Our Team
Patrick O’Briant
FOUNDER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Patrick is an agronomist, veteran, and community builder dedicated to bringing people closer to their food. With a background in agricultural research at Cornell University and hands-on experience in sustainable farming, he combines scientific expertise with practical know-how to grow fresh, flavorful, and nutritious produce. His passion lies in creating access to high-quality food while building connections that strengthen community. Through Cultivation Station, Patrick leads with a blend of technical skill, creativity, and service, working to nourish both people and place.
Board Members
Robert (Bob) Hardin
Bob Hardin is a practicing attorney and founding member of Hardin & Grace, PA, a general civil practice firm in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Arkansas School of Law and has been admitted to practice in Arkansas since 1975. Over the course of his career, Bob has built broad expertise in corporate law, real estate, taxation, construction law, and commercial litigation. He previously served on the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy and maintains a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. As Board President of Cultivation Station, Bob provides legal guidance and strategic counsel as the organization secures land, builds partnerships, and establishes its operational framework across Central Arkansas.
Board Chair
Tresa Adair
Tresa Adair is a Principal within Terracon’s National Services Group, where she leads the firm’s Sustainability and Digital Solutions practice. With more than 25 years of professional experience spanning pharmaceutical sales, marketing communications, and small business ownership, Tresa brings a rare combination of environmental expertise and business acumen. She holds a BS in Finance from the University of Massachusetts and works closely with organizations to develop Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) programs and actionable sustainability strategies. As a board member of Cultivation Station, Tresa applies her background in compliance, sustainability planning, and nonprofit governance to help the organization build strong financial and operational foundations.
Board Treasurer
Board SecretaryDr. Sophie Westbrook
Sophie is a faculty member at Kansas State University with a research and teaching appointment in agricultural systems ecology and weed science. She holds an MS and PhD from Cornell University, where her work focused on agroecosystem biodiversity. Her current research seeks to increase the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of farming systems, with the goal of supporting more resilient and responsible agriculture. As a board member at Cultivation Station, she brings scientific insight and a systems-level perspective to support its mission of connecting people to food and community.
Scott Shellabarger
Scott Shellabarger is the Executive Director of St. Joseph Center of Arkansas (SJCA), an independent nonprofit focused on building community through agriculture, arts, and innovation in Central Arkansas. Under his leadership, SJCA has launched the West Little Rock Farmers Market, expanded its Growing Urban Farmers program across multiple community garden sites, and is spearheading the relaunch of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. Scott is a systems builder with experience bridging technology, agriculture, and community development. As a board member of Cultivation Station, he brings hands-on knowledge of urban agriculture operations, nonprofit management, and the Central Arkansas food network.
Board Member