The SAFSF Board is thrilled to announce that after an extensive, nationwide search with the support of NPAG, we have named Clare Fox as the next Executive Director of Sustainable Agriculture and Food System Funders.
We have no doubt that Clare’s considerable expertise in food and agricultural systems change will serve to amplify the impact of our philanthropic and investment communities. Clare shares SAFSF’s collective passion for transformative change toward more just and sustainable food and ag systems. With over 15 years of experience in complex multi-stakeholder policy, advocacy, network and coalition building, organizational leadership, social impact and community economic development, her unique perspective and skills elevated her among a competitive field of candidates. She is uniquely positioned to lead SAFSF into a new and exciting chapter.
“I am honored to join SAFSF and its incredible community of Board, staff and members,” said Clare, “… to leverage the organization’s outstanding 20-year history and collaborate on its next chapter. I deeply believe in the power of networks for systems change, and as the nation’s leading funder network for food systems, SAFSF is needed more than ever. I look forward to working with you to harness the power of this community toward our shared hope for a just, equitable, and regenerative future of food.”
Clare brings experience leading diverse stakeholder processes that coalesce inclusive and innovative strategies, as well as a multi-sectoral background encompassing leadership roles at NGOs, private businesses, and government agencies. She stood out for her systems-level understanding and ability to bridge the interests of community members, small businesses, legislators, funders, and investors. These and other strengths will serve the SAFSF community well by ensuring the continuity of our program and policy work while we embark on setting a new strategic path forward in 2024.
Most recently, Clare served as vice president of strategic partnerships at Everytable, a fast-growing social enterprise with a mission to make healthy food affordable and accessible. At Everytable, Clare successfully developed the company’s integrated capital vehicle with $12MM and led social and environmental impact strategy, and government, philanthropic, and community partnerships. Previously, Clare served as executive director of the Los Angeles Food Policy Council, where she developed and led a network of 400+ food system organizations to tangible outcomes, political buy-in, and mass community participation in policy victories such as universal EBT at farmer’s markets, legalizing street vending, expanding urban agriculture, and the Good Food Purchasing Policy.
She is no stranger to long-tenured founder and executive director transitions. She brings brilliance, agility, and strategic craft to the leadership of SAFSF.
Please join us in welcoming Clare. We’re so excited for you all to have the opportunity to meet and work with her!