Jill Coombs, MS
Director
Biography
Jill Coombs is a plant scientist and food systems advocate who brings more than 20 years of research and community-focused leadership to her role on the Board of Directors for Molokai Community Health Center.
Jill earned her undergraduate degree in Plant Sciences at the University of Missouri, and her Master of Science degree in Plant Breeding from Iowa State University. Jill and her husband, Daniel, moved to Molokai in 2011, where she is currently the Unit Lead at Bayer, Kaunakakai and manages all aspects of daily operations and staff at the 2,500-acre seed production site.
Jill loves her job and finds fulfilment through team empowerment and supporting the Molokai community. You will find Jill at most agricultural-related functions on island, advocating for the agricultural community or teaching keiki the importance of growing their own food.
As a plant scientist, Jill’s passion is advancing sustainable, abundant and resilient food production on Molokai, which is evident through her service on multiple agricultural advisory boards. Jill has recently started her own farm, Halekoa Collective, where she grows produce and other items for sale through the Sustainable Molokai food hub. Jill shares her love and knowledge of food production with her four children, who also work at the Collective.
As a director of the Molokai Community Health Center Board, Jill serves as an advocate for reviewing and recommending policies governing health care regulations, fostering a culture of quality of care and patient safety. Jill also provides insight into the importance of food security and food-as-medicine on community health, addressing nutrition access and community-driven food programs.