Cultivating Change Foundation Announces New Board Chair, Executive Committee, and Board Members as Organization Enters Its Tenth Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento, California (January 12, 2026) — The Cultivating Change Foundation today announced new Board leadership, Executive Committee appointments, and incoming Board members effective January 1, 2026, as the organization prepares to celebrate its tenth year advancing LGBTQ+ people across food and agriculture.
Tanner Kersey-Lopez has been appointed Board Chair for a two-year term spanning 2026 through 2027. He succeeds Lydia Noyes, who completed a two-year term as Chair and has been reappointed to the Board for a new three year term.
Kersey-Lopez is an Account Supervisor in Public Relations at Bader Rutter (BR), a leading B2B agricultural marketing agency. His career spans marketing and communications roles at BR, Midan Marketing and RFD-TV, where he has developed deep expertise in elevating agricultural voices and brands for some of agriculture’s most recognized organizations, including John Deere, Creekstone Farms, the American Meat Science Association, and Meat and Livestock Australia.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Kersey-Lopez holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Communications. He brings a strong personal connection to agriculture, having grown up in California where his family raises stocker cattle. His early involvement in showing cattle and rodeo continues to inform his passion for agriculture and for building a more inclusive industry for the people who power it. Kersey-Lopez currently splits his time between Monterey, CA and Tulsa, OK with his husband, Colton.
“My career has been built around elevating agricultural stories, brands and leaders—but the work that matters most is ensuring people feel they belong in this industry,” Kersey-Lopez Said. “Cultivating Change is helping agriculture move forward by investing in people, fostering connection and creating opportunity for the next generation of leaders.”
The Foundation also announced updates to its Executive Committee. Kurtis Miller has been reappointed as Vice Chair for the 2026 to 2027 term. Traci Via has been newly appointed Secretary for 2026, and Jim Allard will continue serving as Treasurer through 2026.
In addition, the Board welcomed three new members, each appointed to three year terms beginning in 2026.
Hannah Smith-Brubaker joins the Board bringing extensive experience in sustainable agriculture, nonprofit leadership, and agricultural policy, including her current role as Executive Director of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture. Hannah also runs Juniata View Farm, a pastured livestock farm overlooking the Juniata Valley in rural Pennsylvania.
Beth Stebbins, Director of Sustainability at Scoular, brings expertise in corporate sustainability strategy, regenerative agriculture, and employee engagement.
Jenna Wicks, Director of Strategic Programs and Education at the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation, adds deep experience in leadership development, education, and national program design across the agriculture sector.
The Board also reappointed Lydia Noyes to a three year term following her service as Board Chair from 2024 to 2025. During her tenure, Noyes helped guide the organization through a period of strategic focus, organizational strengthening, and preparation for long term growth. The Foundation expressed its deep appreciation for her leadership and service during a pivotal chapter in its history.
“Entering our tenth year is both a milestone and a moment of momentum for Cultivating Change,” said Derek Mulhern, Executive Director of the Cultivating Change Foundation. “This new slate of Board members and Executive Committee leadership reflects the growth of our organization and the expanding role we play across food and agriculture. Together, this group brings the vision, lived experience, and professional expertise needed to ensure LGBTQ+ people continue to have a place in our sector, are seen and valued for their contributions, and are supported as leaders, professionals, and partners in shaping its future.”
As the Cultivating Change Foundation steps into its second decade, the organization is focused on expanding its reach across broader segments of the food and agriculture sector, strengthening workforce and leadership development pathways, growing organizational and financial capacity, and deepening partnerships that advance belonging and visibility. With new leadership in place, the Foundation is poised to build on a decade of impact while charting an ambitious path forward.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Derek Mulhern
Executive Director
derek.mulhern@thecultivatingchangefoundation.org
---
About Cultivating Change Foundation: The Cultivating Change Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was launched at the start of 2016. The Foundation’s mission is to value and advance LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture. The Foundation aims to achieve its mission through workforce development, personal growth and enhanced visibility ensuring our conversations reach a broad audience and promote positive change for LGBTQ+ people in food, agriculture and rural America. For more information about the foundation please visit our website at www.thecultivatingchangefoundation.org