Brian Estabrook

Policy Specialist

 

Brian Estabrook is an urban and food systems planner based in Columbus, Ohio, with a decade of experience designing and managing complex, community-centered initiatives. He specializes in strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and equitable program implementation across food systems, public health, sustainability, and economic development.

As the Food Systems Planner for Franklin County, Ohio, Brian led the County’s comprehensive local food strategy, resulting in over $1 million in new public investments for the local food economy, including essential support for small-scale growers, urban farms, community gardens, and food entrepreneurs.

Brian’s career is defined by a commitment to equity and strategic systems change. He brings not only technical proficiency, but also a deep relational approach to the projects he leads, shaped by his commitment to place-based community engagement. Whether leading research, facilitating coalitions, managing projects, or navigating government bureaucracy, Brian centers community voice and long-term impact.

Brian holds an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, where his thesis analyzed the intersection of food security and land security in Mozambique. He also serves as Board President for Yay Bikes!, a bike advocacy nonprofit that is working to advance mobility justice and sustainable transportation in Central Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Whatcom County Food System Plan

New Venture Advisors supported Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee in developing the Whatcom County Food System Plan, a 10-year roadmap for a more equitable and resilient food system. NVA led plan development, community engagement, and cross-sector strategy, integrating agriculture, fisheries and marine harvest, processing, distribution, and access to strengthen the regional food economy. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

Whatcom Community Foundation continues to partner with New Venture Advisors to guide the development of the Kitchens@Millworks —a bold project uniting health, equity, and market access. Building on previous work with the Farm to Freezer program, the team developed an operational model, financial analysis, and partner strategy. NVA is evaluating expansion of farm-to-institution efforts and their potential relocation to the new campus. Advanced financial models support a multi-operator facility encompassing production, aggregation, retail, and community programs. (2026)