Shannyn Smith joined the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) in November 2021. As Sr. Strategic Partnerships Officer, she works to identify, develop and leverage partnerships and funding opportunities that closely align with FFAR’s mission and support FFAR’s scientific research priorities.
Prior to FFAR, Smith was an assistant director of foundation relations at the University of Georgia (UGA) and collaborated with faculty, staff and development colleagues to identify opportunities—including a handful of FFAR RFAs—and secure support for UGA’s student programs and research. Smith has also worked in various development roles for The Nature Conservancy, Coastal Conservation League and Planned Parenthood.
While at the Coastal Conservation League, in addition to supporting the land use and conservation, air and water and energy programs, Smith was the development lead for the local food hub program, GrowFood Carolina. She gained a knowledge, respect and an appreciation for sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
Smith has a deep appreciation for the work of FFAR—addressing the biggest challenges in food and agriculture to benefit farmers and food systems, all of us that depend on them, and the environment—and is excited to help advance FFAR’s mission.
She holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from College of Charleston and she completed her undergraduate studies with a major in Public Relations from Westminster College.