.

Amber’s career included tours aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV‑63) and USS Port Royal (CG‑73), where she strengthened her abilities in coordination, planning, and team development. In her final assignment, she served as the Senior Enlisted Leader for Naval Information Force Reserve, supporting the readiness and administration of more than 8,000 Navy Reserve Sailors nationwide.

After transitioning out of the military, Amber briefly enjoyed a lighthearted role in the Fabric Department at Hobby Lobby before seeking a career path that allowed her to support others more directly. She joined Workforce Solutions Weatherford in 2024, first guiding job seekers through resume writing, interviewing, and employment navigation, and later partnering with local employers to identify needs and connect them with workforce and training resources.

In 2025, Amber became the Operations Specialist for the Parker County Economic Development Council. In this role, she works closely with community partners, assists with business recruitment efforts, and helps showcase Parker County as a strong destination for new investment and job creation.

Amber’s combined experience in military operations, administration, workforce development, and economic growth provides a strong foundation for her role as Business Chair of the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC).

As the youngest member and the senior ranked veteran on the board, Amber loves serving both “annoying kid sister” and “Boss B!tch” energy to her big Brothers-in-Arms. While she can often be found awkwardly standing in the back of a networking event, with RBF and not knowing what to do with her hands, she will gladly jump into action if you need help or a resource.

Treasurer

Tiger Conniff is a proud U.S. Navy veteran, business owner, and committed advocate for the veteran community. He currently serves as Treasurer of the Board for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC), where he is dedicated to supporting veteran-owned businesses, strengthening financial stewardship, and fostering connections that empower veterans to succeed beyond military service.

Tiger followed a family legacy of service by enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served for four years. During his time in the Navy, he developed leadership, discipline, and resilience—values that continue to guide his personal and professional life.

After completing his military service, Tiger began his entrepreneurial journey by launching his first business in Granbury, Texas. He later expanded operations to Idaho before ultimately returning home to North Texas and settling in Parker County, where he continues to build and grow within the local community.

In 2016, Tiger and his wife, Hannah, founded Fathom Ink, a screen printing and promotional products company based in Brock, Texas. The business is proudly recognized by the Texas Veterans Commission and serves organizations throughout the region with high-quality branded apparel and promotional solutions.

Tiger’s passion for supporting veterans extends far beyond business ownership. He is deeply committed to giving back, mentoring fellow veterans, and advocating for opportunities that promote long-term success and community impact. Through his role as Treasurer on the NTXVBC Board, Tiger strives to ensure strong financial leadership while helping advance the Council’s mission of empowering veteran entrepreneurs across North Texas.

Programs Chair

Veteran • Entrepreneur • Community Leader

John Shepherd answered the call to serve his country in 1996, enlisting in the United States Army with an unwavering sense of duty. Standing over 6’10”, he required special authorization from the Surgeon General to enter service, an early reflection of both his uncommon stature and his determination to wear the uniform.

During basic training and Advanced Individual Training, John began experiencing severe pain and swelling in his right leg. Trusting in the discipline instilled in every soldier, he pressed on, later discovering he had been training on a fractured leg that had repeatedly broken and attempted to heal under the strain.

Following completion of his training, John suffered a catastrophic break that led to extensive medical intervention, including full quadriceps reconstruction and a prolonged period of rehabilitation. Despite his commitment and readiness to continue serving, his injuries ultimately made it impossible to fulfill his military career. He was medically discharged in 1999.

The years that followed brought continued challenges, including multiple joint replacements and chronic pain, lasting reminders of the sacrifice he made in service to his country. Yet through it all, John has carried forward the values forged during his time in the Army: resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Today, John is the co-owner of Shep’s and SALT Seafood & Steakhouse in Weatherford, Texas, where he and his wife, Jenn, have built more than restaurants, they have created gathering places rooted in community, hospitality, and service. A proud supporter of veteran initiatives, John remains deeply committed to honoring those who serve and strengthening the community he calls home.

Though his time in uniform was cut short, John Shepherd’s legacy of service continues, steadfast, enduring, and defined not by circumstance, but by character.

Civilian Liaison Officer

Meet Amme "Biscuit" O'Grady, a community advocate with a passion for connecting people and purpose. By day, Amme is an integral part of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, where she works to support local business vitality.

​Beyond the Chamber, she is deeply honored to serve as the Civilian Liaison Officer for the North Texas Veterans Business Council (NTXVBC). 

Known to many as "Biscuit," Amme brings a warm, approachable energy to her work, dedicated to helping veterans transition their leadership skills into the business world. Whether she’s at a ribbon-cutting or a veteran networking event, Amee is a champion for the people and businesses that make North Texas home.