Andy Naja-Riese brings more than 15 years’ experience in community food systems, policy, and nutrition education. He is Chief Executive Officer of the Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM), a Bay Area 501c3 educational non-profit that works to educate, inspire, and connect communities, responsible farmers, and producers as part of a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food system. In his current role, Andy is a champion for a systems approach to connecting small to mid-size farmers and producers with communities in a way that is empowering, responsible, and socially just. Andy leads AIM’s day-to-day operations, while directing the organization’s markets, farm-fresh nutrition access programs, government partnerships, media relations, and strategic planning in collaboration with AIM’s Board of Directors. He is leading an ambitious effort to build The Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA), one of the world’s first closed-loop, zero-waste farmers markets and educational centers that can foster healthier, resilient communities by fighting for better food, climate justice, and economic equity.

He lives in San Rafael with his husband and dog and enjoys backyard gardening, cooking farmers market hauls, eating NY-style bagels, and enjoying the natural beauty of Northern California.