Kavita Koppa Joins Edna Rodriguez to Lead RAFI as Co-Executive Directors
Pittsboro, NC —RAFI Board President Claire Kelloway is pleased to announce a leadership transition at RAFI and the appointment of Kavita Koppa as Co-Executive Director, joining Edna Rodriguez in a shared leadership model. “RAFI has a history of remaining steadfast in its mission through collaborative decision-making. It fits that this next chapter in RAFI’s critical work will be guided by a team of incredible leaders,” remarked Kelloway.
RAFI has been planning this transition for more than a year. This next phase represents both continuity and the intentional steps the organization is taking to strengthen its work on behalf of farming communities.
Edna Rodriguez, who has served as Executive Director since 2017, continues to lead RAFI with vision, commitment, and deep experience. Under her leadership, RAFI has grown significantly — expanding its programs into the U.S. Caribbean, deepening its focus on equity, and launching transformative initiatives such as the Farmers of Color Network.
Later this year, Rodriguez will transition from her day-to-day leadership role to serve the broader movement through Red Clover Collaborative, a new project she co-founded with other leaders to support justice-centered work in food, agriculture, and climate. Through Red Clover, she will continue collaborating with RAFI on shared goals and initiatives that advance equity and resilience in food systems.
“This isn’t quite the transition we imagined, but it’s one that shows RAFI’s strength,” said Rodriguez. “We’ve always emerged from difficult moments more connected and committed. I know we’ll do that again. Also, in a time of uncertainty — including the federal funding freeze impacting many of the farmers we work with — I’m proud that our board and staff are in alignment and moving forward with intention and care.”
Kavita Koppa (Kuh-vee-thuh) worked at RAFI from 2013 to 2016 and returned in 2023 as Land Access Director. She brings more than a decade of experience in agriculture across nonprofit, for-profit, and cooperative sectors. She is especially passionate about making financing more accessible and equitable for farmers — particularly those historically excluded from traditional financial systems. A former financial planner and longtime advocate for just food systems, Koppa’s blend of systems thinking, collaborative leadership, and humor (not to mention spreadsheet skills) makes her a natural fit for this role.
“I’m honored to step into this role alongside Edna and to work with the RAFI team and community as we continue building practical, values-driven solutions for farmers and food systems — all the more important given the challenges our food system faces today,” said Koppa.