The Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota recently announced the hiring of its new executive director, Theresa Keaveny.

Keaveny, a veteran leader of sustainable-focused nonprofit organizations, was introduced at the SFA Annual Conference, held Feb. 11 in St. Joseph.

Keaveny worked for 17 years as the founding executive director of Montana Conservation Voters, where she built an effective membership-based group advocating conservation, clean energy and civic participation in government.

Theresa Keaveny

A Minnesota native who grew up on a farm near Morton, Keaveny said in a press release that she was eager to lead SFA’s vibrant network of sustainable farming education and soil health-focused programming.

“I’m honored to join the inspiring team of food producers, grass-roots leaders and staff at the Sustainable Farming Association,” she said. “SFA’s farmer network is an important part of our region’s agricultural landscape. I look forward to advancing our mission — one that strengthens our rural communities, protects our food-producing resources and brings me back to my family farming roots.”

Jim Chamberlin, chair of the SFA board of directors, said Keaveny brings a strong background in nonprofit development and operations.

“She comes highly recommended as a dedicated employee, and someone who cares passionately for the planet and others,” he said. “I look forward to working with and learning from her.”

Keaveny has been a rural community organizer in the Dakotas and Montana, working on conservation, water protection, and family farm and ranch issues. She received a bachelor’s degree in social work from the College of St. Benedict and a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Keaveny succeeds John Mesko, who last fall accepted the executive director position at Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service.

Keaveny may be reached at [email protected].

Source: SFA