Douglas Havemann is the Founder and Lead Instructor of Groundwork Academy, where he developed the Groundwork educational framework, the Working Farm Plan methodology, the Enterprise Decision Workbook, and the Academy's institutional governance system. His work is guided by a simple principle: successful farms are built through intentional planning, sound business decisions, and practical experience.

A U.S. Army veteran, Douglas served eleven years during the Cold War, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm. Following his military service, he spent more than twenty-five years in information technology, specializing in enterprise architecture, disaster recovery, business continuity, infrastructure development, wireless communications, and complex systems engineering. That systems-thinking approach now forms the foundation of Groundwork's educational philosophy.

Douglas is also the co-owner of Mesquite Field Farm in Nixon, Texas, where regenerative agricultural practices and practical farm management continue to inform the development of the Academy's planning tools and educational programs. Through Groundwork Academy, he has taught hundreds of beginning farmers, helping them transform ideas into resilient agricultural businesses.

His vision for Groundwork Academy is to establish a lasting educational institution that equips future generations of farmers, ranchers, veterans, homesteaders, and agricultural entrepreneurs with the knowledge, planning tools, and confidence to build successful farms, sustainable businesses, and meaningful lives.

Primary Expertise
- Regenerative Agriculture
- Agricultural Business Planning
- Systems Thinking & Enterprise Design
- Educational Program Development
- Institutional Governance
-Infrastructure & Strategic Planning

Joe B. Vaughan Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer of RegeneratIT and a strategic partner supporting the continued growth and long-term development of Groundwork Academy. From the earliest stages of the Academy's development, Joe has worked alongside the leadership team to help shape the organization's vision, communication strategy, and institutional direction.

With a diverse professional background as a journalist, technical writer, musician, and technology executive, Joe brings a unique ability to translate complex ideas into clear, accessible communication. His experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and business development has helped Groundwork Academy establish a professional foundation while remaining focused on its mission of practical agricultural education.

As a strategic partner, Joe continues to support Groundwork Academy through executive leadership, communications, organizational development, and long-term institutional planning, helping ensure that the Academy remains positioned for sustainable growth and lasting impact.

Primary Expertise
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Communications
-Technical Writing
- Organizational Development
- Business Strategy
- Institutional Development

Shanna Crew has played a foundational role in the development of Groundwork Academy through her work with the Council for Healthy Food Systems (CHFS). From the earliest stages of the project, she collaborated closely with the Groundwork team to help transform the Academy from a concept into a structured educational program ready for delivery.

Drawing on her experience in agricultural education, program operations, marketing, grant development and management, scheduling, and product development, Shanna has helped shape many of the systems that support the Academy's educational mission. Her ability to coordinate complex projects while maintaining a strong focus on student and organizational success has made her an invaluable contributor to Groundwork's growth.

As a member of the broader Groundwork solutions architecture effort, Shanna continues to provide insight that strengthens program development, educational quality, and institutional collaboration while supporting partnerships that expand opportunities for agricultural education.

Primary Expertise
- Agricultural Education
- Program Operations
- Grant Development & Management
- Marketing & Communications
- Product Development
- Educational Program Coordination

Brett Franzen is a Strategic Partner with RegeneratIT and provides practical expertise in agricultural infrastructure, construction systems, and farm development. With decades of experience as a construction company owner and now one of Texas' leading building materials professionals, Brett brings a practical, implementation-focused perspective to the Groundwork team.

Throughout the development of Groundwork Academy, Brett has helped evaluate infrastructure planning, construction sequencing, and practical implementation strategies that ensure educational concepts can be successfully translated into real-world agricultural operations. His experience bridges the gap between planning and execution, helping students understand not only what to build, but how to build it efficiently, safely, and with long-term sustainability in mind.

Brett's commitment to practical problem-solving and quality workmanship reinforces Groundwork Academy's philosophy that resilient farms are built through thoughtful planning, sound construction practices, and informed decision-making.

Primary Expertise
- Agricultural Infrastructure
- Farm Construction & Development
- Building Systems
- Construction Planning
- Materials & Procurement
-Project Implementation

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Ron Hill serves as Groundwork Academy's Foundational Mentor, bringing decades of military leadership, scientific expertise, technology experience, and mentorship to the continued development of the Academy. A biologist by training with a master's degree and an extensive background in technology and cybersecurity, Ron combines analytical thinking with a lifelong commitment to leadership, education, and service.

As the Academy's Foundational Mentor, Ron is leading the development of the Groundwork Mentor Training Program, helping establish the standards, leadership principles, and mentoring framework that will prepare future Groundwork mentors to support students beyond the classroom. His approach emphasizes servant leadership, professional excellence, lifelong learning, and the practical application of knowledge.

Ron's diverse background in military service, biological sciences, technology, and cybersecurity reflects Groundwork Academy's multidisciplinary philosophy—bringing together expertise from many fields to strengthen agricultural education and build the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Primary Expertise
- Leadership Development
- Mentor Development
- Military Leadership
- Biological Sciences
- Cybersecurity
- Technology Integration

Dr. Jim Crocker is a Strategic Partner with RegeneratIT and brings more than fifty years of experience in farming, agricultural research, agricultural extension, and natural resource management to Groundwork Academy. A third-generation Oregonian with a lifelong passion for environmentally sound agriculture and sustainably produced food, Jim combines scientific research with practical farming experience to help strengthen the Academy's educational framework.

Jeff Boyes is the Chief Information Officer of RegeneratIT and a Strategic Partner supporting the continued growth of Groundwork Academy. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jeff served ten years as an electronics systems technician before building more than four decades of leadership experience across information technology, financial services, travel, and government contracting.