Cory Carman

Eastern Oregon

Cory Carman is a fourth-generation rancher and a recognized leader in regenerative agriculture, dedicated to advancing sustainable food systems and land stewardship across the Pacific Northwest. As a principal leader of Carman Ranch, a multigenerational family enterprise focused on grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and regenerative land management, she started a meat company and has grown the operation into a collaborative of like-minded ranching families committed to soil health, animal welfare and long-term ecological resilience.  

 

Carman Ranch has built partnerships to serve customers in Portland, including Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Burgerville, New Seasons Market and restaurants such as Higgins and Urban Famer. 

 

Cory grew up on her family’s ranch in eastern Oregon and holds a degree in Public Policy from Stanford University. Early in her career she worked on Capitol Hill, gaining experience in public policy and governance before returning home to lead and modernize the family business. Under her leadership, Carman Ranch has also expanded through direct-to-consumer distribution, strengthening transparency and the connection between producers and consumers. 

 

“I’ve known about the important work of Oregon Community Foundation. When I met Lisa Mensah, I was inspired by her vision for deepening OCF's impact across the state. I'm honored to support the organization as a voice that is rooted in Eastern Oregon's essential contribution to our future.” 

 

In addition to her business leadership, Cory has served on state and federal agricultural committees, including the Oregon Farm Service Agency State Committee, and is an active advocate for climate-smart agriculture and rural communities. She is a member of the International Women’s Forum and has participated in regional and national forums on agricultural and land stewardship policy. She serves on the Oregon Board of Trustees for The Nature Conservancy and the Board of Directors for the Children’s Institute.