Nicole Gunderman

About Nicole Gunderman

I make connections. As Executive Director at Gorman Heritage Farm, I connect my staff with what they need to be successful, and I connect my organization with collaborators and supporters to help the Farm fulfill its mission. As an educator, I connect people with information that has relevance and meaning. As a member of the agriculture community, I connect urban and rural, organic and conventional, school gardens and commodity farmers, food activists and 4-H kids. I believe these connections can help us see past differences to find common goals and values. If you spend any time with me, you are sure to meet everyone around us, whether you already know them or not. Let’s just say I err on the side of introductions!After 12 years in fundraising development and sales, I stepped out of the corporate world for 10 years to raise a family. In 2015 I went back to school and earned my Master of Arts in Biology from Miami University, Project Dragonfly. My focus on farm-based education and regenerative agriculture opened up many opportunities: I studied pastoralists in Mongolia, published articles on local food in Cincinnati, and delved deeply into the connections between food production and environmental stewardship. Now I teach a Miami University summer course, Issues in Cincinnati Conservation, in which I connect graduate students with conservation stories, resources and leaders.Before applying to grad school, I volunteered at Gorman to see if I liked being an educator. Turns out I loved it and was quickly hired. Upon graduation I moved into the Director of Education position and am grateful for the inspiring people I worked with to directly fulfill the education mission of the farm. I do miss leading field trips, seeing the excitement on a child\'s face when they meet a chicken or find a seed in a flower. Children are the ultimate connectors, constantly exploring the world and how it works. After six years in education, it was a big decision for me to take on my current role as Deputy Director, but I am glad that I did. Now I use my skills to fulfill Gorman’s mission in a different way. I am a leader and mentor for staff, a fundraiser and fiduciary steward, someone who understands the strengths and challenges of the organization and can work strategically to develop systems, make connections, and lead us to success.As a connector, I am sort of a bridge, with my feet in different worlds. But I am firmly rooted where I stand with a rich history of experience to draw upon and a bright vision for the future. So, let’s connect! May I introduce you to…

Experience

1. Agriculture Specialist

   Hamilton County Conservation District

   Aug 2024 — Present · Hamilton County, OH, US

   Serves as a key resource for agriculture-related information and opportunities in Hamilton County. Connects agricultural stakeholders throughout the County to facilitate communication and collaboration in the pursuit of individual and shared goals. Provides technical support to ensure agricultural soil and water conservation methods are practiced at every scale of production. Presents educational programming that is relevant to agriculture audiences including commodity farmers, small-scale producers, urban growers, community & school gardens, and home gardeners.

Education

• The Ohio State University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Women's Studies

  1989 — 1995

• Miami University

  Master of Arts - Biology, Farm-Based Education, Sustainable Agriculture

  2015 — 2017