Our Staff
(alphabetically)
Logan Beal, Project Assistant
Logan Beal is one of the newer members of our team. He recently moved back to his hometown of Bradenton from Fort Myers, Florida, where he started and operated a successful business venture. He also has past experience working with non-profit businesses. Logan has a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Agribusiness from the University of Florida. He is putting his education and past experiences to work for the RC&D.
Jerry Buchanan, Field Operations Project Manager
Jerry Buchanan brings to the RC&D a strong work history of focus and discipline. His degree in Business Administration from Florida State University adds a helpful hand to this organization’s long term strategic plan. He is a prior member of the Florida Army National Guard and he served one year overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq. His professional work experience is in the project management field where he continued to develop his communication and leadership skills. He welcomes the daily challenges presented in the different onsite projects he manages. Jerry is excited to be a part of the RC&D's dynamic team and he continually strives to bring a positive influence and direction to the RC&D.
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.
Linda Pearcy, Office Manager
Linda Pearcy grew up on a family farm in middle Tennessee. Linda obtained her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University. She has worked in the not for profit industry for seven years and has a strong customer service background. She brings her experience in non-profit membership development, education, and event services to RC&D. Linda is excited to meld her experience in non-profits and her agricultural background into a career at RC&D.