Otis Pierce is a young administrative professional gaining experience in the nonprofit sector. They currently support the program directors and Executive Director of Pasa Sustainable Agriculture in Harrisburg, PA, an organization dedicated to advancing sustainable farms and equitable food systems with a farmer-focused approach to education, research, and advocacy. Prior to joining Pasa, Otis worked in the food service industry, where they sought to empower their coworkers and improve our workplaces through collective action. Otis's drive to uplift those who work daily to keep the wheels of our economy turning aligns perfectly with Pasa's mission to support farmers who not only provide nutritious food to their communities and our world but are also on the front lines of climate resilience and adaptation.
Before moving to Coburn, PA, in Centre County, Otis lived in southwestern Wisconsin, where their family operated a rainbow trout farm. They showed chickens in 4-H for 10 years, among other projects. 4-H contributed to Otis's sense of community obligation and fostered a love of volunteering that they carry into adulthood. They regularly volunteer at their local food pantry and the Central PA Food Bank.
Otis graduated from Gettysburg College in May 2020 with a degree in English literature and trumpet performance. In college, Otis led a chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America and organized various on-campus actions to increase their peers' political awareness. They served as House Leader of Farmhouse, their on-campus sustainability and food justice-themed housing, where they challenged their housemates and campus community to make green choices and challenge the systems contributing to climate change. While they did not ultimately pursue a career in music, the skills they gained from studying it continue to serve them greatly.
In their spare time, Otis can be found outside in the incredible natural beauty of Pennsylvania through hiking, camping, and canoeing. Their beagle Rusty also loves to hike and camp–though he hasn't quite figured out the canoe yet.
