Amber Valbrun Named President & CEO of the Urban Farming Institute
The Urban Farming Institute (UFI) is proud to announce the appointment of Amber Valbrun as our next President & Chief Executive Officer.
Amber is no stranger to UFI. Most recently serving as Deputy Executive Director, she has played a key role in strengthening the organization, expanding community engagement, and building the operational foundation that will support UFI’s continued growth and impact. As President & CEO, she will lead UFI into its next chapter while remaining grounded in the values that have guided the organization since its founding: farming, education, and community.
A Boston native, Amber’s commitment to food justice is deeply personal. Growing up, she witnessed firsthand the inequities in access to fresh, healthy food that affect many urban neighborhoods. At the same time, summers spent on her grandparents’ farm fostered a lifelong appreciation for the connection between food, land, culture, and community. Those experiences continue to shape her belief that everyone deserves access to healthy food, opportunities for self-sufficiency, and the resources needed to thrive.
Before joining UFI, Amber held several leadership positions at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), including Director of Operations, where she oversaw community-based programs, managed staff, and cultivated strategic partnerships. She also held roles with Partners in Health and Healthcare IT Leaders, building expertise in public health, human resources, and organizational operations.
“What we’ve built at UFI is a reflection of the beauty, strength, and resilience of our community, and of the way food has always brought people together, even in the most challenging times,” Amber said. “I am committed to honoring and protecting the foundation that has been built through years of dedication, love, and collective effort, while continuing to grow it for the future of urban farming and the generations that follow. My approach is to listen first, learn from our community, and work together to move forward as one. We are power. We are resilience. We are the future of urban farming, and we’re here to stay.”
Shadé Solomon, Chair of the UFI Board of Directors, shared her confidence in Amber’s leadership:
“Amber brings a rare combination of strategic leadership, operational excellence, and deep commitment to the communities we serve. Having helped shape UFI’s growth from within, she understands both the opportunities and challenges ahead. Throughout the search process, it became clear that Amber possesses the vision, experience, and passion needed to lead UFI into its next chapter. We are excited to partner with her as we continue advancing food justice, expanding access to fresh, healthy food, and strengthening communities across Boston.”
Amber succeeds Pat Spence, whose leadership helped establish UFI as a leading voice in urban agriculture, food justice, and community development. The announcement follows UFI’s recent community celebration honoring Pat’s extraordinary contributions and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the organization.
As UFI looks to the future, Amber will continue to build on the organization’s mission of strengthening a healthy local food system through urban farming, education, and community engagement. Together with our staff, board, volunteers, partners, and neighbors, she will help expand access to fresh, culturally relevant food, develop the next generation of urban farming leaders, and deepen UFI’s impact across Boston.
Please join us in congratulating Amber Valbrun on her appointment as President & CEO of the Urban Farming Institute. We look forward to growing together.
Interested in learning more about UFI’s work? Explore our programs, upcoming events, and ways to get involved as we continue building a healthier, more equitable food system for Boston.