After more than 16 years of dedicated service, Jean Andreasen has announced her retirement.
A Legacy of Service to Sustainability
Since joining the regional NCR-SARE office, Andreasen has provided administrative backbone and organizational stability. Serving as the primary point of contact for countless producers, researchers, educators, and graduate students, Andreasen played a pivotal role in the efficient distribution of millions of dollars in funding.
Jean is recognized for her deep personal commitment to sustainable agriculture and for bridging the gap between technical grant requirements and human impact. Her career includes impactful roles with organizations such as Mississippi Market Natural Foods Cooperative, Food Alliance Midwest/Cooperative Development Services, PastureLand Cooperative, The Minnesota Project, the Dairy Business Innovation Center, Renewing the Countryside, and the Kentron Foundation.
As she transitions into retirement, Andreasen looks forward to trading spreadsheets for the serene rhythm of fly-fishing in the Driftless. She also plans to spend her time urban foraging, knitting, rustling cheese, and playing mandolin at local seisiúns.
Welcoming Kate Seager
NCR-SARE is pleased to announce that Kate Seager will succeed Andreasen as the new Program Administrator in August 2026. Seager joins the regional office from the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA), and she has also served as a Minnesota SARE Co-Coordinator for many years. Her extensive experience within the SARE network and the sustainable agriculture community ensures a seamless transition for the regional office.
A Continued Commitment to Stability
NCR-SARE acknowledges the departure of several long-time leaders this year, including Beth Nelson, Rob Myers, and Jean Andreasen. NCR-SARE remains grounded in a long-standing tradition of stability and shared leadership. Deep roots and a dedicated regional network of staff, SARE State Coordinators, and Administrative Council members ensure that we'll continue to provide the same steady support and consistent service SARE stakeholders have relied on for decades.