Currently Florida FarmLink does not have staff exclusively dedicated to it. The following people are with the Florida West Coast RC&D and are working with Florida FarmLink as it develops fully and requires a full-time position.
Sarah Crane, Program Manager email Sarah
Sarah Crane joined the RC&D staff as the Program Manager in early 2007. Known for her addiction to learning, Sarah loves tackling complex projects and brings to the table an eye for analytical digestion. She obtained her undergraduate degree from John Brown University in journalism and political science and then earned her master’s degree at the University of Chicago in international relations. Sarah brings to the RC&D a strong interest in economic development and experience in research, public relations, and graphic design. Sarah did the design for the brochures and website for Florida FarmLink and is establishing a structured program for long-term financial sustainability.
Laura Morton, RC&D Coordinator email Laura
Laura Morton is our RC&D Coordinator, provided by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Laura was born in Milton, Florida and grew up in a small, formerly-agricultural town in Southern Maine. She obtained her master’s degree in Natural Resources from the University of New Hampshire, with an undergraduate degree in Soil Science and minors in Plant Biology/Ecology and Political Science. Before college Laura worked for a variety of small businesses including agricultural, landscaping, and food services. During college, Laura worked in the political arena (U.S. Senate) and with educational/research activities (University of New Hampshire). Her career in the government sector with USDA-NRCS included mapping soils and then in public affairs and communications for New Hampshire NRCS. Laura developed the concept for Florida FarmLink to assist the RC&D in economic development activities and to automate connections in the community for jumpstarting the local food efforts in Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties.