Joost Besijn Becomes Executive Director
We are very excited to welcome our new Executive Director, Joost Besijn, as Matthew Buck retires from his role at Food Alliance after two decades. Under Matt’s leadership, Food Alliance developed important strategic partnerships, expanded evaluation standards, and overhauled the funding model for our organization.
Joost was born and raised in the Netherlands. He holds a MS in Conservation Biology from Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom and a BS in Wildlife Management from Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. Over the past 15 years, Joost has worked in conservation in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
Most recently, Joost was a Division Director for American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit organization whose mission is focused on preserving natural resources. During his time with ACE, Joost was focused on strategic leadership, partnership development, and budget management while working closely with ACE’s national staff. Joost also has prior experience in environmental regulation, which was key to his role as the coordinator for the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Board in Washington State, where he directly reported to a Board of Directors. His policies had a direct impact on local farmers and it was his role to facilitate communication between stakeholders. Prior to that, Joost worked in wildlife conservation, environmental consulting, and spent time as a wildlife biologist.
“Joost has experience communicating with farmers and farm stakeholders, plus a history of creative collaborative solution seeking,” says Food Alliance Board President Michelle McGrath. “We're thrilled to have him put those skills and his values to play in leading Food Alliance.”
Food Alliance champions farmers, ranchers, and makers creating a more resilient and sustainable food system, with practical, science-based certification standards and a shared goal of continually improving social and environmental outcomes. As a nonprofit organization that provides a comprehensive, whole system certification that addresses working conditions, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship, Joost’s diverse background makes him well-equipped to hit the ground running overseeing operations.
“Throughout my career I have worn many hats in the field of environmental conservation, and in the last ten years I have served as the director of two different nonprofit organizations focusing on habitat restoration on public lands. With over 44% of land in the United States being dedicated to agriculture, I believe that this is where a significant difference can and should be made,” explains Joost. “In my personal life, there is a steady development towards consciousness, empathy, collaboration, and kindness. I’m looking forward to continuing to improve farming standards and working closely with Food Alliance clients to help make a meaningful impact.”
Joost will be responsible for the leadership and management of Food Alliance through collaboration with our clients, team, and Board. In his role as Executive Director, Joost will develop and lead implementation of Food Alliance strategic and annual plans and be accountable for meeting organizational and program development goals.
Please join us in welcoming Joost! Feel free to reach out directly to him at joost@foodalliance.org to say hello and welcome him into our community.