Bart Crowder is the owner and operator of 1902 Ranch, where he actively manages 70 acres dedicated to regenerative agriculture and grass-fed Wagyu cattle. A retired Navy officer with 25 years of active duty service, Bart brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role as President. He holds a B.S. in Professional Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is skilled in working with diverse groups of people to accomplish shared goals. Bart came to Washington in 2012 and purchased the historic Anderson-Stowe farm in 2020, located in Ebey’s Reserve and part of the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust. The farm can be viewed from the scenic Ebey’s Trail, underscoring his commitment to sustainable farming and land conservation.

Jake Stewart has over 20 years of experience in localized systems innovation, spanning renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurial development. He has held executive roles in the private, non-profit, and public sectors, including directing Austin Energy’s groundbreaking smart grid and renewable energy initiatives. As Executive Vice President of Organic Fuels International, he led the development of the world’s first renewably powered biofuel production facility, transforming waste products and locally grown oil-seed crops into renewable fuel. The project earned international recognition and was awarded UNAG Project of the Year.

Stewart has contributed to regenerative agriculture and energy solutions in Eastern Africa, Europe, and Central America and holds patents in the sector. An Army Intelligence veteran and linguist, he is committed to connecting young people and veterans to farming and serves on several boards, including the Farmer Veteran Coalition.  He holds a B.S. and M.S. from Texas A&M University.

Stewart and his wife, Aja, own a 24-acre farm on Whidbey Island, where they are focused on building an integrated farmstead featuring regenerative agriculture, sustainable food forest systems, energy innovation, and hands-on educational workshops.

Jennifer Muzzall-Jones is a fifth-generation farmer and lifelong resident of Whidbey Island. She is heavily involved in 3 Sisters Family Farm, where she manages 600 acres dedicated to sustainable agriculture and community engagement. A passionate advocate for women in agriculture, Jennifer combines her role as a farmer and mother with efforts to inspire and empower the next generation of women in the field. She holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from University of Great Falls. In addition to her farming efforts, Jennifer currently serves on the regional council for Land O Lakes Inc and Skagit Farm Supply. She is also a former member of the Board of Directors for the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust, furthering her commitment to land conservation and sustainable stewardship.

Bryan Sherman is a lifelong Whidbey Island resident with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Bryan currently serves as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Wilbur-Ellis. He is also an active member of the Coupeville School District 3 School Board and is deeply involved in his local community. Alongside his professional work, Bryan supports his family farm and is a passionate advocate for agriculture and education, particularly through scholarships for local students.

Don Sherman is a fourth-generation farmer and lifelong resident of Whidbey Island. As the owner and operator of Sherman Farms Inc., he actively manages over 400 acres, producing horse-quality hay, barley, and hybrid cabbage for seed, while raising grass-fed beef. Don holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University.

A longtime member of the Farm Bureau and Lions Club, Don has served as President of the Island County Farm Bureau, a board member for the Coupeville School District, an Island County Planning Commissioner, and a Port Commissioner, among many other community boards over the years. His dedication to agriculture and land conservation is reflected in his family’s property, which includes a conservation easement to preserve its agricultural heritage.

Ray Gabelein is a fourth-generation farmer and lifelong resident of Whidbey Island. He has served on many local boards and is a longtime member of the Farm Bureau. As the owner and operator of his historic family farm, Ray grows hay and is deeply committed to preserving local farmland. A fierce advocate for land conservation, his farm is a part of the Whidbey-Camano Land Trust. Ray is dedicated to preserving traditional farming values and practices while being very active in the community. He is also passionate about passing on his knowledge of farming to the next generation of Whidbey Island farmers.

Carol Meagher is an active-duty Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and a passionate farmer on Whidbey Island. She operates Farm in the Forest, primarily growing flowers and harvesting seeds, blending her love for farming with her dedication to sustainable practices. Carol holds a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from the University of South Carolina-Columbia and is currently the Safety Department Head at Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP) Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. This season, she is focusing on seed production and flower breeding while encouraging younger generations and women to get involved in agriculture.

Elizabeth Case-Smith is a fifth-generation family farmer. Case Farm has been a part of building and supporting agriculture on North Whidbey Island since 1898. The farm currently produces a diversified market garden and nursery, supplies local restaurants, food banks, stores, and an on-farm honesty stand, operates a U-Pick pumpkin patch and offers farm tours for local children, manages a beef cattle cow-calf operation, and incubates new farmers on their property. She is also an active board member of the North-Central Whidbey Farmers Markets, furthering her commitment to local agriculture, community engagement, and food security.

Gene Kahn, a Whidbey Island resident and lifelong farmer, is a pioneer in organic agriculture. As the founder of Cascadian Farm in 1971, he played a pivotal role in advancing organic food systems. A recipient of the Organic Stewardship Award, Gene has also served as Chair of the USDA's National Organic Standards Board Crop Committee, contributing to the development of national organic policies. His leadership extended to the corporate sector as a former Vice President at General Mills Inc., where he championed sustainable practices. In addition to his work in agriculture, Gene is dedicated to helping small local businesses by guiding them in creating realistic, sustainable business plans for long-term success.