Grow Fairfield Adds Operations Manager, Rachel Hillier

FAIRFIELD, IA – October 15, 2024 – Joe Stever, President of Grow Fairfield, announces that the Board of Directors has hired Rachel Hillier for a new role with the organization, Operations Manager. She will be joining the Executive Director, Ed Malloy.

Rachel’s background

Hillier grew up in Pleasant Valley, Iowa, and attended the University of Iowa, where she obtained degrees in Political Science and Asian Languages and Literature. Soon after graduating, she joined the Peace Corps, which sent her to the South Pacific.

“Two years of subsistence living in the jungle as a Peace Corps volunteer meant I had to gather my food daily, some from my garden, and most from the jungle and the ocean,” she said. “My local friends taught me to gather and prepare food.”

Hillier said that in the Solomon Islands, the most generous and productive members held the highest status in the culture. Tropical abundance was freely shared with neighbors.

Micro farm business

Upon returning to the States, Hillier made her home in New Mexico. There, she grew gardens that turned into a micro farm business and raised two boys, chickens, dogs, and a cat for over twenty years. She obtained a Master’s in English in 2003 from the University of New Mexico and taught creative nonfiction writing there.  

Renewable energy business 

Hillier began working in the renewable energy sector in 2010. Upon joining her first startup solar company, she experienced (through many hats) the turmoil of a rapidly growing small business. She focused on business development, project management, marketing, workforce engagement and efficiency.  

Later, as the president and then executive director of the state-wide nonprofit trade organization, the Renewable Energy Industry Association, she engaged the governor, state legislature, and utility companies to collaborate on growing the renewable technology industry, creating more economic opportunities for the New Mexico solar industry.

Move to Fairfield

Amidst the turmoil of 2020, Hillier attended MIU’s visitors weekend. Former Mayor Ed Malloy’s presentation convinced her to make Fairfield her new home.

“He suggested Fairfield should be considered the best place to live in America,” Hillier recalled. “Having grown up in Iowa, I wanted to return and live in a small Iowa town, especially open to innovation and cooperation with the ability to improve the quality of life for its community.”

For more information contact:

Grow Fairfield (director@growfairfield.com) – 641-472-3436