Welcome Healing Soils new Executive Director, Sarah Franz!
The Healing Soils Foundation (HSF) proudly announces the appointment of Sarah Franz as its new Executive Director. HSF is dedicated to cultivating a healthier future for all by supporting farmers implementing organic and regenerative practices at scale in the Midwest. With a mission of empowering farmers to restore the vitality of our planet's soil, fostering the well-being of people, communities, and the Earth itself, HSF operates through charitable grants and ecosystem building. We strive to catalyze a future of sustainable agriculture, ensuring a legacy of health and hope for generations to come.
Sarah Franz brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. Her extensive background in nonprofit management, fundraising, and advocacy, coupled with her passion for equitable food systems, makes her the ideal leader to spearhead HSF's growth.
"We are excited to welcome Sarah Franz as the new Executive Director of the Healing Soils Foundation," said Drew Blankenbaker, Board President. "Sarah's proven track record in nonprofit leadership, combined with her food systems expertise and community engagement, will be instrumental in advancing our mission of soil regeneration through direct support of farmers while fostering collaboration among stakeholders."
In her role as Executive Director, Sarah Franz will drive the strategic vision of the Healing Soils Foundation, spearheading transformative initiatives in fundraising, team cultivation, grantmaking, stakeholder involvement, financial stewardship, program innovation, and board collaboration. With a relentless focus on driving organizational expansion and amplifying societal change, Sarah will forge dynamic partnerships and harness the collective power of the soil restoration ecosystem to unleash the full potential of the Foundation's mission.
"I am deeply honored and excited to step into the role of Executive Director at the Healing Soils Foundation. Soil health and sustainable agriculture are not just professional passions of mine; they're personal commitments rooted in my upbringing in southern Minnesota,” said Sarah Franz. “I believe wholeheartedly in the power of organic and regenerative farming practices to not only restore our soil but also to nourish communities and safeguard our planet for future generations. I look forward to working hand in hand with farmers, stakeholders, and partners to cultivate a more resilient and thriving agricultural ecosystem."
Sarah Franz brings a diverse background to her role at HSF. Prior to her appointment, she served as Vice President of United States Operations for Food Systems for the Future, where she focused on fostering sustainable food systems that provide access to nutrient-dense foods in all communities. Sarah also has extensive experience in public health, public policy, and private sector consulting. Sarah holds a Master of Science in International Development from the London School of Economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from DePaul University.
About Healing Soils Foundation: The Healing Soils Foundation is a 501c3 organization committed to advancing the principles of organic and regenerative agriculture in the Midwest and beyond through direct support of farmers. Our approach is rooted in the belief that soil restoration is not merely a task for individual farmers, but a collective responsibility that necessitates broad support, diverse capital, and innovative partnerships.
Through our charitable grants and collaborative initiatives, we empower regenerative and organic farmers operating at scale to implement sustainable practices that heal the Earth, enhance food quality, and revitalize local communities.
The Healing Soils Foundation was born out of a partnership with Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT to further address the needs and hurdles faced by farmers implementing organic and regenerative principles.