The advantage of an extended tenure is you get to witness true change. After I began in 2004, there have been solely seven farmers markets in Georgia, the Nationwide Natural Program was two years outdated, and “native meals” was not a part of our vernacular. Because of an unimaginable group of passionate farmers, advocates, and companions, the native meals motion has grown and flourished in transformative methods.  There at the moment are 150 farmers markets, 150 Licensed Natural farms in Georgia, and extra Licensed Naturally Grown farms than in another state. Eighty-two % of Georgia households now buy natural meals frequently. Farm to highschool packages dot Georgia’s panorama, and there are inspiring efforts to justly assist Black and Brown farmers and mitigate the impacts of local weather change. 

You would say I had beautiful timing after I took this job, and that will be true. However I’ve additionally had the distinctive privilege of main and dealing alongside visionary and dedicated colleagues at Georgia Organics, and past, who’ve made this transformation occur.   

Positioning the group for the longer term is a problem I take critically, and thus I’ve been quietly engaged on succession planning the final two years. I’m assured that this planning, together with our robust management workforce, will enable our group to be steady in our mission, objectives, and execution. Our Board of Administrators and a newly fashioned search committee can be centered within the coming months on hiring a brand new Govt Director someday later this yr. A job description has been posted on our web site and can be circulated via varied retailers. Through the upcoming transition, I can be right here to assist the brand new Govt Director and our regional collective influence work in a President Emeritus position for a brief time period. Afterwards, I can be searching for new adventures in work and play. 

It isn’t simple stepping away from work that has been my coronary heart and soul for 20 years. I like this group and what we do, significantly our newer mission to spend money on natural farmers for the well being of the land and our communities. Georgia Organics has deeply formed me and cemented an everlasting respect for native and natural farmers who steward public and environmental well being. Irrespective of the place I am going, I’ll proceed to champion them. 

In case you are getting this letter, meaning you will have been a valued ally, supporter, good friend and/or mentor in my skilled and private journey. For that, I’m humbled and grateful for all that we now have completed collectively throughout the previous 20 years. 

Heat regards, 

Alice Rolls 
President & CEO