Oregon Tilth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit leading organic certifier, educator, and advocate for a brighter food future.
We’re a team of farmers, ranchers, regulatory experts, technical specialists, communicators, advocates, administrators working to make our food and agriculture system better.
We’re committed to the hardworking farmers, ranchers, handlers, and operators using sustainable and resilient practices that keep our world clothed, fed, and protected.
OUR MISSION
Support and promote biologically sound and socially equitable agriculture.
OUR VISION
Community-led food systems that enrich people and planet, together.
WHO WE ARE
We believe food and agriculture should be biologically sound and socially equitable. This belief has guided Oregon Tilth for five decades.
In 1974, farmer-poet Wendell Berry spoke at the “Agriculture for a Small Planet” symposium in Spokane, Washington. In an auditorium surrounded by farmers and environmentalists, Berry said, “If we allow another generation to pass without doing what is necessary to enhance and embolden the possibility of strong agricultural communities, we will lose it altogether.” Four months later, the Tilth movement was born.
Oregon Tilth envisioned a resilient environment, economy and community sustained by transparent agriculture. We formed diverse alliances across the Pacific Northwest and North America to organize for substantive change through public education, market development, and advocacy.
The Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO) program became one of the first US-based organic certifiers in 1982. Our leadership and hard-earned credibility propelled us to help create the USDA National Organic Program in place today.
As a leading organic certifier, we are reshaping the marketplace by enabling communities to transform food systems through transparency and resiliency.
Board of Directors
Ani Kame’enui, President
Tina Consentino, Treasurer
Tinia Pina, Secretary
Alisha Burrell, Member
Marni Karlin, Member
Channing Nesbitt, Member
Executive Leadership
Chris Schreiner, CEO
Leonard Freeman, Jr., COO
Denise Hawkins, People and Culture Director
Edward Johnson, Communications and Marketing Director
Renee Kempka, Finance and Administration Director
Heather Smith, IT Director
Board Committees and Duties
Governance - ensure the board develops and complies with internal governance policies, conduct CEO evaluation, and periodically review bylaws.
Finance - monitor the organization’s financial condition, its investment portfolios, and its annual audit.
Recruitment & Enhancement - ensure a strong, diverse board via outreach, recruitment, onboarding, mentorship, and training.
OUR STRATEGIC FOCUS
At Oregon Tilth, our strategic focus reflects our commitment to people, data, and operational excellence. These pillars guide our efforts to strengthen organic systems, empower our team, and create lasting impact for the communities we serve.
People:
We prioritize investing in our team’s well-being, fostering connections, and aligning individual strengths with organizational needs to achieve shared success. By promoting professional growth, cross-training, and regular role evaluations, we foster flexibility, resilience and impact. Building a strong community within our organization enhances engagement and drives our mission forward.
Data:
A culture of data literacy empowers us to make informed, effective decisions. By ensuring our data is secure, accurate, and accessible, we enhance our daily operations, track progress, demonstrate impact, and guide strategic initiatives. Financial data ensures we balance costs with service effectiveness, maximizing our impact.
Operational Excellence:
Streamlining processes and leveraging technology allows us to improve efficiency, elevate client experiences, and deliver meaningful impact. We aim to simplify certification, integrate educational resources, and enhance accessibility. By diversifying communities served, we will expand organic growth opportunities through inclusive outreach and support. Continuous improvement is at the heart of our commitment to high-quality service.
BOARD ROLE & EXPECTATIONS
Expectations and Responsibilities
Due Care - Act with common sense and informed judgment
Loyalty to the Organization - promote the organization’s public purpose rather than private interest
Respect the Law - follow governing documents and comply with all applicable state and federal laws
Provide fiscal oversight for the organization
Prepare for and participate in board meetings
Help create connections, partnerships, and opportunities that expand our access, influence, and impact
Be a member of Oregon Tilth in good standing
Activities and Commitments
Participate in one board committee (1-2 hours per month)
Attend one in-person meeting per year (2.5 days)
Participate in online meetings (4 per year, 2 hours each)
Attend our annual membership meeting (Convened via webinar, 1 hour)
OREGON TILTH AT A GLANCE
TOGETHER,
WE
ARE STRENGTHENING ORGANIC INTEGRITY.
With a fully distributed and remote workforce, we are focused on creating an organizational culture and work environment that is equitable, inclusive and diverse so that we may share these experiences and knowledge with those that we serve and support in the food system.
