Green Mountain Farm-to-School (GMFTS) is happy to announce the arrival of two new additions to our team – Jessica Weston and Laurie Evans.

Jessica joined in September as Communications and Development Coordinator, and Laurie joined in October as Finance Coordinator.

Jessica is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Hamilton College in 2017. In undergrad, she spent time doing conservation work and leading crews in Asheville, North Carolina, and San Juan Island, Washington for American Conservation Experience and San Juan Island Youth Conservation Corps. After college, she moved to the Northeast Kingdom upon accepting a summer position as a conservation corps crew leader for NorthWoods Stewardship Center (NWSC). Afterwards, Jessica served for two years as an AmeriCorps Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation Instructor at NWSC. At NorthWoods, Jessica led and helped promote the organization’s educational programming and assisted with the planning and development of community outreach events.

As Communications and Development Coordinator for GMFTS, Jessica is responsible for promoting GMFTS programs and services, executing communications and marketing strategies for the organization, and assisting with fundraising campaigns and special projects.

“I am excited to continue working in the NEK to help improve the community I have grown to love,” says Jessica, “I hope to see the organization continue to grow as a leader in the local food movement.”

Laurie, originally from Hebron, Connecticut, recently moved to the NEK permanently after spending time here vacationing and snowmobiling over the years. Laurie studied Finance at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, and comes to GMFTS with over 30 years of experience in Finance, Accounting, and Business Administration. Laurie spent 11 years as the CFO for the Arbors of Hop Brook, CCRC, and Manchester and Vernon Manor Skilled Nursing Facilities. She also spent seven years as CFO and Senior Vice President of Operations for the non-profit Capital for Change (Formerly known as the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, Inc.). Laurie is currently on the Board of Directors of the Northeast Kingdom Snowblasters and was the former Treasurer for the Marlborough Education and Child Care Association Board and the former Secretary for the Connecticut Housing Investment Fund, Inc. Board.

As Finance Coordinator, Laurie is responsible for executing the financial activities of the organization, and providing general operational and administrative support. She is excited to begin this new chapter in Vermont, and work for an organization that does so much good for the region.

To learn more about all of the staff at GMFTS, visit staff page on our website, www.greenmountainfarmtoschool.org

Laurie and Jess