Sara is the Regional Food Systems Director for the Del Norte & Tribal Lands Community Food Council, where she leads and manages high-impact regional food systems initiatives. Her work includes overseeing complex projects such as the Gather & Grow Food Hub development, as well as programs funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the United States Department of Agriculture. She also serves as a key liaison for external partnerships, representing the organization in regional networks and facilitating cross-sector collaboration to advance strategies for food access, infrastructure, and economic development.

Sara is an interstitionary and deep generalist with an extensive background in food systems planning, natural resources conservation, and the development and implementation of effective collaboratives and partnerships. Throughout her career, she has worked across the private sector, special districts, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.

She has a decades-long connection to the remote coastlines of Northern California and is passionate about strengthening and connecting food and agriculture economies from coast to crest. Sara is committed to building a truly regional food system network spanning Northern California and Southern Oregon that supports food sovereignty, regenerative landscapes, and resilient local economies.

Fun Fact: Sara also moonlights as a caterer and event planner, having worked alongside chefs who are passionate about local food. This work has taken her to many unique and remote places throughout the region.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Humboldt State University (2003)

• Master of Science in Urban & Regional Planning, University of Wisconsin–Madison (2008)