The Commons is pleased to announce that after a brief transition period, Ben Rasmussen has been hired as the new Executive Director.
Mr. Rasmussen has a long history of food security work in southwest New Mexico. Previously serving as the Chief Executive Officer for the National Center for Frontier Communities and as the founding director of the Frontier Food Hub from 2018-2025.
Since moving to New Mexico over a decade ago, Mr. Rasmussen has worked with dozens of local food producers, food hub networks and both state and federal agencies and has served as a national advocate for sustainable agriculture policy around the nation.
“My experience in the regional food and ag space is broad. I have designed and scaled coalitions, programs and partnerships in southwest New Mexico and across the state.” Said Mr. Rasmussen.
The Commons was founded in 2004 as the Volunteer Center of Grant County and has grown into a vital resource for the community, providing fresh food, education and connective opportunities to achieve its mission of cultivating food security, self-sufficiency, and sustainability in Grant County.
“The board is very excited to have Ben in place as our new Executive Director given his proven leadership skills, knowledge of the local community and food systems and his vision for a robust future for The Commons.” Said Ellen Pryor, board chair for The Commons.
Last year, The Commons distributed over 300 tons of food to residents across five sites in Grant County, citing a 70% increase in demand for services. Additionally, The Commons provided over 1,200 weekend food backpacks for students and nearly 1,000 emergency food boxes while directing over 3,000 hours of volunteer labor and providing hundreds of hours of youth and adult education in gardening, sustainable food production and healthy cooking.
“What draws me to The Commons is not only its history, but its potential and community. Every day we get to work with volunteers who come together to make sure everyone in our community gets fed.” Said Mr. Rasmussen. “I am interested to see how The Commons can leverage its strengths across disciplines to increase local food security, strengthen community bonds and utilize the amazing homegrown creativity here in Grant County to realize a brighter future for all.”
With this new leadership, The Commons is excited to move forward and continue its efforts in the community. The organization will be participating in both online and in-person giving for this year’s upcoming Give Grandly event hosted by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico and Gila Community Foundation. With the goal to raise $25,000 towards alleviating food insecurity in Grant County, The Commons is encouraging community members to participate however they can and give where they live! Starting April 13th and through April 24th, people can visit southernnewmexicogivingday.org and make a donation or visit Gough Park on Saturday, April 18th from 10am to 2pm to meet all the participating non-profits and learn more about their mission.
