Kate Conner has been named executive director of Food Well Alliance, a collaborative network of local food leaders working to build thriving gardens and farms across metro Atlanta. Since March of 2020, Conner has served as the organization’s senior director of strategic development; in September she stepped up to add the role of interim executive director to her duties. Prior to Food Well Alliance, Conner served nearly nine years as director of development and marketing at Trees Atlanta and eight years in various roles at Piedmont Park Conservancy, including director of development. 

"I am thrilled for this incredible opportunity to lead Food Well Alliance as we head into a new era," said Conner. Her number one priority will be to work with Westside Future Fund to complete the Phase 1 renovation of a community center and local food hub located at 970 Jefferson St., a former home of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The center will house the offices of Food Well Alliance and other local food organizations, including Urban Recipe and Community Farmers Markets. “This will be a place for Westside community members and organizations to come together and strengthen the movement while serving the Westside and beyond.” Completing and launching a new strategic plan is also at the top of her list. “The new plan will define our vision for the next five years to better serve our constituents at a time when local food is more important than ever.” 

The Food Well Alliance Board of Directors unanimously selected Conner for the position. “We are excited to welcome Kate as our new executive director,” said Board Chair Bill Bolling. "She has the passion, experience, commitment and leadership skills to lead Food Well Alliance and support the local food movement. She will build on a strong foundation of work the organization has achieved in its first five years.”

Food Well Alliance Board Member David Jackson is a senior advisor on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta's community and economic development team. "We're really fortunate to have Kate,” said Jackson. “Her prior experience with significant nonprofits like Trees Atlanta and Piedmont Park Conservancy is going to help us grow. I look forward to working with Kate and the local food community to make a meaningful impact for the health of metro Atlanta."

Mary Pat Matheson, executive director of Atlanta Botanical Garden, echoed the sentiments of her fellow Food Well Alliance board members. “Kate is a strong leader with solid experience in team management and strategic planning. She also has a true passion for the work of Food Well Alliance and will take us to the next level of growth to the benefit of our community.”