New Haven farms today announced Jacqueline Maisonpierre as the new Executive Director at New Haven Farms. Prior to to her selection, Maisonpierre spent five years serving as New Haven Farms’ Farm Director, working directly with the New Haven community helping expand the farm’s capacity. Her experience allows her to bring a wealth of on-the-ground and programmatic knowledge to directing New Haven Farms’ mission of promoting health and community development through urban agriculture. Jacqueline officially began operating in the role of Executive Director as of March 26th, 2018.
“Jacqueline brings the energy, passion, knowledge and skill set that New Haven Farms’ needs as we move forward with bold new ideas for our vision and our ability to positively impact the health and food security of the New Haven community,” said Doss Venema, Chair of the Board of New Haven Farms. “We are excited to work with her.”
As Executive Director Jacqueline will have administrative, strategic, and operational responsibility for New Haven Farms’ staff, programs, growth, and mission fulfillment. She will work to develop new partnerships throughout the city and region as to build the capacity of the organization.
As Farm Director, Jacqueline and her farm team stewarded New Haven Farms’ sites across the city and expanded to new sites, culminating in producing more than 18,000 pounds of produce on less than three-quarters of an acre of urban space in 2017. Jacqueline also led New Haven Farms’ signature Farm-Based Wellness Program, teaching classes in Spanish and English to develop gardening and mindfulness skills, plus nutrition and cooking skills for low-income New Haven residents experiencing food insecurity and chronic diet-related illness. The deep personal ties Jacqueline has formed with participants in New Haven Farms’ programs will continue to serve and inspire as she moves into her new role.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of Executive Director with New Haven Farms. I am deeply grateful for the relationships I have built in the Fair Haven and New Haven community, I look forward to continuing my work in this new position. After five years working as the Farm Director, establishing systems in our plots as to create a vibrant and productive urban farm, I feel well positioned to bring New Haven Farms into its next chapter. I feel privileged to see the tremendous impact New Haven Farms has on individuals, families, and urban spaces in our community. The opportunity to expand and strengthen the work of New Haven Farms as to work towards a New Haven in which all residents have access to healthy food and are empowered with the tools to live a healthier lifestyles is a great joy.”
Jacqueline received her Bachelor of Science from UVM’s Rubenstein School for the Environment and Natural Resources and is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Nutrition through the University of Bridgeport. She has a background in ecology, agriculture, and environmental education and has served in positions that combine agricultural production, food, community organizing, education, nutrition, mindfulness and public health. This includes positions on farms in Maine and CT, working as an environmental educator in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, and at a conservation organization in central Namibia.
