Reporter’s Notebook: New nonprofit executives, and maybe some local government kumbaya - Saporta Report

The Food Well Alliance, a collaborative network of growers, community and city leaders seeking to build thriving community gardens and urban farms, named Kate Conner as its new executive director.

Conner, who has served as the organization’s senior director of strategic development, stepped in as interim executive director in September after the departure of Kim Karris.

Prior to joining the Food Well Alliance, Conner served as director of development and marketing at Trees Atlanta for nearly nine years. Previously, she served eight years in various roles at Piedmont Park Conservancy, including as its director of development.

“I am thrilled for this incredible opportunity to lead Food Well Alliance as we head into a new era,” Conner said.

Her number one priority will be to work with Westside Future Fund to complete the Phase 1 renovation of a community center and local food hub located at 970 Jefferson St., a former home of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

“This will be a place for Westside community members and organizations to come together and strengthen the movement while serving the Westside and beyond.”

Completing and launching a new five-year strategic plan is also at the top of her list.

“We are excited to welcome Kate as our new executive director,” said Bill Bolling, board chair of the Food Well Alliance. “She has the passion, experience, commitment and leadership skills to lead Food Well Alliance and support the local food movement. She will build on a strong foundation of work the organization has achieved in its first five years.”

David Jackson, a Food Well Alliance board member who is a senior advisor on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s community and economic development team, agreed.

“We’re really fortunate to have Kate,” Jackson said. “Her prior experience with significant nonprofits like Trees Atlanta and Piedmont Park Conservancy is going to help us grow. I look forward to working with Kate and the local food community to make a meaningful impact for the health of metro Atlanta.”

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