MEET THE TEAM

Josephine Sze

Interim Executive Director

Josephine joined the staff as the Administrative Assistant in June 2020. Originally from Asheville, NC she has lived in Southern Oregon for the last five years and has loved making this her new home.

Joining the staff at the Josephine County Food Bank has allowed her to continue her passion for food justice and food security.

In her spare time, she can be found with her pup hiking, kayaking, gardening, and exploring the PNW and beyond.

Larry Smith

Warehouse Supervisor

Larry has devoted his life to helping the homeless and needy and sees his role as a Warehouse Supervisor as an inherent way of continuing that mission.

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Larry has worked as the Director of the Grants Pass Dorcas for the last ten years, overseeing vital community-focused projects such as the soup kitchen, thrift store, and Dorcas Community Service, a multifaceted program helping those in need since 1986.

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When he has free time, Larry enjoys serving the community and racing radio-controlled trucks.

Kristin Smith

Farm Manager

In 2017, Kristin Smith joined Raptor Creek Farm as the Farm Manager. She joined Rogue Farm Corps, an agriculture internship program, and graduated in 2015. She draws on both her social work experience and agriculture background to develop Raptor Creek Farm’s programs.

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When she isn't farming she is backpacking with her two black labs and 6 goats. 

Jeff Meier

Farm Hand

Jeff Meier volunteered on the farm for four years prior to being hired as Farm Assistant in 2020. 

Jeff graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He worked with the Northwest Youth Corps for eight seasons, which allowed him extensive time in the backcountry leading crews of teenage and young adult participants in completing Forest Service-sponsored conservation projects. 

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He also brings 10 years of native and invasive plant ecological restoration in the Rogue Valley. 

Christina Hager

HR & Data Specialist

Christina has been with us since September 2020. She earned her Bachelor's in Psychology from Colorado Technical University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. She recently moved back to Grants Pass from Washington to be with family.

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Christina is the wife of Justin and mother of two beautiful children, Robyn and Elora. She also has a passion for art, theatre and travel.

Chris Connova

Education Coordinator

My husband and I relocated to Grants Pass from Spokane, Washington in March 2021. I was excited for this opportunity with the Food Bank because it combines much of my experience and knowledge with my passion for gardening, and it allows me to share that passion with children. I enjoy encouraging their curiosity, making it fun for children to learn and it’s fulfilling to help the community. I’m looking forward to partnering with this great team at the Farm to expanding our community presence and positively impacting more of the community. 
 

President
Jason Lewis

Vice-President
Sam Engel

Treasurer
Jodi MacDonald

Secretary
Hillary Brownell