Amy Cole
Chief Impact Officer
Amy Cole is the Chief Impact Officer for The Land Institute. Cole’s work focuses on leading philanthropy for the organization, in which she builds partnerships with people and organizations to support a more sustainable food future both domestically and internationally. She also serves on The Land Institute’s executive committee and is co-leading a scaling phase for the organization.
Amy is a Gypsum, Kansas native who earned a B.A. in Journalism from Kansas State University, minoring in French. She has many years in corporate business development, project management and process improvement experience, earning a green belt certification in Six Sigma process improvement methods prior to joining the nonprofit world. Amy serves on the local Rotary board and is a past president of that chapter. She has strong ties to the ag and grain communities, and now lives in Salina with her husband and two boys after moving back to the area to raise their children amongst family. She volunteers for many local service organizations and school engagements. Amy loves to ski, is an avid reader, writer, outdoor enthusiast, traveler and foodie.
Q&A
What’s one aspect of your life history that most people don’t know or wouldn’t expect?
I was held at gunpoint in Italy one summer when I was in college. I traveled Europe by myself after nannying in the south of France and stumbled onto the G8 summit en route to Genoa. The gendarmes thought I was a protester. I explained that I was only there for the food and wine.
What TLI perennial crop do you look forward to eating most, and how would you prepare it?
Kernza® bread. Bring on the carbs!
What drew you to work at TLI?
The people. The big dream. The dirt road.
What’s your motto / favorite quote?
“Not all who wander are lost.”
Support the work of Amy and others at The Land Institute with a donation.