Paul has nurtured a decade-long passion for creative food system solutions, including experience on community gardens & farms in urban and rural settings, food rescue, and home delivery of school lunches during the expansion of the Summer Food Service Program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Holding a Masters in Community Development and Planning, he has studied issues in food systems and economic development ranging in scope from local to global, applying​ an interdisciplinary skillset to complex structural challenges. Bringing a dedication to public service honed by 3 years of AmeriCorps Service and a lifelong love of volunteering, Paul joined Eat Greater Des Moines in 2023 and serves as the organization's Communications Manager. In this role, he represents EGDM in statewide networks such as the Iowa Food System Coalition, the Food Hub Managers' Working Group, and the Iowa Farm to School and Early Care Coalition, fostering partnerships in pursuit of a more resilient and equitable food system for all Iowans. In addition to serving as EGDM's Communications Manager, Paul also represents EGDM's Value Chain Coordination efforts in Central Iowa through the USDA Regional Food System Partnerships Program and coordinating last-mile distribution of regionally-produced food in the Des Moines metro area on behalf of food hub partners..