By Lauren Cheramie
The Advocate
In her role as the executive director of Big River Economic and Agricultural Development Alliance, Darlene Adams Rowland oversees four locations of the Red Stick Farmers Market in Baton Rouge. Her background includes experience in marketing, fundraising, market management, farmer development, technical assistance and oversight of BREADA’s nutrition outreach programs.
As a member of Class XVII of the LSU Agriculture Leadership Class, Rowland meets with state and national agriculture leaders to address issues facing Louisiana farmers. She has been a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for over a decade and has served on the board of directors in numerous capacities including secretary, vice president of communications and governmental relations chair. She is also an accomplished writer as a contributor to Country Roads Magazine, curating compelling stories that highlight local foodways and travel. Rowland is the recipient of the 2022 John W. Barton Sr. Excellence in Nonprofit Management Rising Star Award.