Kellie Kubena is a rural community policy expert, garden designer, and educator. After taking early retirement from federal service in 2025, she recently launched her own garden design business while also continuing to support rural community initiatives. Kellie worked for 10 years at the US Department of Agriculture and 17 years at the US Environmental Protection Agency with a primary focus on rural community infrastructure, economic development, and health. Kellie holds a Bachelors degree in Wildlife and Fisheries from Texas A&M University and Masters degree in Fisheries from the University of Washington.