NIC JOHNSTON | president

Nic Johnston’s journey with ValorFit began over five years ago while coaching at a gym in Iowa. It was there that he first connected with Troy and the mission of ValorFit, sparking a deep passion for supporting veterans both inside and outside the gym. From day one, Nic was driven to make a difference in the lives of those who had served, and his work with veterans quickly became a defining part of his career.

In 2021, Nic’s career in the fitness industry took a major leap when he joined forces with Shane Orr and Tia-Clair Toomey as PRVN Fitness was born. Starting as a coach, he quickly rose through the ranks, and within just two years, Nic assumed the role of CEO. Under his leadership, PRVN Fitness has grown into one of the fastest-growing brands in the fitness space, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation.

Despite his success at PRVN, Nic has remained committed to ValorFit’s mission, ensuring that his efforts continue to support and uplift veterans across the country. His dedication to building community, fostering resilience, and helping veterans find strength through fitness makes him a perfect fit for the ValorFit Board of Directors.

Troy peterson | executive director

Troy Peterson was born and raised in central Iowa, graduating from Johnston High School in 2001. Troy was enrolled in DMACC in September of 2001 when the attacks on September 11th took place. Troy had been speaking with an Army recruiter before the attacks took place and signed an Active Duty contract almost immediately. Troy went to basic training in Ft. Sill, OK as a 13B Cannon Crewmember. After basic training Troy was assigned to B Battery 1st Battalion 82nd Field Artillery with the First Cavalry Division at Ft. Hood, TX. Troy’s unit trained spent 2 years training for Iraq and was deployed to southeast Baghdad in March of 2004. Troy received the Purple Heart Medal while in Iraq and returned home in March of 2005. Troy received an Honorable Discharge in 2006 and went to work for the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in Austin, TX until 2008. That is when his struggles with mTBI and PTSD took over his life. For the next 7 years Troy became and lived the life of a drug addicted alcoholic. His addictions left him lost and scared and on July 30, 2015, Troy attempted suicide. Knowing he didn’t want to live the life of an addict anymore Troy took the advice from his wife Tiffany and joined CrossFit Waukee, and that is when his life was changed forever and the truth behind ValorFit was created. Troy Currently lives in Winterset, IA with his wife Tiffany and 2 sons Tucker and Truitt.

alison vice | secretary

Alison Vice lives in Indianola, IA with her husband, Jake, and two kids, Hayden and Halle. Alison attended Grand View University, gained experience in the corporate world, and currently owns and manages a concrete company. She started CrossFit at 30 as a busy mom and business owner and understands that mental health benefits that come from a strong gym community can outweigh the physical (which is just a great side effect). Alison believes in the core values and the mission of ValorFit and knows that a positive gym community can change your life. She is thrilled to help grow the organization nationally to improve as many Veteran lives as possible!

tracy youmans | treasurer

Tracy Youmans grew up in central Iowa and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with an Accounting degree, receiving her CPA certification in 1999. She spent the first seven years of her career in public accounting in Texas and returned to Iowa in 2005. She currently works at Berkshire Hathaway Energy as a Director of Process Improvement for the finance organization. When Tracy joined Crossfit 50211 in 2018, she quickly realized the physical and mental health benefits the CrossFit community provides. She met Troy Peterson and was inspired by his story and the ValorFit mission. After meeting other veterans within the ValorFit program and seeing first-hand the benefits it provides, she was excited to offer her expertise to the organization. Tracy and her husband Damon live in Norwalk with their youngest son Brock and their two older sons live nearby in Indianola.