Submitted by the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild

The Ag Guild welcomes new executive director Lauren Bigelow! Lauren is a PNW native with a passion for local, regenerative food systems. She has done her corporate time, working for Levi Strauss & Co. and also Patagonia as marketing and brand leader for the Patagonia Worn Wear program. She now brings her expertise to benefit the Ag Guild and farming in the San Juan Islands.

Even during her corporate stints, Lauren kept close to her roots, managing a garden for an off-grid non-profit and a homestead on Lummi Island. Her dream has been to live in the San Juan Islands, so when the Ag Guild position opened up, she jumped. The Ag Guild board is delighted she made that choice.

After a month on the job, Lauren thanked the board “for the support and generosity thus far. I’m excited to be doing this work and consider myself darn lucky to be a contributing member of this beautiful place, its systems, and community.” The board will continue to support Lauren in her important role, leading the Ag Guild in its work to strengthen ag in the islands.

The Ag Guild thanks previous Ag Guild executive directors Emma Rastatter and Steph Coffey for their hard work managing an organization that has grown exponentially. After moving from ED to Finance Manager, Steph remained with the Ag Guild through 2023. She leaves big shoes to fill.

Please join us in thanking Emma and Steph and welcoming Lauren!