Ann Bateman with her rescue dog, Bean.

Our monthly series of CAHFS Spotlights highlights our residents, graduate students, faculty, and staff. This month, we're spotlighting CAHFS operations manager, Ann Bateman.

How did you end up at CAHFS? Most of my professional experience is in nonprofit fundraising and administration, but after finishing my graduate degree in management in 2011, I started looking for the right opportunity to move into a wider operations role. On a personal level, I am passionate about food! I have studied sustainable agriculture, permaculture, nutrition, cooking and related topics for over 25 years and also owned a small farm. This position in CAHFS allows me to use my professional skills in a way that supports work I really believe in.

What do you do at CAHFS? In my role, I oversee all of the operational aspects of the Center including finance, HR, administration, facilities, communications, strategic planning, and fundraising.

What do you have a knack for? I take pride in my ability to foster a team-oriented, collaborative approach and enculturating a positive work environment. Making sure that people feel heard, valued, and appreciated in exchange for their hard work is really important to me, so I hope that is what I am known for!

What are you most passionate about professionally? There is nothing that a team of dedicated, passionate people can’t accomplish when they are given the proper tools. My job is to make sure they have those tools. Supporting mission-driven work that makes a difference is my passion.

Where can we find you when you are not working? I am all about lake life at my cottage and the outdoors. I hike, canoe, garden, and snowshoe. I also enjoy kickboxing, meditation, and yoga. I spend a lot of time with my two teenagers - being a parent is the most important way I spend my time.

Where did you grow up and why are you not there now? I grew up in Minnesota and after spending time in other parts of the country, I am really happy being a Minnesotan. We have it all here!

What would be impossible for you to give up? Fresh air and the woods. And possibly parmigiano-reggiano :)