The Dirt

Sustainable Food Center is proud to announce that staff member Andrew Smiley has been named the agency's Deputy Director. Andrew has nearly 20 years experience working in sustainable agriculture and food systems, including on-farm production, agricultural marketing, micro-enterprise development, food journalism, farmer training and technical assistance, and even food-service management. Andrew received his B.A. in political science from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He is the former Executive Director of Baton Rouge Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance, Inc. (BREADA). Andrew is an active supporter of sustainable food systems throughout Texas and the U.S. both professionally and as a volunteer with the several organizations. He has applied his passion for gardening, sustainable food systems, small-scale farming, and healthy cooking to his work with Sustainable Food Center in Austin, Texas since 2005.

"I am confident in Andrew's programmatic guidance and look forward to our strategic partnership as SFC continues to grow and flourish. He is a true leader in the good food movement - I'm thrilled to have him serve in this new role with our agency," stated Ronda Rutledge, Executive Director. Andrew worked with SFC as Farm Direct Projects Director through 2011, which included management of public policy, farm marketing, and food systems education initiatives, including Sprouting Healthy Kids - SFC's farm-to-school project. Andrew is currently the Deputy Director of SFC, providing guidance, oversight and support for the organization's programming and policy advocacy work.