Rhianna

Rhianna Simes

Board Member

Rhianna Simes, M.S.Ed. (wry-anna sims) often introduces herself as a recovering Texan, because she was raised on a vineyard and peach orchard in rural, Central Texas.  Since then, Rhianna worked for 10 years at the Oregon State University Extension Service where she developed and ran several educational volunteer programs including the Land Steward and Master Gardener program.  Rhianna has also served the nonprofit sector for over 20 years in a variety of capacities from  Co-Executive Director, to development director, program coordinator and board member. She owns and operates Verdant Phoenix Farm & Nursery that is a diversified, certified Organic farm in Southern Oregon.  

Rhianna is also the founder and lead consultant with Growing Assets for Nonprofit Excellence where she supports nonprofits through facilitation, education, fundraising, and planning for action. She is a “cup half full” thinker that takes an asset-based approach to helping organizations create diverse income streams and actualize their mission. 

Rhianna loves bees and pollinators, and focuses much of her time attracting and supporting them.