Tina Hadden Named First Executive Director of In Harmony Farm

Tina Hadden has been chosen to lead the newly formed non-profit, In Harmony Farm, as its first full-time executive director, starting April 3.

In Harmony Farm is a newly created organization focused on helping historically underserved farmers build specialty crop farm business in Central Iowa by providing access to land, infrastructure, and business capacity building resources. In its first year, the 70-acre farm created 9 parcels of land to be crop-ready and invited 6 farm families to begin their 5-year training program. These farmers entered a program that helps them create business plans, develop marketing strategies, and scale up their production of produce such as tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and lettuces. In their first year, the farmers sold over $125,000 in produce through local farmers’ markets and worked with local organizations fighting food insecurity to deliver over 2000 pounds of fresh food to Iowans in need. You can learn more at www.inharmonyfarm.org.

Hadden is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of developing collaborative business relationships and networks. During her career, she has specialized in strategic planning helping guide non-profits and private sector in developing short and long-term business plans. She has also worked on public awareness campaigns, media relations and crisis communications. She founded her own boutique business consulting in 2003, working on tough issues with clients such as homelessness, public transportation, building bicycle lanes/trails in Central Iowa, water quality, affordable housing and public education. In addition to owning her own company, Hadden has served as Public Affairs Manager for Metro Waste Authority, Executive Director for the Transportation Management Association, Marketing Director for Hubbell Realty and Manager of Culture and Internal Communications for American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company.

“Tina’s roots to farming go back to her days on the family farm when she and her mother continued raising cattle after her father passed away in the mid-80s – this experience is the backbone to her work ethic,” explained Sharon Krause, co- founder of In Harmony Farm. “She has endless energy and is well-connected, not only within the metro-area community but also in parts of rural Iowa. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team!”

Tina lives in West Des Moines, with her husband, Tom. They have two sons. In their spare time, they passionately support West Des Moines and the metro area, enjoy walking, biking, supporting local restaurants and watching a lot of basketball! She currently serves as the chair of the West Des Moines Community School District Foundation Board and sits on the board for Polk County Housing Trust Fund