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WHO WE ARE
Successful RC&D projects are a team effort, made up
of a experienced staff, dedicated
Board and
Council members, and committed community partners
and volunteers.
Florida West Coast RC&D Staff (alphabetically)
Sarah Crane, Program Manager
Sarah Crane joined the RC&D staff as the
Program Manager and is the first point of contact for
Geraldson Community Farm. Known for her
addiction to learning, Sarah loves tackling complex
projects and brings to the table an eye for analytical
digestion. She obtained her
undergraduate degree from John Brown University in
journalism and political science and then earned her
master’s degree at the University of Chicago in
international relations. Sarah brings to the RC&D a
strong interest in economic development and experience
in research, public relations, and graphic design.
Owrang Kashef, MARS Project Manager
Owrang Kashef is our agricultural engineer and project
manager for the RD&D’s MARS Farm Connection Grant
Program. Owrang obtained his undergraduate degree in
Water Resources Engineering from the University of
Guelph in Canada and has an MBA from the University of
Phoenix. He has worked and lived in North and South
America and Israel. He has years of experience in
irrigation design and efficiency for both small and
large farming operations. Using the latest technological
advances, Owrang has designed and built irrigation
automation systems for a number of horticultural
operations in Florida. Owrang also brings to the RC&D
his knowledge of the water and wastewater industries.
Jacob Leech, Project Manager
Jacob Leech came to work for the RC&D from
Virginia in 2006 and is now spearheading the development
of our new MARS demonstration site at Gamble Creek Farm. Jacob grew up in a small town and
worked on farms for most of his life. He
brings a grounded real-world perspective to the RC&D
in his understanding of the family farm, such as
balancing economics with environmental issues. He
graduated from Guilford College with a Bachelor's in
Political Science and a Minor in Field Biology, and is
now putting his experience and training to work at the RC&D.
Laura Morton, RC&D Coordinator
Laura Morton is our RC&D Coordinator, provided by the
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). Laura was
born in Milton, Florida and grew up in a small,
formerly-agricultural town in Southern Maine. She
obtained her master’s degree in Natural Resources from
the University of New Hampshire, with an undergraduate
degree in Soil Science and minors in Plant
Biology/Ecology and Political Science. Before college
Laura worked for a variety of small businesses including
agricultural, landscaping, and food services. During
college, Laura worked in the political arena (U.S.
Senate) and with educational/research activities
(University of New Hampshire). Her career in the
government sector with USDA-NRCS included mapping soils
and then in marketing and communications for New
Hampshire NRCS.
Florida West Coast RC&D Board of
Directors
John O’Connor, President
John O’Connor brings his 35 years of experience in
multi-disciplined project engineering and project
management, along with his deep commitment to local
issues, to the RC&D. John obtained his bachelor’s degree
in civil engineering from Manhattan College and did
graduate work at Villanova University.
John is currently a Project Engineering Manager at
PennPro Engineering and Technical Services where he
oversees a variety of projects in environmental,
chemical, and geotechnical disciplines.
John is an extremely active in his local community of
Duette where he is involved with his local fire
department and church. John’s other activities include
Florida Institute of Phosphate Chemical Process
Technical Advisory Committee, Supervisor of the Manatee
River Soil and Water Conservation District (elected),
and founder and President of the Palmetto Chapter of the
Future Farmers of America Alumni Chapter.
Dr. Carolyn Gregov, Vice-President
Dr. Gregov is the Director of Sarasota County Extension
Service and holds her doctorate in educational
psychology from Kansas State University. In her work
with Extension, Dr. Gregov has primary responsibility
for the management of the Sarasota County Extension
Service and program leadership for the Family and
Consumer Sciences Program.
Dr. Gregov brings her experience in Extension Service,
education, management, development, partnership
building, nutrition and volunteer programs to the RC&D.
Her leadership and dedication to improving the quality
of life in her community are evident in everything she
does.
Mike Sosadeeter, Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Sosadeeter brings to the Florida West Coast RC&D
extensive experience in sustainable agricultural
systems, sustainable community development, and
landscape architecture planning, design, and
construction. He also is an project planner,
partnership builder, and visionary problem solver.
Mike grew up on a farm in a small town in Indiana. He
obtained his bachelor’s degree in Botany from DePauw
University. His master’s degree in Landscape
Architecture at Ball State University had an emphasis on
sustainable community planning and design.
Mike started his career in agricultural, economic,
educational development, and landscape architecture in
the Caribbean -- Haiti, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico.
Mike has also worked for a variety of agencies with
demonstrated expertise in the priorities of Florida West
Coast RC&D. Mike has worked for Habitat for Humanity,
Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center, USDA Forest Service,
Florida House Institute for Sustainable Development,
Resource Management Group, Inc., and Children’s Haven
and Adult Community Services, Inc. Mike is currently
employed by the Manatee County Parks and Recreation
Department as a Park Planner.
Dr. John Alleyne
John Alleyne brings his extensive knowledge of botany
and his expertise in collaboration to the RC&D. He is
the Director of the Institute of Food and Agriculture
Science University of Florida at the Martin County
Extension Service, and holds a doctorate in
plant science from the University of Arkansas. John also
holds diplomas for additional training in specialized
areas from the University of South Florida, University
of Puerto Rico and Beej Bawan University in India, and
has participated in postdoctoral studies at the
University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Experimental
Station.
He has also held various appointments with the Ministry
of Agriculture in Trinidad and Tobago, his last
appointment being at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Port
of Spain.
John is the recent recipient of the Florida
Association of Natural Resource Extension
Professionals/Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council Award,
designed “to foster high standards among Florida
Cooperative Extension County Faculty [University of
Florida] members working in the area of invasive plant
management.”
Richard Carroll
As president of Carroll Brothers Nursery and Garden
Center in St. Petersburg, Richard Carroll brings to the
RC&D his solid agricultural business experience and
dedication to the future success of agriculture in our
area. The successful family nursery business, which
Richard operates with his brother, Robert, was started
by his father over 40 years ago. Richard provides invaluable
insights into many of the critical issues facing
nursery producers, and is always thinking ahead to
innovative, long-term solutions.
Richard is the immediate Past-President of the
Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA),
working to promote a unified grassroots approach to
building strong support for agriculture and small
business in our state.
Alan Jones
Alan Jones is the President of Jones Potato Farm in
Manatee County where he grows potatoes, green beans, and
citrus.
As a successful businessman in agriculture, Alan brings
a "brass tacks" approach to projects and programs that
is vital to the success of the goals of the RC&D.
Alan, a Florida native heralding from the Jacksonville
area, attended the University of Florida in the
agricultural program and put his education to work
immediately in the real world of his father's farm.
Alan is both visionary and practical and never afraid to
ask the hard questions -- some of the most valuable
characteristics in effective forward-moving teamwork.
Alan is a member of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable
Growers Association and Florida Citrus Mutual.
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