About
Leading Harvest
Our Mission
Leading Harvest mobilizes the entire value chain through third-party audited standards, outcome-driven collaborations, and a learning network to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and resilient global agricultural system.
We envision a transparent, sustainable, and resilient global agricultural system, one that nourishes people, protects and restores nature, and delivers equitable value across the supply chain.
Our Team
-
Kenny Fahey
President and CEO
-
Maggie Eason
Manager, Operations
-
Scott Hansen
Director, Standards and Education
-
Rebecca Gildiner
Director of Strategic Programs
-
Scott Vokey
Legal and Governance Advisor
-
Claire Kneller
General Manager, Australia
-
Chris Blake
Chief of Staff
-
Chloe Boyd
Membership Coordinator, Australia
-
James Perrin
Business Development Manager, Australia
-
April Kappler
Membership Programs Manager
-
Amanda Raster
Senior Programs Manager
Board of Directors
Leading Harvest is governed by an independent Board of Directors with representation across social, environmental, and economic sectors. By representing diverse viewpoints across the agricultural landscape, the Board reflects the multiple interests that make up the agricultural community from farmers to food retailers, environmental NGOs, labor organizations, investors, and consumers.
-
Suzy Friedman
Senior Director of Food Policy
World Wildlife Fund -
Harrison Pittman
Center Director
National Agricultural Law Center -
Rupal Patel
Founder and Board Chair
California Harvesters -
Dr. Bruce J. Sherrick
Director of the TIAA Center for Farmland Research
University of Illinois -
Christine Daugherty
Vice President, Sustainability, Conagra Brands
-
John Piotti
President
American Farmland Trust -
Larry Selzer
President and Chief Executive Officer
The Conservation Fund -
Kenny Traynom
Chief Executive Officer
Landform Capital -
Peter Headley
CEO
Cottonwood Ag Partners -
Oliver S. Williams IV
Global Head of Agricultural Investments
Manulife Investment Management
Resource Group
The Resource Group at Leading Harvest plays a vital role in supporting the Board of Directors by providing research, insights, and informed feedback on key initiatives and projects. As an integral part of our governance structure, this group was created to assist Board members in fulfilling their responsibilities by offering expertise on technical matters and special projects.
-
Alyssa Go
Managing Director, Sustainability/Impact, RRG Capital Management
-
Bruce Sherrick
Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Director, TIAA Center for Farmland Research
-
Caroline Orlowski (Resource Group Co-Chair)
Managing Director, Cottonwood Ag Partners
-
Harrison Pittman
Center Director, The National Agricultural Law Center
-
John Piotti
Chief Executive Officer, American Farmland Trust
-
Suzy Friedman
Senior Director, Food Policy, WWF
-
Wade Needham (Resource Group Co-Chair)
Director, ESG & EHS, Fresh Country Farms
-
Anna deRoque
Sustainability Specialist, Conagra Brands
-
Holly Evers
Environmental Certification Manager, Manulife Investment Management
Independent Review Panel
The Independent Review Panel (IRP) is comprised of experts and advisors responsible for ongoing review of and reporting on the public-facing programs and procedures established by Leading Harvest. The IRP is intended to contribute to the transparency of Leading Harvest and to the overall long-term success of Leading Harvest in achieving its intended outcomes of agricultural sustainability.
Ready to lead the way?
Sign-up to receive updates on events, resources, and more.
Leading Harvest Releases New Guidance Document to Support Australian Almond Growers in Achieving International Sustainability Certification
“We need a new force in agriculture that brings us together with a unifying mission. Leading Harvest creates the necessary harmony that will accelerate collective action and lead to outcomes at scale.”
SUZY FRIEDMAN Leading Harvest Board Member, Social Chamber