Ann Forsthoefel Resigns from Position as Executive Director of Portland Farmers Market

Portland, Ore., August 26, 2010 – The Portland Farmers Market today sadly announced the resignation of its executive director Ann Forsthoefel. Forsthoefel has led the nonprofit 501(c)6 organization and managed its small staff and numerous volunteers since August 2008 and plans to finish up her duties at the end of Portland Farmers Markets 19th season in mid December. Forsthoefel’s resignation came after her husband accepted an offer to work for a company located in Missoula, Montana.

In her two years as executive director, Forsthoefel has been credited with expanding and developing the Portland Farmers Market staff, refining the vendor selection process, introducing a new dog policy, opening three new market locations (King, NW 23rd and Pioneer Courthouse Square), doubling the footprint of the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, and utilizing social media and PR to help tell the organization’s story. During her tenure, Portland Farmers Market grew both in sales and attendance, and was consistently ranked as the top farmers’ market both nationally and internationally.

“This is a very bittersweet moment for me. My role as executive director of the Portland Farmers Market has simply been my dream job, which made this decision extremely hard for me. I will greatly miss the staff, board, vendors and shoppers that breathe life into these wonderful markets that we all hold so dear,” said Forsthoefel. “Portland has so much to be proud of with its farmers market. It is my great hope this organization, and all of the other markets in the area, will continue to lead the country in developing a local, sustainable, healthy, fresh and affordable food supply. It is paramount to our future.”

“Ann has been instrumental in bringing Portland Farmers Market to a whole new level of effectiveness, and is well-loved by everyone she works with,” said Rosemarie Cordello, chairperson of the Portland Farmers Market board of directors. “While there is no one who can fully replace Ann, we are deeply committed to making this transition as smooth as possible and will ensure that Portland Farmers Market’s strong forward movement continues.”

The Portland Farmers Market board of directors intends to refill the leadership position and will make public soon its plans to do so.

About Portland Farmers Market
Founded in 1992, Portland Farmers Market operates vibrant farmers markets that contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, strengthen the food economy and serve as community gathering places. The local 501(c)6 nonprofit employs five full-time and four part-time employees who manage six weekly farmers’ markets in the Portland area from March until December. The independently-run organization receives no ongoing support from government agencies. More than 26,000 shoppers purchase farm-fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, seafood and other specialty foods from more than 250 vendors at the height of the season. In addition to operating markets, Portland Farmers Market also serves as an incubator for emerging businesses, a leader of the local food movement, a source of education, a culinary focal point in the community, a cultural destination complete with musical entertainment, and a billboard for Portland’s sustainability movement. To learn more about how Portland Farmers Market aims to grow, nourish and inspire the community, become a Twitter follower, Facebook fan and visit www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.