Sarah Franz

Executive Director

Growing up surrounded by farmland in southern Minnesota, Sarah Franz has focused her career at the intersection of agrifood systems and human health. She is the Executive Director of the Healing Soils Foundation, where she leads efforts to expand access to the funding and support farmers and supply chain partners need to accelerate the transition to organic and regenerative agriculture. In this role, Sarah advances innovative approaches that help producers navigate financial barriers and operational challenges while investing in practices that restore soil health and strengthen rural economies.

Prior to joining Healing Soils Foundation, Sarah spent five years as Vice President of Food Systems for the Future, where she focused on expanding access to nutritious food by supporting economically viable food and agriculture businesses and entrepreneurs. Her work centered on exploring innovative financing and wraparound services to strengthen regional food systems and improve food access in low-income communities across the country.

Earlier in her career, Sarah worked in public health and public policy. As Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Outreach Director, she traveled the state of Minnesota to engage with communities, organizations, and industries to better understand and address pressing issues. She also brings private-sector consulting experience with some of the Midwest’s largest companies, informing her systems-level approach.