I’m honored and excited to step into the role of CEO of the Savory Institute, following in the footsteps of Daniela Ibarra-Howell, whose leadership has been nothing short of transformative. As Daniela transitions to focus full-time on the Savory Foundation, I look forward to building upon the strong foundation she has laid — working closely with our global network of hubs, Accredited Professionals, partners, and the broader regenerative community to further advance Holistic Management around the world.
My connection to Savory began nearly a decade ago, though my relationship with nature began much earlier. As a child, I spent summers camping with my family, and as a teenager, I often found myself perched on a rocky overlook along Colorado’s Front Range, watching hawks circle above and feeling deeply connected to the land beneath me. That early reverence for nature has shaped much of my life’s work.
In 2015, I was invited to participate in a strategy session with Plains Conservation Center (PCC), a then-Savory hub near Denver. I’d worked with many organizations before, but something about that day felt different. When I saw the iconic Savory “fenceline” photo — the stark contrast between healthy, managed land and degraded land — I felt something shift inside me. It was a moment of truth.
That moment led to a deeper journey. I joined PCC’s board and, over the next two years, worked alongside leadership to envision how the organization’s assets — including the remarkable West Bijou Ranch — could best serve the future of regenerative agriculture. That vision led us to donate PCC’s assets to the Savory Institute in 2017, creating a global learning site for Holistic Management and a fund that would seed both Land to Market and the Savory Foundation.
Since then, my relationship with Savory has deepened. I’ve served on the Advisory Circle and the Board of Directors, walked countless miles with Daniela discussing strategy, and participated in gatherings and strategy sessions across the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Through it all, I’ve witnessed the power of this community — the creativity, commitment, and courage each of you brings to the work of regenerating landscapes and livelihoods around the world.
As CEO, I am committed to being a steadfast steward of Allan Savory’s Holistic Management Framework and ensuring that Savory’s work remains grounded in the wisdom of natural systems. I will work in close collaboration with the leadership teams of the Savory Institute, Savory Foundation, and Land to Market to foster seamless alignment across all facets of our shared mission.
At my core, I believe in the limitless potential of humanity to co-create a world of beauty and abundance — one that serves all of life. Together, through our collective efforts, I know we can unlock that potential. I am excited to embark on this journey with you.
With gratitude,
Jason Knoll
CEO, Savory Institute
With gratitude,
Jason Knoll
CEO, Savory Institute
