BQHH Hires Dr. Jen Risley-Kern as Executive Director!

The Border Queen Harvest Hub (BQHH) has hired Jennifer Kern as its executive director to manage the day-to-day operations of the local food system along with the new BQHH commercial kitchen.

Kern will work closely with producers, processors and distributors, helping consumers connect with local farmers, coordinating town hall meetings and sharing information and benefits of the Hub.

The BQHH commercial kitchen is being built in the back of the Caldwell Workspace. Construction has begun to renovate the space and when it’s complete, growers and entrepreneurs can use the fully-equipped kitchen to prepare food for sale.

Kern was born and raised in Caldwell and has recently retired after more than 30 years in education. “As the executive director, Dr. Kern will oversee strategic planning, program development and community outreach initiatives,” says Stacy Davis, executive director of the Sumner County Economic Development Commission. “Her expertise in curriculum development will be invaluable as we continue to grow and expand the services of the Border Queen Harvest Hub to better serve our stakeholders. Under Dr. Kern’s leadership, the BQHH will continue to thrive and make significant strides in advancing sustainable agriculture and community resilience.”

"With 32 years of experience as an educator and administrator in public education, I have dedicated my career to serving communities and fostering growth,” says Kern. “Now, as the Executive Director of the Border Queen Harvest Hub, I am excited to support local farmers by connecting them with opportunities to sell their produce locally".

Kern received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wichita State University and a doctorate in educational leadership from Baker University.