Cobblestone Farms names Paul Savas as executive director

Paul Savas, former executive director of Trike Theatre, has been appointed executive director of Fayetteville nonprofit Cobblestone Farms, which combats food insecurity through sustainable agriculture, according to a Monday (July 28) news release.

Savas succeeds Jordan Lanning, who will continue serving as a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors. Savas has nearly two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including 18 years as an executive director.

Under Savas’ leadership, the nonprofit aims to expand its regional impact, including increasing food production, reaching more neighbors, and ensuring fresh, healthy food is accessible to all.

“It is my great pleasure and honor to step into the role of executive director at Cobblestone Farms,” Savas said. “I’m inspired by the powerful foundation built by Jordan Lanning, the board, and this dedicated staff, all of whom have worked tirelessly to reduce food insecurity and strengthen the well-being of our Northwest Arkansas community. … As we see hunger and inequity on the rise, the work we do together becomes even more vital.”

Lanning helped to guide the nonprofit through “a period of strategic refocusing and operational improvement,” the release shows. “Under her leadership, the organization returned to its roots – prioritizing the growth of fresh produce for neighbors experiencing food insecurity – while streamlining internal operations, strengthening partnerships across the region, and building transformative relationships with funders that positioned the organization for long-term success.”

Cobblestone Farms is a 501(c)(3) that grows and donates fresh produce to people and families experiencing food insecurity across Northwest Arkansas in partnership with food banks, pantries and schools. The nonprofit has nine staff.

“Over the past year and a half, Cobblestone Farms has matured into one of the leading food insecurity nonprofits in Northwest Arkansas,” Lanning said. “This is credited to our brilliant, dedicated team and our engaged board of directors, all of whom are deeply passionate about this work. Paul brings the skills and experience needed to execute some of the big goals we’ve set for Cobblestone’s future, and I am confident he will achieve them.”