VDACS Commissioner On January 15, 2022, Joseph Guthrie became the 18th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This appointment was originally announced by Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin on January 4. Commissioner Guthrie is a sixth generation Virginia farmer. He owns and operates a beef cattle and hay farm in Pulaski County on [...]
Associate Extension Administrator for Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University Dr. Janine Parker Woods is the Associate Extension Administrator for Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University (VSU). She holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture Education & Communications, focusing on International Extension System, Agriculture Leadership, and Latin American Studies from the University of Florida. Additionally, [...]
Market Manager, Salem Farmers Market Isaac Campbell is passionate about local food systems and brings an international perspective to his work as the manager of the Salem Farmers Market. With a background that includes experience working on small farms in Europe and Virginia, Isaac enjoys working with local growers and appreciates all aspects of local [...]
Smithfield Farmers Market Manager Sabrina Dooley has been the Smithfield Farmers Market Manager for Smithfield & Isle of Wight County since December of 2021, following obtaining her bachelor’s degree. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in Museum Studies and Hospitality from Christopher Newport University. Her experience includes managing the Smithfield Farmers [...]
Associate Vice Provost of Research & Economic Development at Virginia State University & VAFMA Board President M. Omar Faison is the Associate Vice Provost of Research & Economic Development at Virginia State University (VSU). In that role, he works to expand the research enterprise at VSU and facilitate internal and external partnerships for VSU faculty. [...]
Owners, GrowRVA Karen and Doug Grisevich own GrowRVA, which operates the Saturday RVA BIG MKT and the Sunday South of the James Farmers Market. Both markets are year round. Living in Colonial Beach Virginia, they enjoy boating, the beach, hosting oyster roasts and walking their harlequin Great Dane Lancelot. They have a 5 month old [...]
Market Manager, GrowRVA Wes Surina is the market manager for GrowRVA. A Graduate of Germanna Community College, he has over 17 years of experience in events, both managing and security. He has been with GrowRVA for three years. Wes is also an independent author published under the name John Surina.
Assistant Manager, GrowRVA Big Market & South of the James Farmers Market My name is Sean Boyer, I'm a 26 year old man from Richmond, Virginia, and I'm the Assistant Manager for the GrowRVA Big Market and the South of the James Farmer's Market. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from VCU in 2020 with an [...]
Executive Director of Blue Ridge Literacy Dr. Ahoo Salem is the Executive Director of Blue Ridge Literacy (BRL), a non-profit organization housed in the Roanoke Main Library Building that offers adult literacy services to foreign and native-born residents of Roanoke Valley. As a sociologist with a passion for integration initiatives, Ahoo is especially interested in [...]