Why the Board Made a Leadership Change

Many members have asked why the Board made the difficult decision to change the farm's leadership. We believe those questions deserve an honest and respectful answer.

First, we acknowledge that the previous leadership contributed many positive things to Abby's Farm, including successful harvests, educational opportunities, friendships, and a strong sense of community.

At the same time, the Board has both a legal and fiduciary responsibility to provide independent oversight of the organization. Over time, the Board became increasingly concerned that too much operational and governance authority had become concentrated in a single individual serving simultaneously as Farm Manager, President, and Chairman of the Board.

The Board determined that this structure no longer provided the accountability, transparency, and shared leadership expected of a healthy nonprofit organization.

The Board also experienced increasing difficulty carrying out its governance responsibilities due to limited visibility into certain operational decisions, organizational information, and communication.

After careful discussion, the Board concluded that separating these leadership responsibilities was necessary to strengthen the long-term governance of Abby's Farm.

Following that decision, Yoky Harris and Jim George chose to resign from the Board and leave the farm.

Since then, the Board has added four new Board members, separated the positions of President and Chairman, increased financial transparency, broadened shared leadership, and begun a review of the farm's long-term management structure.

Our purpose is not to revisit the past or criticize individuals. Our purpose is to ensure that Abby's mission remains larger than any one person and that the organization is positioned to serve the community for many years to come.

Every decision moving forward will be guided by one question:

Does this honor Abby's vision and strengthen the future of the farm?

That commitment will continue to guide the Board as we move forward together.

Confidential - Intended for Members Of Abby’s Organic Community Farm