About

The future path of the food system is not preordained. Transforming it is possible through long-term collaborations rooted in justice.

Author Nessa Richman is the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council and Adjunct Faculty at the University of Rhode Island. She has a deep background in local food systems development and a track record of scaling transformative projects.

Formerly the founder and lead of a Washington DC-based consulting firm focused on local and regional food system development, Nessa has assisted national, regional, and local governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions. 

Driven by intellectual curiosity and a passionate commitment to community well-being, Nessa’s core areas of focus include: 

• Participatory Leadership: Utilizing Circle Way and Art of Hosting methodologies to drive successful, collaborative change.

• Good Food Policy: Cultivating Food Policy Councils as engines for resilient, democratic food system transformation.

• Capital Development: Translating complex food systems concepts into clear terms for financial, development, and philanthropic audiences.