BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Rio Grande Community Farm Board of Directors meets virtually every third Thursday of the month from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM MT. If you would like an invitation link to the next meeting, please email: board@riograndefarm.org
BIO COMING SOON
John first began working in New Mexico Agriculture over 30 years ago when he moved to New Mexico to go to graduate school and spent a summer working on a farm in Velarde, New Mexico. John was on a farm crew that planted a large garden, an acre of chile and tended a small orchard and took care of several horses. When he moved to Albuquerque, he worked with a small community
garden in the South Valley that was operated by several families called the Leaf Farm. After 10 years in the South Valley, he moved to the North Valley but continued working at Rio Grande High School and started the school’s garden and later worked with other teachers in operating an agricultural internship program.
garden in the South Valley that was operated by several families called the Leaf Farm. After 10 years in the South Valley, he moved to the North Valley but continued working at Rio Grande High School and started the school’s garden and later worked with other teachers in operating an agricultural internship program.
John has worked on several non-profits, mostly in the environmental areas. His last experience was with the North Valley Coalition of Neighborhoods where he was a board member for 2 years prior to the COVID19 epidemic.
John also worked with several other organizations such as the Sierra Club and Keep New Mexico Beautiful. He was the Executive Director of the New Mexico Wilderness Study Committee and NM2050 which is a youth agriculture internship program. John would like to continue working to involve youth in agriculture with the Rio Grande Community Farm. This could include working to attract grants and involve schools. His experience with school gardens and environmental education would help in this area.
John was inspired to apply for the Treasurer position at Rio Grande Community Farm because of several efforts he saw on the website. He has family connections to Native American Pueblos and supports the Community Farm's efforts to attract Native Americans to participate. John appreciates the focus on the land acknowledgement on the website. John has also been working with students at the Los Ranchos Market, selling items on some Saturdays and would like to expand that work.
Heather Pillman has 25 years of experience as a consultant in healthcare and education. Heather currently works as an educational consultant helping schools and school districts navigate the unique budget constraints of today while finding solutions to ensure student growth and success. A passionate advocate for the importance of volunteerism in local communities, Heather brings a unique blend of expertise and experience to Rio Grande Community Farm.
Heather joined the board of Rio Grande Community Farm in 2025 to foster the farm’s mission of expanding sustainable farming in the Albuquerque area and to help build community in the city. Heather has volunteer experience with several local and national organizations including, New Mexico Horse Rescue, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Human Society, and Junior League of Albuquerque. She previously served on the board at First Nations Community Healthsource.
Heather is an avid photographer and traveler. You can often find her working in her garden row at the Community Garden or photographing the unique and beautiful state of New Mexico.
Heather joined the board of Rio Grande Community Farm in 2025 to foster the farm’s mission of expanding sustainable farming in the Albuquerque area and to help build community in the city. Heather has volunteer experience with several local and national organizations including, New Mexico Horse Rescue, Daughters of the American Revolution, The Human Society, and Junior League of Albuquerque. She previously served on the board at First Nations Community Healthsource.
Heather is an avid photographer and traveler. You can often find her working in her garden row at the Community Garden or photographing the unique and beautiful state of New Mexico.
BIO COMING SOON
