Wendie Dyson, Program Director

We are pleased to announce Wendie's promotion to Program Director.  Since 2005, Wendie  served as Farming & the Environment's Program Staffer, organizing the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market and managing  our communications, internship program, and accounting.  She has managed the marketing, accounting, and strategic development of two family-run businesses, worked for three years as an accountant in the seafood industry, and formerly served as a board member with the Community Alliance for Global Justice.  She is passionate about supporting local, environmentally sustainable businesses and currently serves as a board member of the Washington State Farmers Market Association.

Rikki Marohl, Season Market Manager

Always wanting a farmers market in her home community, Rikki was part of the core group of volunteers who worked tirelessly to help launch the opening of the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market. In August 2006, she was hired as its seasonal Market Manager. Rikki has been an active volunteer for over nine years with Des Moines schools, public library, and community events. She currently serves on the Events & Activities committee of Destination Des Moines. She's also the founder of her own small photography business, Modern Memories.

Nora Huang, Accounting Assistant Intern

Nora received an accounting masters from U of Illinois in May 2005 with honors. A CPA candidate with 1.5 years of hands-on volunteer accounting experience with Seattle non-profits and a for-profit company in Beijing, she's assisted with tax preparation, bookkeeping, and corporate accounting. "The internship experience at F&E is definitely a great opportunity to gain hands-on practice rather than just study theories at school." As an international student, understanding the business culture and sharpening her communication skills are as important as the accounting practice itself. "F&E has provided me with that chance through learning and practice." Nora loves music, hiking and cooking.

Kerston Swartz, Communications Intern

Kerston is passionate about local agriculture. In June 2006, she received her Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.  Her work with Farming & the Environment includes  developing the website communications for our Vim Wright Stewardship Award, independently managing of the Hmong Growers marketing project, and assisting with the Eat Local Thanksgiving campaign.