Meet the Team
Staff
Ben Rasmussen | Executive Director
Ben Rasmussen joins The Commons with over a decade of experience leading regional food system development in southwest New Mexico. His work in the region began on a geographically isolated farm in Catron County and grew to include launching the regional food policy council (now known as the SWNM Food System Alliance).
He is the founder of the Frontier Food Hub, which he scaled into a nationally award-winning economic development engine, and has served as CEO of a national advocacy organization.
Having worked closely with The Commons on food distribution, community education, and broader local food system strategies, Ben looks forward to deepening community relationships and forging ahead with new and existing initiatives to improve food security and economic opportunity in the region.
Jennifer Metzler | Senior Programs Manager
Jennifer has been part of the team at The Commons since December 2018. She is currently working with schools in Grant County to assist in improving food security through the Alimento program. She also manages our garden program and Free Neighborhood Farm Stands which provide fresh produce for community members.
Prior to her work at The Commons her career centered on health, nutrition, fitness, working with youth, and community building through a hot meal program. Jennifer has spent 31 years of her life in our community and is passionate about serving and partnering with community members in order to see social and economic change. She received her Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western New Mexico University. Jennifer enjoys being surrounded by a garden at work as well as her home and lives with her family and pets in Silver City.
Sophie Klaus | Public Relations Manager
Sophie Klaus was first introduced to The Commons as a part of a semester-long volunteer project with Western New Mexico University (WNMU) in Spring of 2023. In the following summer, she worked as a Summer Associate and has since then worked as the Operations Manager and Executive Assistant. She recently graduated from WNMU in May 2025 with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design. In her current role as Public Relations Manager, she helps share the mission of The Commons through marketing, outreach, and communications.
Maggie Billings | Operations Manager
Maggie moved to Silver City from her hometown of Las Cruces in 2018 after graduating from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government. Before joining The Commons in October of 2024, Maggie worked as a political field organizer, Certified Peer Support Worker, and Health Educator across Grant County. Maggie is passionate about supporting the continuing growth of Southwestern New Mexico through public health measures like food security and community support for mental, physical, and social health. Maggie lives with her husband and three wonderful, spoiled cats and enjoys painting, knitting, and spending time outside when not at work.
Weston Metzler | Pantry Support Assistant
Weston brings several years of volunteer experience to his role as Pantry Support Assistant at The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability. A proud former participant in our 2019 Rooted Kids Garden Program, Weston has grown with our organization and continues to support our mission with dedication and heart. He enjoys gardening, staying active, and spending quality time with friends, family and Freya (pictured in photo).
Board
Ellen Pryor
J Brady
Ann Butler
Melanie Gomez
Tom Bates
Kim Woodard
Heather Provencio
In Memoriam of Lawrence Chavez
April 4, 1957 – March 11, 2025
Member
Served 2020–2025
Those of us fortunate enough to have known Lawrence have lost a special friend, an exceptionally kind man, and a dedicated volunteer and Board member. His steady presence, compassionate heart, and commitment to service made a profound difference in our community.
Lawrence’s kindness reached everyone he encountered — whether it was offering a helping hand at our pantries, providing thoughtful guidance as a Board member, or simply sharing a warm smile. His genuine spirit uplifted us all, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work.