Dave Nezzie joins Thornburg Foundation as Food and Agriculture Policy Officer

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Mr. Nezzie will be responsible for a multi-year grantmaking portfolio averaging $1 million per year

SANTA FE — August 4, 2021 — Thornburg Foundation, a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform, water policy and community funding, today announced Dave Nezzie has joined the organization to lead the strategic initiative focused on food and agriculture policy.

In this role, Mr. Nezzie will focus on the advancement of policy reforms, planning efforts, research, and other work to modernize food and agriculture in New Mexico. Mr. Nezzie will lead the ongoing adaptation and implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan and be responsible for developing and managing a multi-year grantmaking portfolio averaging $1 million per year.

In response to the major issues identified as challenges to the agriculture sector, the food and agriculture initiative supports improved health for New Mexico’s rangelands and farmland to support the environment and future farming and ranching generations, advances alignment among key stakeholders to develop policies, laws and programs that champion local food systems, and increases long-term viability of farmers and ranchers producing food for local markets.

“We are delighted to have Dave leading our food and agriculture policy initiative,” said Mr. Oliver. “His unique experience on the federal level, working with state and tribal government on agriculture policy will be invaluable to the Foundation’s goal of supporting local ranchers and farmers and advancing practices for a resilient agricultural sector.”

Mr. Nezzie most recently served as a field representative for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, focusing on food and agriculture work in Northern New Mexico and co-leading the office’s response to Covid-19 in Tribal Communities. In that position, he also worked on the 2018 Farm Bill and Agriculture Resilience Act authored by Sen. Heinrich.

“Food and agriculture systems can be both robust and resilient with diverse and effective solutions,” said Mr. Nezzie. “I am honored to do this important work on behalf of the Thornburg Foundation that benefits New Mexico’s farmers, ranchers and consumers.”

Mr. Nezzie has a JD from the University of New Mexico and is completing a Master of Laws in Agriculture and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. He worked in the Office of the Solicitor at the U.S. Department of Interior as a legal intern working on NEPA, ESA and Indian Land Consolidation.

About Thornburg Foundation
Thornburg Foundation is a family foundation that makes grants in the areas of good government reform, early childhood education, agriculture reform, water policy and community funding. We work to catalyze high-impact outcomes using evidence to understand and solve systemic problems, engage stakeholders to drive policy reform, and create meaningful and lasting change.

Thornburg Foundation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information: www.thornburgfoundation.org

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September 16, 2021