Eugene "Trey" Ford III, Board Chair
Eugene "Trey" Ford III, is a graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Operations Management with a focus in Construction Planning from the University of Florida. Trey moved back to Jacksonville in August of 2019 and saw massive growth coupled with immeasurable opportunity and immediately put his hands to the plow to improve the city, choosing “story telling” through film as a way to educate, equip, and empower Jacksonville toward a renaissance that would see it eclipse perennial contenders in “best places to live” articles as the most technologically advanced, sustainably run, yet culturally unique and exciting cities in the entire world.
This is the Jacksonville Renaissance! Power to the People! Grow Your Own Food! #FoodSoverignty
Term 2023-2027
Eugene "Trey" Ford III, is a graduate of Paxon School for Advanced Studies with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Operations Management with a focus in Construction Planning from the University of Florida. Trey moved back to Jacksonville in August of 2019 and saw massive growth coupled with immeasurable opportunity and immediately put his hands to the plow to improve the city, choosing “story telling” through film as a way to educate, equip, and empower Jacksonville toward a renaissance that would see it eclipse perennial contenders in “best places to live” articles as the most technologically advanced, sustainably run, yet culturally unique and exciting cities in the entire world.
This is the Jacksonville Renaissance! Power to the People! Grow Your Own Food! #FoodSoverignty
Term 2023-2027
Sel Buyuksarac, Board Vice-Chair
Sel Buyuksarac is an accomplished educator and community leader based in Jacksonville, Florida, with an impressive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration. In 2002, Sel relocated to Jacksonville and co-founded River City Science Academy (RCSA), a STEM-focused public charter school. Under his leadership, RCSA has grown to encompass six campuses, serving over 5,000 students.
As the Chief of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Sel plays a pivotal role in the organization’s operations, championing diversity and holistic education. His community involvement is equally noteworthy, with active participation in organizations such as the Rotary Club, Lifework Leadership Class of 2022, Leadership Florida, Leadership Jacksonville, and Global Jax.
Sel is also known for promoting interfaith and cultural dialogue, particularly through initiatives like Ramadan Friendship and Gratitude Dinners, which foster unity and understanding among diverse groups. His unwavering dedication to education, diversity, and community empowerment continues to drive meaningful change, shaping a brighter future for Jacksonville's children.
Term 2024-2027
Sel Buyuksarac is an accomplished educator and community leader based in Jacksonville, Florida, with an impressive academic background that includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration. In 2002, Sel relocated to Jacksonville and co-founded River City Science Academy (RCSA), a STEM-focused public charter school. Under his leadership, RCSA has grown to encompass six campuses, serving over 5,000 students.
As the Chief of Public Affairs and Community Engagement, Sel plays a pivotal role in the organization’s operations, championing diversity and holistic education. His community involvement is equally noteworthy, with active participation in organizations such as the Rotary Club, Lifework Leadership Class of 2022, Leadership Florida, Leadership Jacksonville, and Global Jax.
Sel is also known for promoting interfaith and cultural dialogue, particularly through initiatives like Ramadan Friendship and Gratitude Dinners, which foster unity and understanding among diverse groups. His unwavering dedication to education, diversity, and community empowerment continues to drive meaningful change, shaping a brighter future for Jacksonville's children.
Term 2024-2027
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Douglas Daze, Board Secretary
Douglas Daze was born in Jacksonville, Attended local schools and a graduate of University of Georgia and Florida State University. He served as a member of Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair (1990- 2002), having served as director, secretary, treasurer and vice president. He assists with management of family acreage and farm in Alachua County, Florida. He helped design and build community gardens in Itabo, Cuba to provide for the nutritional needs of disadvantaged and elderly members of a local church community. Also provided construction and mission assistance to orphanages and churches in Honduras as well as in Gahini, Rwanda. He is currently developing The Immanuel Project, a Florida non-profit dedicated to promotion of Christian religious, charitable and educational purposes with the plan to develop a series of urban gardens to provide food assistance to underserved areas of Duval County. Term 2025-2028 |
Kamren Stowers, Board Historian
Kamren Stowers is a lifelong advocate for agriculture and community development. With a decade of experience
in entrepreneurship and public service, Kamren has worked tirelessly to empower communities. He played a key
role in a local initiative raising chickens at an elementary school, helping children with disabilities gain valuable
skills.
As Vice President of The Central Fairfax Community Association, Inc., Kamren advises on critical community
welfare issues. He leads projects tackling food insecurity, including a community garden and an upcoming aquaponics system. Committed to supporting re-entry programs, Kamren provides housing and assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Kamren is dedicated to using his experience to drive progress and prosperity in the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District.
Term 2025-2028
Kamren Stowers is a lifelong advocate for agriculture and community development. With a decade of experience
in entrepreneurship and public service, Kamren has worked tirelessly to empower communities. He played a key
role in a local initiative raising chickens at an elementary school, helping children with disabilities gain valuable
skills.
As Vice President of The Central Fairfax Community Association, Inc., Kamren advises on critical community
welfare issues. He leads projects tackling food insecurity, including a community garden and an upcoming aquaponics system. Committed to supporting re-entry programs, Kamren provides housing and assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Kamren is dedicated to using his experience to drive progress and prosperity in the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District.
Term 2025-2028
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James Hoskins, Affiliate Member
Therapeutic Nursery & Gardenz LLC, is a Regenerative Local Food Forest that acts as a Hub for Farmers, Herbalists and the Community to teach Multicultural Gardening. On the site you will see inner cropping, companion planting and Horticultural Practices all in a Syntropical Agroforestry System. We utilize Parmaculture Techniques throughout the forest to display all plants, herbs and ornamentals in there natural environment. Which creates a Therapeutic experience through your senses (sight, smell, taste and touch) We have programs for Special Needs, Children, Mental Illness, Cancer and many more. With these practices we’re able to teach the Community how to preserve water, build more quality soil, and create an area that produces a cleaner air supply |
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Alison O'Donoughue, Affiliate Member
Alison O'Donoughue served as the Urban Agriculture Coordinator for the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District from 2021-2023. She helped create Regeneration Park and run the Start Farming program, but now serves as an Affiliate Member. With a M.S. in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida, Alison is passionate about plants and the environment. You can often find her hiking with her family on the weekends. |
Jermyn Shannon, Affiliate Member
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Jermyn Shannon is a distinguished Digipreneur, advocate and community development leader serving as a Start-Up Farmers Mentor at Duval Soil and Water Conservation. As a native, with deep roots in Jacksonville, he brings extensive experience in sustainable farming practices, urban agriculture, and environmental conservation to his decades of board advisory work across multiple conservation districts.
As the founder of Global Education Technology LLC, an application development and management consulting organization, Shannon has pioneered the integration of technology with agricultural innovation. His firm is committed to advancing both digital literacy and community empowerment. Under his leadership, the company has achieved remarkable growth, implementing successful STEM/AgTECH initiatives that have increased local food production while promoting sustainable agricultural practices throughout Duval County. |
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Jermyn holds multiple certifications, including the Florida School Garden Planner certification from the University of Florida and the Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training certification. His work with GIS/ARCIS Mapping and Drones at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University has enhanced his ability to contribute to precision agriculture and land conservation efforts. As a Fellow at the National Young Farmers Coalition, Shannon has been instrumental in developing land and farm policies that support emerging agricultural entrepreneurs in Florida. His certification as a Woodland Community Advocate through the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation has afforded him regional conservation experience to protect and preserve housing and agricultural land for future generations.
Shannon's impact on the agricultural community is further evidenced by his successful grant writing efforts, which have secured funding for various youth initiatives. His volunteerism as an archivist has led to comprehensive community engagement strategies and new partnerships between farmers, local businesses, and government agencies. As a subject matter expert in Food Policy for the City of Jacksonville's Office of Agriculture, he has contributed to shaping local policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Shannon's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Intercultural Communications and Pre-law from Florida State University, building upon earlier studies at Ohio Wesleyan University and the Atlanta University Center consortium.
Shannon's impact on the agricultural community is further evidenced by his successful grant writing efforts, which have secured funding for various youth initiatives. His volunteerism as an archivist has led to comprehensive community engagement strategies and new partnerships between farmers, local businesses, and government agencies. As a subject matter expert in Food Policy for the City of Jacksonville's Office of Agriculture, he has contributed to shaping local policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and food security. Shannon's academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Intercultural Communications and Pre-law from Florida State University, building upon earlier studies at Ohio Wesleyan University and the Atlanta University Center consortium.
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Laura Palarine, District Aide
Laura Palarine serves as the District Aide for the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, supporting the Board with administrative functions and leading digital marketing and outreach initiatives to engage the community in conservation efforts. Raised in Jacksonville, Laura has a deep-rooted passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement. With a background in marketing and public affairs, she is committed to promoting sustainable practices, educational programs, and public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of soil and water conservation in Northeast Florida. Laura works closely with local organizations, schools, and community leaders to advance conservation education and encourage responsible land and water use. Through her role, she aims to foster a greater understanding of natural resource management and inspire action for a healthier environment. |