MINNEAPOLIS — The Sustainable Farming Association is proud to announce that Theresa Keaveny has accepted the position of Executive Director, effective Feb. 5. Tapped after an extensive search led by the Association Board of Directors, Keaveny, a veteran leader of sustainable-focused nonprofit organizations, will be introduced at the SFA Annual Conference on Feb. 11 in St. Joseph, Minn.
Keaveny (right) 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.
A Minnesota native who grew up on a farm near Morton, Keaveny is 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, grassroots leaders and staff at 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 brought a strong background in nonprofit development and operations.
“Theresa 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 and brings extensive nonprofit, chapter organizing and fundraising experience to SFA. Theresa also has roots in the food cooperative movement, most recently as a board member of the Billings, Mont., community food cooperative.
Keaveny succeeds John Mesko, who last fall accepted the Executive Director position at Midwest Organic & Sustainable Education Service.
— Sustainable Farming Association
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