About us
The mission of Grow Local South Texas is to grow a healthy local community by improving access to, education about and advocacy for affordable nutrient dense foods.
We are committed to maintaining a necessary point of food access in the Coastal Bend through the Grow Local Farmers’ Market, connecting local farmers with our community to provide food and essentials, as well as artisanal products from local businesses.
Grow Local also provides educational opportunities to local youth through in-school and after-school programs, and to farmers and food producers in agriculture and business development. Additional educational programming includes community and youth-specific education, garden management and online resources.
Grow Local South Texas staff
Executive Director: Tevin Gray
Market Manager: Carmelinda Ruiz
Operations Manager and SNAP Coordinator: Hanna Kiely
Education Coordinator: Laney Gonzalez
Educators: Julia Stinson and Taylor Thorpe
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, GROW LOCAL SOUTH TEXAS
2024–2025 Term Year
Emily Dodd, President
Regional Sales Manager, HOLT CAT
Ralph Silva Ed.D., Vice-President
Executive Director, Corpus Christi Principals and Supervisors Association; Youth Odyssey Board,
CASA of the Coastal Bend Board, Rotary Club Member, Islander Alumni Association Vice President
Open Position – Formerly Kyle Hoelscher, Treasurer
Laura Ellen Day, Secretary
Professor, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
First United Methodist Church Volunteer (Choir/Kitchen/Youth)
Jeffrey Pollack, Community Advocate
Director of Planning, Port of Corpus Christi
Lynne Hurlburt, Community Advocate
Owner, Hurlburt’s Corporation
Hayford Osei, Community Advocate
Client Analyst, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
OPENINGS FOR BOARD MEMBERS - MORE INFORMATION BELOW!
The board of this organization serves two functions:
1. To provide oversight of programming to ensure it furthers the mission of the organization
2. To ensure that financial and in-kind resources are available for programming and for the continuation of the organization
Board members are expected to:
1. contribute to discussions about programming, help shape the Organization’s Strategic Plan
2. offer in-kind services for operations (donations of time);
3. contribute significantly to fundraising efforts and / or make significant financial contributions, in-kind contributions
4. be present at a monthly meeting, limited to 90 minutes, and contribute to electronic discussions between meetings and vote on board approved motions
5. be ardent supporters of the Organizations mission
The Board of Directors consists of nine positions, and each board position is up for election either annually or biannually. Directors receive no compensation for their contribution to Grow Local South Texas.
The following positions are available:
Vice President – Term expires – 24’ as assumed vacancy – MOVED to 25’
Treasurer – Term expires 24’ as assumed vacancy MOVED to 25’