Iowa Food System Coalition Announces Tommy Hexter as Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2026
The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is proud to announce Tommy Hexter as its new Executive Director, following his service as Interim Executive Director.
Tommy steps into this role with deep roots in the Coalition’s formation and a clear, values-driven vision for its future. Since joining IFSC in its early stages, he has helped shape a culture grounded in collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to strengthening Iowa’s food system.
“We are incredibly grateful for Tommy’s leadership,” said Chelsea Lynn, Chair of the Coalition’s Steering Committee. “He brings a rare combination of thoughtfulness, energy, and integrity. He understands both the big picture and the day-to-day work it takes to build something meaningful, and leads in a way that brings people together.”
Tommy’s connection to IFSC began during its ideation phase, where he was drawn to both the wisdom of long-standing leaders and the Coalition’s intentional investment in the next generation. What has kept him here is the sense of community.
“IFSC has built something special,” said Tommy. “It’s a place where people who are new to this work and those who have been in it for decades come together as peers. There’s a real sense of belonging and shared purpose. That’s what makes this work feel alive.”
During his time as Interim Director, Tommy focused on strengthening the Coalition’s foundation, from improving internal systems and financial processes to supporting the growth of priority teams. His approach centers on relationship-building first, ensuring that diverse stakeholders not only have a seat at the table, but feel genuinely welcomed and respected.
He is especially energized by IFSC’s role as a connector across sectors, helping bridge conversations between food systems, environmental health, labor, and immigration. As interest in these intersections continues to grow, Tommy sees IFSC as uniquely positioned to lead.
Looking ahead, Tommy’s vision includes building strong, self-sustaining teams, expanding farmer engagement, and continuing to grow IFSC’s credibility as a trusted, statewide resource. He is also committed to deepening the Coalition’s capacity for network coordination, bringing both intention and skill-building to how relationships and collaborations are cultivated across Iowa.
Tommy brings experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and food system development, with a strong track record of growing programs, securing funding through grants and individual donors, and managing complex partnerships. His leadership is defined by curiosity, humility, and a genuine commitment to people.
He previously served as Executive Director of the Grinnell Farm to Table Food Hub from 2020 to 2025 and as Policy Director for the Iowa Farmers Union from 2022 to 2025. In addition to his current role, Tommy is leading the “State Momentum Project for Regenerative Food Systems,” a national initiative supporting multi-state networks in advancing state-level food system policy.
The coalition extends its deep appreciation to Tommy for his steady leadership during this transition and looks forward to this next chapter under his guidance.
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The Iowa Food System Coalition (IFSC) is a community of over 50 organizational partners and 600 individuals with professional and lived expertise, united to advance a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa. Through Setting the Table for All Iowans, our strategic roadmap, IFSC is leading efforts to increase local food consumption, build resilient rural communities, create economic opportunities, and improve the health of Iowans.
Tommy Hexter, Executive Director, Iowa Food System Coalition
