FRESHFARM Announces Executive Director Hugo Mogollon’s Departure After Five Years of Transformative Leadership
FRESHFARM announces that Executive Director Hugo Mogollon will step down from his role on February 14, 2025, to pursue a new opportunity that will allow him more time with family in Ecuador while continuing to work in a space that aligns with his personal and professional passions. Under his five years of exceptional leadership, FRESHFARM has experienced unprecedented growth and strengthened its foundation for long-term success.
With Hugo at the helm, FRESHFARM has expanded its footprint to operate 26 farmers markets and farm stands, the largest network in the Mid-Atlantic region. FRESHFARM is also the third largest farmers market network nationally, supporting hundreds of local farmers and producers annually. Hugo also spearheaded the development of the Pop-Up Food Hub, which has distributed millions of pounds of fresh, locally grown produce to food-insecure families since its inception. FRESHFARM has deepened its pioneering food access work, growing the FreshMatch incentive program to working with over 91 farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs. Additionally, FRESHFARM’s flagship food education program FoodPrints grew to serve 7,600 students in 21 DC public elementary schools and further expanded food access by implementing farm stands at schools. Hugo’s tenure leaves a legacy of resilience and innovation that positions FRESHFARM for continued success and lasting impact.
“Hugo has guided FRESHFARM through a transformative period, from navigating the challenges of the pandemic to strengthening our commitment to racial equity and inclusion. Under his leadership, FRESHFARM has grown in impact and innovation, positioning the organization as a regional leader in food systems,” said Board Chair Jessica Zetzman. “As we enter this next chapter, we remain deeply grateful for Hugo’s visionary leadership and the foundation he has built, which will continue to drive positive change across the Mid-Atlantic community.”
Under Hugo’s leadership, FRESHFARM has made remarkable progress, modernizing operational systems, securing the organization’s financial stability, and assembling a talented leadership team to sustain the mission. This momentum will ensure a seamless transition and present an opportunity for the next Executive Director to build on FRESHFARM’s achievements with their own unique vision.
“This was not an easy decision. Leading FRESHFARM over the past five years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said outgoing Executive Director Hugo Mogollon. “I am proud to have led the organization through its most successful period—a time of growth and significant impact. I believe this is an opportune time for FRESHFARM to welcome new leadership to take the organization into its next chapter of success.”
“In the 10 years I’ve known Hugo he has started numerous farmers markets and programs, turned struggling markets into thriving ones, and overseen a merger with FRESHFARM,” commented Linsday Smith, Senior Food and Agriculture Planner at Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. “He’s such a positive, innovative, and strategic leader, and I’ll miss his commitment to regional food system collaboration, but I know that FRESHFARM’s future remains bright thanks to the incredible team he’s brought together to make the organization what it is today.”
The Board of Directors has also announced that Jacquelyn Lendsey has been named interim Executive Director. Lendsey brings more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, 16 of those in Interim Executive Director roles, to the position. FRESHFARM is in great hands with her deep expertise and experience in providing stability and support during transitions for other area nonprofits like the Greater DC Diaper Bank, Washington Area Washington Women’s Foundation, and the DC Fiscal Policy Institute. The organization will also move forward with conducting a nationwide search for a permanent replacement. FRESHFARM is committed to ensuring staff, vendors, farmers, producers, students, and community members experience minimal disruption.
