Together We Grow announces new executive director

Contact:
Tiana Kennedy, AVP Communications, CSU and CSU System
[email protected]
Cell: 970-420-3316

Denver, Colo. — Stephon Fitzpatrick, a long-time champion for underrepresented populations in agriculture, was announced today as the executive director of Together We Grow.

Fitzpatrick currently serves as the national president of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences), and in every role he’s held has worked to promote academic and professional advancement of minorities in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences.

“Dr. Fitzpatrick has dedicated his career to leading transformative change in the agricultural industry by elevating opportunities for diverse and underrepresented people across the sector,” said Tony Frank, chancellor of the CSU System, the university home for Together We Grow. “He’s an inspiring, innovative, and proven leader who will be a great partner with the ag industry leaders who make up Together We Grow.”

As a consortium of companies, non-governmental organizations, universities, and government agencies, Together We Grow is focused on building a modern workforce that reflects the community at large. The organization, which began in 2016, works to share resources and expand opportunities in agriculture to meet the needs of the growing global food demand.

Fitzpatrick describes his 20-year career as one of a non-traditional agriculture professional. He is an expert on organizational culture and change management and has worked in a variety of sectors, including state and federal government, higher education, and the non-profit sector.

Fitzpatrick feels that Together We Grow is the perfect next step for his career, calling the organization’s work “transformational and impactful.”

“With the challenges of advancing agriculture to sustain the workforce being felt across the country, I am excited to join the Together We Grow team and work with our diverse group of stakeholders to ensure we remain intentional on increasing formal and non-formal opportunities to ensure the personal growth, success, and career readiness of our future agricultural workforce,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am honored for the opportunity to lead authentically with this amazing organization.”

In short, his passion is advocating for diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive strategic initiatives in agriculture, and his career has been dedicated to transforming agricultural industries.

Fitzpatrick – who has his three degrees from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and has dedicated his life’s work to sharing the experiences, successes, and challenges faced by underrepresented populations throughout the agriculture industry – feels like a natural fit, according to Together We Grow Board Chair Melissa Werneck, the chief human resources officer for KraftHeinz.

“Together We Grow’s mission of diversifying the workforce in food and agriculture is critical, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Stephon Fitzpatrick as our new executive director,” she said. “Dr. Fitzpatrick not only has a passion for agriculture but also a proven track record of advocating for diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive strategic initiatives in agriculture. His vision for the future of food and agriculture is exciting, and we’re eager to welcome him as the new leader of Together We Grow.”