By Mary Elizabeth Kidd
Mary Elizabeth is the Communications Director at Georgia Organics.
All non-profits that are strong and effective have one thing in common: a strong and effective board. Georgia Organics’ board of directors meet quarterly, serve on committees within the organization, and shape the strategic direction while helping us connect with new people, partners, and members.
In this new blog series, we’re meeting members of Georgia Organics’ Board of Directors! Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the folks that help to guide the work of our organization.
View our full list of board members, and stay tuned via our weekly newsletter, The Dirt, for announcements on board nominations!
MEET THE BOARD
Amy McMorrow, Attorney & Community Activist. Amy serves on the Governance and FunComms (Fundraising+Communications) Committees.
Hi Amy! Give us a bit of background about yourself…
I am originally from central Illinois - the Land of Lincoln, and lots of corn and soybeans. I went to school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and after a couple of years in Chicago, moved to Atlanta with my husband and attended law school at Georgia State University. After graduating, I spent ten years working in environmental law at Troutman Sanders. Since leaving the practice, I have volunteered extensively with the Dunwoody Nature Center, serving in several officer positions on the Board of Directors and providing leadership in various capital expansion projects. I also spent several years managing a parent-led outdoor education program at the elementary school level, which incorporated Farm to School elements (with help from Georgia Organics!).
What brought you into the world of sustainable farming, organic food, etc.?
First and foremost, eating! But also great concern about the extensive reliance on chemical inputs in our conventional agriculture system. I believe in supporting organic farmers, research that serves to educate all eaters about the benefits of organic farming, and improving access to clean, fresh food for all who wish to stock their pantries and refrigerators with the best food available.
What’s your favorite season to shop the farmers market? Any favorite fruits/vegetables?
Summer! And nothing says summer like fresh peaches, tomatoes, and melon.
How did you first connect with Georgia Organics, what interested you the most about our work?
I first connected with Georgia Organics through the Farm to School program in its earliest stages. My friend Erin Croom introduced me to her work, and then to Alice, and opened my eyes to the good work Georgia Organics has been engaged in over the years to support our farmers, tell their stories, and advocate for organic farming across the state. This effort is so multi-faceted, and Georgia Organics is working through so many angles to connect eaters, growers, policy-makers, and so many other stakeholders. I love the concept that food is what connects us all on the most basic level.
What skills, connections, resources, expertise, etc. do you bring to the table as a board member? What appeals to you about board service with Georgia Organics?
I hope to be able to provide support to the organization in my board role in both fundraising and nonprofit corporate governance. I think it is so important for highly functioning boards to have a strong foundation in internal policy and governance. Such a foundation ensures that the substantive work of the organization proceeds smoothly and that board members and other volunteers are engaged and put to their highest and best use. We need all the great ideas and energy this staff and board bring to the table every day, and a strong organizational foundation and effective fundraising enables all that good work to flourish.
What excites you about the future of Georgia Organics?
We are nearing the conclusion of our strategic planning effort, and there's so much in store for the organization and its stakeholders. I'm excited to see us take all the lessons and opportunities presented from the last crazy year and a half, and engage with our partner organizations, farmers, eaters, and policymakers in new and creative ways that advance the mission of Georgia Organics.