Rob has over 20 years of experience working at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, farm business management and social advocacy. Prior to joining Viva Farms in 2014, he worked as a manager of Happy Boy Farms, a 400-acre, certified organic farm in California’s central coast.  As Director of Programs and Operations, Rob oversees the design and implementation of Viva Farms’ programs, including bilingual curriculum development and training programs, while co-teaching the Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture in Skagit each year. He works directly with both farmers and staff to ensure incubating farm businesses’ success and the fulfillment of Viva Farms’ mission. He is one of the few Spanish-speaking Certified Lead Trainers with the Produce Safety Alliance in the region and has instructed courses locally and internationally. Rob holds a BA in Politics and Latin American studies from UC Santa Cruz, and additionally serves as Adjunct Faculty, Environmental Sustainable Agriculture Department at Skagit Valley College and on the Board of Trustees at the Skagit Valley Food Co-Op. Off farm, Rob enjoys time with his family biking, music-making, sailing, skiing, and exploring the North Cascades.