I hold a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, with coursework focused on sustainable systems, econometrics, innovation theory, economic history, and urban economics.

During a gap year from college I became interested in organic and local agriculture. I gained hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture through an internship with Growing Power, a Milwaukee-based urban agriculture group specializing in vertical and controlled environment agriculture as well as aquaponics. Additionally, I volunteered with WWOOF on organic farms in Texas and Puerto Rico, gaining experience which ranged  from starting an organic farm from scratch to preparing and selling produce at local markets. I also served as an Agricultural Economist Intern at Omaha based nonprofit, No More Empty Pots, where I helped plan a culinary incubator, conducted market research and assisted in grant writing.

Immediately upon graduating from UNO, I founded Year of the Startup, a residential community where early stage entrepreneurs lived, received mentorship and seed funds. During Year of the Startup’s existence it served 50 entrepreneurs, boasting 5 properties, including the 18 bedroom, 10 bathroom “Startup Mansion.”

Since shutting down Year of the Startup, I have been working mostly in business intelligence roles.

In addition to my professional work, I have volunteered on several boards. Notably, I am the current board secretary at Gross National Happiness USA where I am active in our national wellbeing surveying and analysis. I have also served as Chair of the Urban Core Committee for Mayor Stothert’s Millennial Advisory Committee and as a board member of a local nonprofit urban farm.

In my personal life, I love being in nature, playing sports, music, podcasts, RAGBRAI and writing. As a new father, I'm more motivated now than ever to devote my energy to creating livable, comprehensive and compelling communities where my son, other children, families and people from all walks of life can thrive.

Jim Steffen is president of the Massena Corporation and he is the owner of the property which will become the Bennington Agrihood.

In addition to his life-long experience in organic agriculture, he has marketed products and services for large non-profit and for-profit organizations. As a senior planner, he managed regional market research and planning for a nationally recognized environmental engineering firm. This work included public and investor information programs. Jim’s education is in the social sciences and business at undergraduate and graduate levels.