Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Aurora Porter is a seasoned commercial leader with over a decade of experience driving growth and innovation in the organic and sustainable food industry. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Smallhold, she is responsible for overseeing the company's sales, marketing, and business development strategies, helping to expand the reach and impact of Smallhold's locally-grown, distributed mushroom technology.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Chief Commercial Officer at Smallhold, Aurora is responsible for developing and executing the company's commercial strategy, building strong relationships with key partners and customers, and driving revenue growth. She has played a pivotal role in scaling Smallhold's operations, forging new distribution channels, and increasing brand awareness within the sustainable agriculture sector.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Aurora held several leadership positions at Vital Farms, a leading producer of pasture-raised eggs and dairy products. As the National Sales Director, she was instrumental in expanding the company's retail presence across the United States, negotiating key account relationships and securing nationwide distribution. Earlier in her career, she served as the Director of Marketing and Communications, where she led rebranding efforts and implemented successful campaigns to showcase Vital Farms' commitment to ethical, sustainable farming practices.
Academic Background
Aurora holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Texas at Austin, where she specialized in sustainable agriculture and community development.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic sales and business development
- Marketing and brand management
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Relationship building and partner management
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Aurora has made significant contributions to the organic and sustainable food industry. At Vital Farms, she helped drive the company's rapid growth, leading to a successful initial public offering in 2020. As the founder of Permanent Culture Consulting, she has provided strategic guidance and advisory services to numerous mission-driven food and agriculture startups, helping them scale their operations and deepen their positive social and environmental impact.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, industry expertise, and proven track record of success, Aurora Porter is well-positioned to continue driving Smallhold's commercial success and advancing the company's mission of revolutionizing the way we grow and distribute food. Her passion for sustainable agriculture and commitment to building a more equitable and resilient food system make her a valuable asset to the Smallhold team and the broader industry.
