Jo Ann is the author of many publications on the intersection between biodiversity conservation and agriculture, including beneficial birds, the conservation mandates within the National Organic Program regulations, and the co-management of food safety and conservation. Before joining WFA, she addressed crop, livestock and fiber issues, was senior research editor for a book of California's rare wildlife species, and was an organic farmer for over a decade. For her Master's research in Environmental Studies Department at San Jose State University, she studied bird predation of insects in apple orchards. Her undergraduate degree is in Soil and Water Science from UC Davis. Jo Ann is based in Watsonville, California and has been with WFA since the organization was founded in 2001.

Shelly has worked in the sustainable agriculture field for more than 20 years, including working with the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides and working on farms in Montana and North Carolina. She has helped create several publications and resources and developed numerous education and outreach programs aimed at helping farmers and agricultural professionals better implement biodiversity conservation. In addition to her agriculture work, Shelly has a background in community organizing and regional food systems, and was the co-founder of the first Montana Farm to College Program at the University of Montana in Missoula. She earned her BA degree in biology and MS degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana. Shelly is based in Minneapolis, MN and joined WFA in 2015.

Ashley is an avid gardener and advocate for creating healthy habitat on farms and in community spaces. She brings over ten years of previous nonprofit communications, development, and leadership experience to Wild Farm Alliance. She worked most recently for the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides as a Co-Director and also has conservation corps experience and has volunteered on organic farms. She holds a BA in Graphic Design from Portland State University. Ashley is based in Eugene, Oregon and joined WFA in 2022.

Courtney brings over 20 years of experience as an organic farmer, community organizer, educator, researcher and collaborator. She played a pivotal role in founding and managing the Cornercopia Student Organic Farm at the University of Minnesota. While at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, Courtney provided support to community gardeners, school gardens and growers across the region. She also co-created the MN SEED Project to help connect people to free, locally adapted, native seeds. Throughout her career Courtney has actively engaged with interns, volunteers and youth programs, dedicated to imparting knowledge about farming and the environmental stewardship to the next generation. She is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota with degrees in Environmental Horticulture (B.S.) and Agriculture Education (M.Ed). Courtney is based in St. Paul, MN and joined WFA in 2024.

Rowan first joined the team as a Grizzlycorps Fellow in 2024 and has since transitioned to Program Associate. Rowan brings a background in communications and production agriculture to Wild Farm Alliance. Previous to joining the WFA team, Rowan split his time between the cellars and vineyards at Matthiasson Wines and Domaine de Montille. An interest in policy and land use management led Rowan to WFA. He's excited to help Wild Farm Alliance shape the future of regenerative agriculture and food systems. Rowan holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Davis. Rowan is based in San Francisco, CA.

Alayna has experience educating a wide range of audiences on land stewardship, with a focus on cultivating native habitat and local food systems. Prior to joining WFA in 2024, she worked at the nonprofit Metro Blooms, where she shaped workshops and training programs that taught Minnesotans how to plan, install, and maintain pollinator habitat and stormwater infrastructure.

Her passion for sustainable food systems drives her work, and she is excited to help further WFA’s mission of supporting farmers and biodiversity. Alayna holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Education and Communication from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities.