Mark Kantor has served on the PCC Farmland Trust board since 2016. Effective April 10, we are pleased to welcome Mark as our new Board President.

As a founding shareholder of Kantor Taylor, Mark represents for-profit, nonprofit, and public entities in all aspects of the financing, planning, and development of affordable housing and economic development projects. Mark has been a national leader in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit industry for two-decades and, in addition to facilitating hundreds of transactions, has led numerous policy advocacy efforts in support of affordable housing.

Here’s Mark…

What drew you to this organization or the issue of farmland conservation?

Urban sprawl and land affordability are both issues of concern to me, from an environmental and a social justice perspective. Farmland conservation is an important  element in addressing these issues.  I am excited to utilize my skills in real estate finance to assist PCC Farmland Trust in its farmland preservation work. I admit that my knowledge of the PCC Farmland Trust was limited before joining the board, but I have quickly recognized the invaluable work that we do and how this work addresses so many issues that I care about.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing or working on as board president?

I am excited to work with my fellow board members in determining how they feel they can best utilize their unique skills and perspectives in advancing the goals and mission of PCC Farmland Trust. I want to ensure that everyone is satisfied with the way they engage with the organization and that their skills are being used appropriately. I also want to find more ways that we can receive input and perspectives from those who are directly impacted by the work of the organization.

I hope to engage more with the staff to help me gain additional perspective on how the Board can assist them in doing their work. I’m also looking forward to seeing the direction PCC Farmland Trust takes under new leadership and by engaging the broader community in our work.

What gives you hope about the future of farming in Washington? 

When I look at our portfolio of farms to protect across the region — more than 10 farms and 1,500 acres in the next two years alone — I feel energized about the future of farming. There are so many amazing people who care for our land, and so many leaders in our field with great energy and ideas. I feel incredibly hopeful about our work.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

I truly believe that farmland conservation should be a major topic of conversation throughout our communities as it touches on so many important issues, from environmental protection and sustainability to local food and social equity.

Finally, I am excited to see Melissa implement her vision and take this organization to the next level, while stewarding such a talented staff and working in close partnership with farmers, government officials, and environmental leaders across the state.