Team

Meet Our Team

Support Our Work

We are a farmer-centered organization welcoming all who wish to implement, expand, and support sustainable agricultural practices in the state of Alabama. We prioritize the perspectives of BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and other underrepresented farmers who root their livelihoods in sustainable agriculture. To move forward successfully, we partner with consumers, advocates, and other organizations committed to supporting the Alabama food system, sustainability, and environmental justice.

Network & Community

Connect with a statewide network of like-minded farmers, advocates, and supporters who share your commitment to sustainable agriculture and social justice.

Educational Resources

Access hands-on training, workshops, and practical resources designed to help you implement and expand sustainable farming practices.

Advocacy & Voice

Join a collective voice working to shape policies and systems that support sustainable agriculture and advance equity in Alabama’s food system.

Who We Are

Professional Team

Alan Gurganus

Executive Director

Rachel DeBose

Manager of Farmer Programs

Taylor Kiefer

Development & Community Engagement Manager.

Anslee Boyd

Food & Farm Forum Logistics Intern

Board Members

Elisa Muñoz

President

Food System Consultant – Elisa Muñoz Consulting, Huntsville

Sarah Bell

Vice-President

NRCS/Soil and Water Conservation District, Adamsville

Catherine Rider

Secretary

Freelance Writer and Teacher, Andalusia

Marie McGruder

Treasurer

McGruder Farms, Sawyerville

Holt Akers-Campbell

Alabama Cooperative Extension, Cullman

Emma Busby

Schoolyard Roots, Tuscaloosa

Phyllis Light

The Appalachian Center for Natural Health, Arab

Bob Nesbitt

Retired Banker & Commercial Broker, Birmingham

Gregory Smith

Smith’s Farm & Ranch, Tuskegee

Interested in Becoming an ASAN Board Member?

The ASAN Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that ASAN’s resources are used in the best possible manner by overseeing the annual budget, executive director, and organizational visioning and planning processes. Each board position is a three-year commitment requiring two to four hours of work per month.

As a board member, you will be expected to:

  • Maintain ASAN membership ($5/month for farmers, $10/month for non-farmers) through the length of your term.
  • Attend 75% of our every other month, 1.5-hour board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Attend an annual overnight, in-person board retreat (date and location TBD).
  • Raise or donate $300 over the course of your term, per ASAN’s “Give or Get” policy.
  • Participate in at least one board committee, such as finance, fundraising, governance, etc.
  • Be attentive, responsive, and accountable to email and other communication and work between meetings.
  • Be an ambassador and spokesperson for ASAN’s work and values and represent the organization positively in your community.