Farm to Table NM Announces New Executive Director
For nearly three decades, Farm to Table New Mexico has worked alongside farmers, communities, and partners across the state to strengthen local food systems and advance equitable food and agriculture policy. Building on this legacy, Farm to Table New Mexico is delighted to welcome Dr. Catherine (Cathy) Day as its new Executive Director.
Dr. Day brings more than two decades of experience working at the intersection of agriculture, policy, research, and community development, with a career shaped by collaboration with farmers, students, advocates, and policymakers. Her work reflects a deep commitment to New Mexico’s agricultural communities and to building food systems that support both people and the land. Most recently, she served as a faculty member at the University of New Mexico, where she researched farmer and rancher training programs and worked to strengthen connections between agriculture and public health. Her career has included roles as an agricultural extensionist with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa; a policy advocate with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition; and a program director supporting farmers in reducing water pollution in Florida. Her doctoral research focused on how farmers in New Mexico are responding to climate change.
Cathy brings deep experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a strong commitment to equity and sustainability in our food and farming systems, said Susan Wilger, Chair of the Farm to Table New Mexico Board of Directors. “Her background in research, policy, and working directly with farmers makes her exceptionally well-positioned to lead Farm to Table into its next chapter.”
Dr. Day succeeds Pam Roy, Farm to Table’s founder and Executive Director for more than 25 years. Under Roy’s leadership, Farm to Table has grown into a respected statewide organization and a leading voice on food and agriculture policy. Roy will transition into the role of Policy Director, where she will continue to advance Farm to Table’s policy agenda, and provide support and guidance to Dr. Day during the leadership transition.
Food and agriculture advocates across the country have long looked to Farm to Table as a model of big tent work on local food policy, said Dr. Day. “Pam’s reputation is second to none. As a coalition builder and a leader on policies supporting the well-being of farmers, ranchers, and communities, Pam has built a phenomenal organizational legacy. These are big shoes I have to fill, but I am fortunate to be forging the future direction of Farm to Table in partnership with Pam. I look forward to making space for her to deepen her focus on policy while Farm to Table continues to expand its strengths in communications and coalition building.”
Roy added “I’m so excited to have this opportunity to work with Cathy as our new Executive Director. Cathy brings so much experience to Farm to Table and shaping our future. I met Cathy during her time with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition and learned from her deep knowledge of climate and conservation policy issues. We will benefit from her research and creative approach to educating and informing on many of the issues that affect us nationally and locally. I look forward to focusing on my love for policy and organizing as Farm to Table’s Policy Director. Cathy will lead Farm to Table into its next generation of work with her thoughtful leadership.”
Founded in 1996, Farm to Table New Mexico is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to building a local, healthy, equitable and sustainable food system through education and advocacy.
Click here for a pdf of the press release.