The Kava Coalition announced today that Douglas La Rose, an agriculturalist, anthropologist, and international development professional, has joined the Kava Coalition as its new Executive Director.
“The opportunity to further the mission of the Kava Coalition—a future where kava is understood and accessible—is a personal and professional thrill,” La Rose said. “This is a watershed moment in a career building partnerships and relationships from farming communities to kava bars, and I’m excited to get to work on behalf of the Kava Coalition’s members and kava consumers everywhere.”
Douglas has been a passionate advocate for kava since founding the blog Kavasseur in 2007, which grew to include discussion groups, podcasts, and a YouTube channel reviewing kava products. Since then, he has collaborated with kava bars and suppliers to promote kava as a natural means of relaxation and as an alternative to alcohol—efforts that played a key role in popularizing kava in the U.S. and beyond.
“Douglas’s specific experience with kava and general experience in agriculture provides a ready-made trajectory for the Kava Coalition’s continued growth,” said Matthew Lowe, formerly the Kava Coalition’s Executive Director, who will now serve on its board. “I echo our membership in my excitement to bring him aboard, knowing that the Coalition’s leadership is in qualified and capable hands.”
La Rose is an agronomist with extensive experience in agricultural development across more than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. His expertise in strengthening horticultural value chains and food systems has improved sustainability and resilience in agriculture in the developing world. He holds an M.A. in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, where his research focused on livelihoods and agricultural adaptations to environmental change in Ghana’s forest-savanna transition zone.
About the Kava Coalition
Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. The Kava Coalition aims to empower informed decisions about kava, promoting responsible consumption while understanding the importance of preserving kava’s history and cultural heritage. For more information, visit https://www.kavacoalition.org.
