Dr. Laura R. Lewis joined Organic Seed Alliance in 2024 as executive director. She is a plant biogeographer with over 30 years of experience working with agricultural systems around the world. Her work is focused on utilization of agrobiodiversity, particularly plant genetic resources, to enhance social and economic opportunities for producers. Specializing in leadership and development, Lewis uses her experience to build partnerships and networks that seek to create equitable, inclusive programs that foster a healthy food system for all.
By focusing on the importance of diversity, both human and agroecological, Laura has been able to put the Ph.D. she earned at UC Davis to good use. Over the years, she has led programs in food systems with Washington State University and University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Some of her major accomplishments are the development of the WSU Food Systems Program, establishing the WA Meat Up initiative in collaboration with the WSDA, and leading the Cascadia Grains Conference for several years.
When not thinking about ways to utilize plant diversity, Laura enjoys time traveling with her family, working on her property, and swimming in the ocean.