Charlie Jackson – Executive Director
One of the founding farmers of ASAP, Charlie has extensive experience in developing and implementing local food campaigns and creating local food systems that are socially just, health promoting, sustainable, and that build local economies. He has been responsible for the successful development and implementation of programs in farm to school, regional branding, and farm tourism and he is the founder of numerous farmers markets and farmer associations. He has researched and written extensively on local food and farm issues and assisted numerous communities
Amy Marion – Research Coordinator
Amy leads ASAP’s program evaluation, conducts research on the impact of local food system development, and serves as a partner on a collaborative, multi-organizational initiative aimed at developing and supporting local food councils throughout the state. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Community & Regional Planning and Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University, and after a year of apprenticing on a WNC farm, returned to school for a Master’s degree in Urban Studies and Alternative Food Systems from Portland State University. She has been part of ASAP’s research team since 2017.
