Fall Creek expands outside board of directors

Roland Wolfram, formerly of Nike, and Elin Miller, formerly of Arysta Life Science, will join the board.


Lowell, Ore. – Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc., has announced the addition of two new board members to its professional board of directors. Joining the board are Roland Wolfram, a former Nike executive and Elin Miller, a former executive with Arysta Life Science North America/Australasia, Dow Chemical Company and past presidential appointee to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Fall Creek, a family-owned company, established its first board of directors in 2013 utilizing the expertise of outside board members with the addition of Mark Frandsen, former President and CEO of New Season Foods, Inc., an Oregon-based food manufacturer, and Ulrich Pilz, a 30-year senior executive in financial management, manufacturing and software. Both remain active board members. Also serving on the board is Dave Brazelton, President and CEO of Fall Creek and Boris Aust, Fall Creek’s Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, Kevin Adams, CEO of the Mountain Group, serves as Strategic Advisor to Fall Creek’s Board of Directors.

Roland Wolfram, left, and Elin Miller, right, new members of the Fall Creek Farm & Nursery professional board of directors.

Regarding Fall Creek’s decision to have a professional board of directors, Brazelton says, “In our family business, employing outside board members has greatly enriched our business decision-making processes. It has allowed us to draw upon the invaluable expertise of high level, seasoned executives who have a genuine interest in helping us reach our goals and fulfill our mission. As our company grows both in size and complexity, we have seen tremendous value come from having a professional board and this recent decision to add two more board positions brings new skill-sets and expertise that further enhances our strategy development and decision-making.” 

“The search committee reviewed a number of highly-qualified board candidates. It was a difficult choice. Ultimately, we believed that Elin’s extensive experience at many levels including CEO in the agriculture supply industry and her government positions would bring a unique perspective to our operations. In looking at Roland’s rise within Nike, one of the most innovative companies that has ever existed, we saw someone with tremendously varied experiences at many levels and geographies which is so relevant to developing Fall Creek’s global growth strategies. We are confident both will bring their expansive knowledge and fresh perspectives to our board. We’re proud to have them.”

About joining Fall Creek’s board, Wolfram says, “I was most impressed with the company’s focus on a clear mission, strong values, and the pillars of innovation and customer service to lead the industry on a global scale. Moreover, I was captivated by the story of the company’s founding and the clarity of purpose by the family and the executive team to grow and build an enduring and lasting enterprise.” Miller added, “As a farmer, I am impressed with the cutting-edge genetics, high quality plants and superior service Fall Creek provides its customers around the world. This leadership and commitment to excellence will continue to enhance the consumer experience of this healthy dietary choice.” 

Fall Creek’s Board of Directors candidate search was led by Kincannon & Reed, a global executive search firm based in Virginia.