Veterans biz center has new director

The New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) has named Richard Coffel as its new director.

Coffel had been serving as the VBOC veterans’ business adviser since 2014. As director, he will lead the veterans’ business development division of the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS).

Coffel replaces Joseph L. Long, who retired Dec. 23 after serving for five years as VBOC director.

Coffel has a strong business and business development background. He earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix and has owned and managed several small businesses with his wife. Coffel was previously a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist with the New Mexico Workforce Connection, helping disabled veterans find employment.

Coffel also brings a strong military background to his new position. He served for 26 years with the U.S. Air Force, including combat action during the Vietnam War, 18 years in the Pacific region and service with the military’s special operations community.

NMDVS Secretary Jack Fox said Coffel was selected after an intensive search that drew applications from several dozen candidates.

The VBOC was created to help entrepreneurial-minded veterans start or expand a small business. It was the first state-managed center in the nation created specifically to help veterans.

For more, call (505) 383-2402 or email richardl.coffel@state.nm.us.