We are thrilled to announce Jim Barnhart is joining us as Oxbow’s executive director starting Aug 15th, 2022.

As a longtime leader at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), most recently leading the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security, Jim brings extensive experience that will advance our work to actively build community resilience with regenerative agriculture, native plants, habitat restoration and education for all ages.

Jim has a deep passion for – and expertise in – what we do. After serving more than 20 years with USAID leading and managing programs focused on water, education, agriculture, nutrition, food security, and community resilience, Jim is eager to roll up his sleeves to help expand Oxbow’s reach and deepen its impact right here in Washington.
This move aligns with a goal Jim and his wife, Elizabeth, set to put down roots and make a difference at a local level. They searched the Pacific Northwest for a community-centered organization focused on agriculture and food security, like the organizations Jim worked with during his tenure at USAID, to apply Jim’s background and skill to give back to a community. Oxbow was the perfect fit.

Jim believes Oxbow demonstrates the true potential of agriculture – one tied to the community and future generations. He truly values sustainable, locally-based agriculture practices like those we embrace at Oxbow. He recognizes that these practices are essential to creating a more prosperous and equitable community – now and for future generations.

We couldn’t celebrate this addition to our team without expressing our profound gratitude to Hannah Cavendish-Palmer. She has led Oxbow with grace and skill as interim executive director for more than a year. Thanks to Hannah for her dedication and passion for our mission, planet, and community.

We are eager to introduce Jim to our community and know he is eager to “get his boots muddy” and support our work hands-on. Welcome, Jim!