our board of directors
Meet our Board of Directors, a collective of dedicated leaders uniting deep expertise in philanthropy, sustainable development, academic environmental science, and agricultural management. Their combined experience—spanning national park supervision, conservation, and local farming—ensures the long-term success and mission fulfillment of our farm.
Christy Walton
FOUNDER
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Christy is a committed philanthropist, entrepreneur, and activist. Her collective of organizations, Innovaciones Alumbra, focuses on social, economic, and environmental well-being. She is a long term supporter of renewable energy, is actively involved in regenerative aquaculture and agriculture, participates in land and sea conservation, and is passionate about making beautiful, high quality, and functional contributions to the built environment. Christy’s bountiful and diverse initiatives support vibrant communities for everyone. Christy’s long-term commitment to Rusted Gate Farm through her Alumbra Innovations Foundation will ensure its mission of supporting small farming in the Rogue Valley for years to come.
Vincent Smith
PRESIDENT
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Vincent M. Smith is the Director of the Division of Business, Communication, and the Environment at Southern Oregon University. He previously served as Chair of the Environmental Science & Policy Department and held a joint teaching appointment specializing in sustainable food systems, agroecology, and environmental sociology. He earned his BA in plant ecology from Truman State University, his MS in environmental science from Oregon State University, and his PhD in interdisciplinary environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He additionally serves as the Director of the SOU Institute for Applied Sustainability and is the Director of The Farm at SOU. Dr. Smith also represents Southern Oregon University as a member of the Rogue Valley Food System Council, as a board member of the Rogue Basin Partnership, as a board member of Rusted Gate Farm, and serves on the environmental affairs committee of Mt. Ashland Ski Area. He lives in Ashland with his wife and three children where he enjoys exploring the beauty of Southern Oregon.
Matt Borman
BOARD MEMBER
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Matt manages 2,000 acres of peach and pear orchards as Orchard Manager for Harry and David right here in the Rogue Valley where he resides with his family. His love of growing plants finds its roots in his upbringing, where he grew up working as a farmhand on his grandfather’s walnut orchards in California. Matt’s commitment to farming aligns with the goals of Rusted Gate Farm and he has provided support since the very beginning. Matt served on the interview committee for selecting Rusted Gate Farm’s first Farm Manager and Farm Operations Coordinator.
Martin Goebel
TREASURER
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Martin has nearly 35 years’ experience in natural resources management and sustainable development. Throughout his career, he has served in and founded many organizations developed to natural resource conservation around the world. Martin is a longtime collaborator with the Founder, Christy Walton on environmental matters. Martin also brings considerable expertise in advising nonprofits and philanthropies. As a startup nonprofit facing the challenges of managing its resources, Rusted Gate Farm will benefit greatly from Martin’s guidance and advice. He resides in Portland, OR.
Mike Finley
SECRETARY
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Mike’s long career included Supervisor of many national parks in the U.S. including Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Everglades. He was also President of the Turner Foundation funding efforts to improve conservation and stewardship of our natural wonders. He continues to actively participate in conservation efforts and is currently Chairman of the Oregon Department of Game and Fish. Mike is a native Southern Oregonian and currently resides in Medford. Mike’s extensive high level management experience will greatly benefit Rusted Gate Farm as it develops its business plan for the next several years.