Our Board
We are one of the first local food cooperatives in the country in which the producers, consumers and staff are all equal owners. Our Board of Directors brings these three categories of owners together along with an 'at-large' position to represent the co-op.
By including three different stakeholder groups (producers, consumers and staff) in the decision-making structure of our operations, we are aiming to expand the understanding and respect of each stakeholder group so that each group can benefit the others. This structure reflects our belief that “We're All in This Together”.
Meet your Board Members:
Chairman of the Board: Ben Priest
Ben is the son of Gary and Jane Priest of Priest Family Farm. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University and has come back to the Sandhills to help run the family farm. That amazing asparagus in the first Spring boxes--yes, they grow it! Ben is also a farmer representative.
Farmer Representative: Mary Beth Jackson
Mary Beth Jackson of White Hill Farms. (bio coming)
Consumer Representative: Rachel Cunningham
Born and raised in the Sandhills, Rachel Cunningham was a member of the Cooperative when it first started. After the military took her and her family to the West Coast and back over the course of 7 years, she returned to the Sandhills with eager enthusiasm to encourage a new generation of volunteers, farmers and agriculture aficionados to join the dynamic agricultural community in and around Moore County. Rachel understands the value our farmers bring to the table. She has been one of the youngest Moore County residents to obtain her Master Gardening Certifications through the Moore County Agricultural Department in Carthage. She also holds a BFA in Photography from Savannah College of Art and Design.
Consumer Representative: Amy Dahl (Treasurer)
Consumer Representative and Cooperative board Treasurer Amy Dahl has been a subscriber for eight years. She founded the Vass Gathering Site and served as Gathering Site Coordinator there for three years. Our resident scientist, Amy has a Master’s Degree in science from Cambridge University and a doctorate in chemistry from Stanford. Formerly a research scientist and university professor, Amy ran her own dog training and boarding business here in the Sandhills for 20 years before returning to teaching science at North Moore High School.
Staff Representative: Mandy Davis (Secretary)
Mandy brings experience in farmers markets and farm operations to the Cooperative since 2017. Mandy is currently the Managing Director for Sandhills Farm to Table and native to Moore County. She has worn many hats throughout her time with the Cooperative from volunteer to online store packing, gathering site coordinator and online artisanal market manager, customer service and more. She communicates with our local farmers and artisans to curate the produce boxes.
If you would like to speak with any of our Board Members, or if you would be interested in a position on the board of Sandhills Farm to Table, please email info@sandhillsfarm2table.com
