Urban Roots is excited to share that our team has grown! Urban Roots is pleased to introduce our newest Board and staff members below. Each person is a wonderful addition to our team, bringing expertise, vital skills, passion, deep community connections, and a fresh perspective to the organization. Please join us in welcoming the newest additions to Urban Roots! We are confident that they will help us continue to advance our mission, support growing youth leaders, and nourish our community. Keep reading to learn more about each person. We look forward to everyone meeting these folks in person on the farm or at an upcoming event soon!
Cat and Adam joined the Urban Roots Board in September, 2021.
Cat Duong, H-E-B: Cat comes to Urban Roots’ Board with over 18 years of experience with H-E-B. She is currently the Perishable Store Leader at the Dripping Springs H-E-B where she oversees store operations with a focus on Bakery, Seafood, Deli, Market, Produce and Floral. She has a diversified skill set that includes: public speaking, human resources, recruiting, project management, crisis management, and customer engagement.
Adam Orman, L’Oca D’Oro: After years working in wine-focused restaurants in San Francisco and New York, Adam moved to Austin in 2009 and sought a concept that shared his ethics AND his love of food and wine. Adam found an opportunity with Fiore to help create warm, inclusive experiences in a values driven business. To strengthen local business and promote sustainable growth in Austin, Adam and other local businesses founded Good Work Austin in 2019.
On the Farm – Jacob Grob, Farm Assistant: Jacob joined Urban Roots in May of 2021. He is responsible for farm specific tasks and leading volunteer crews, and coordinates the hunger relief and wholesale efforts. A former Urban Roots volunteer, Jacob spent the last few years in the beverage industry before seeking a change of pace. Growing up in a small town in rural Illinois, farming and supporting the local community have always been a focal point for Jacob, guiding him through his personal and professional goals.
Operations – Claudia Reyes, Finance & Operations Assistant: Claudia joined the Urban Roots team in September. She is returning to Austin from El Paso, where she served as the Finance Lead for the local chapter of the Sunrise Movement. Claudia strives to provide for the community’s needs through hunger relief efforts. She enjoys cooking with and for the people by hosting fundraising food popups. Claudia aspires to create sustainable local food networks and is inspired to support the youth in realizing a more equitable and sustainable future.
Development – Eric Maxson, Development Director: Eric joined the Urban Roots team in October. He leads efforts to secure public and philanthropic partnerships to support Urban Roots’ transformative work. Throughout his career, Eric has led efforts to secure millions of dollars in giving to support early childhood development, mental health, workforce training, student supports, and the arts. Prior to Urban Roots, he was the Chief Development Officer at Any Baby Can. Eric enjoys connecting people to their passions and helping them partner in ways that create lasting impact in the community.
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Featured Image Photo Credit: Lloyd Deviney
