Meet the Board
At Healthy Harvest of North Iowa, our nonprofit organization is driven by a dedicated team of individuals who are passionate about enhancing our local food system. Our board members, comprised of local food leaders from various sectors across North Iowa, play a crucial role in shaping the direction and initiatives of our organization. With a focus on high-level strategy, oversight, and accountability, our board ensures that we continue to connect, educate, and support our local food community effectively. Interested in joining? Email board@healthyharvestni.com.
Shannon Jensen, Chair
Shannon lives in rural Hardin County with her husband, John. Shannon has worked for and served with many non-profit groups over her 30-year career in marketing, strategy, and operations. She is a Master Gardener Intern and has many passions, including family time, reading, traveling, and sharing her enthusiasm for local foods. She is currently employed at Harrison & Associates CPAs.
Ron Rachut, Vice Chair
Ron is a semi-retired farmer and lifelong agricultural advocate. Previously the co-owner of an 80-acre commercial vegetable operation, he now focuses on community gardening and supporting Kittleson Brothers. Ron is deeply committed to service, donating produce to the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank and mentoring youth through the Mason City Challengers 4-H Club and the Chamber of Commerce Ag Comm.
Dr. Kimberly Roberts, Treasurer
Dr. Roberts is a global human rights and environmental advocate based in rural Hancock County. After 20 years of international collaboration with community-based organizations, she has returned to her Midwestern roots to focus on local agrarian issues. At home, she manages an extensive vegetable garden and experiments with pollinator-friendly land practices.
Christina Schueth-Ruggles, Secretary
Christina is a community-engaged resident of Clear Lake, Iowa. She is active in local civic life, notably contributing her time to the Clear Lake Earth Day initiative, which focuses on the preservation and well-being of the local environment. In addition to her volunteer work with the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, she has been involved in local property and planning matters, such as the Clear Lake Board of Adjustment. Professionally, she is an employee at FedEx as a Manager in long term network planning.
Dane Dugan, Member
Dane has spent nearly 25 years leading nonprofits and raising millions for agricultural education and HIV/AIDS awareness. A former State FFA President with a degree in Agricultural Education, Dane has managed major events like the North Idaho and San Mateo County Fairs. Currently, he operates the Rustic Barn Venue, where he is launching a new farmers market in Nora Springs to promote Iowa agriculture and support local vendors.
Signe Meinders, Member
Signe is a Forest City native, web developer at FCIS Insurance, and local food advocate. Along with her
husband, Scott, she is currently converting her lawn into a native pollinator habitat. A former employee of
Cafe Mir, she remains passionate about farm-to-table cuisine, food preservation, and community gardening.
When not in her garden or kitchen, Signe enjoys reading cookbooks and spending time with her daughters.
Brad Thill, Member
Brad, a retired Army veteran with 14 combat deployments, owns Farmer Sarge’s Orchard in Kossuth
County. He manages 450+ fruit trees, with a 600-tree expansion planned for 2026. Brad also produces
freeze-dried goods and a popular kettle corn line used for local fundraisers. A member of the Iowa Fruit
Growers Association and Choose Iowa, he is committed to high-quality agriculture and supporting fellow
veterans.