Mariah joined the Viability Program team in 2019. She manages VHCB’s Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) as well as impact reporting, grant administration, and COVID Recovery initiatives. Mariah holds a degree in Community & International Development and Food Systems from the University of Vermont, and prior to joining VHCB, she worked as a community planner and in sustainable viniculture. Mariah is passionate about strengthening food systems, enjoys cooking and outdoor activities in all forms.

Contact Mariah by email using mariah@vhcb.org or by calling or 802-828-1098.

Calley Hastings joined the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program as the Program Manager in 2021. Calley has her BA in Environmental Studies and Sustainable Agriculture from UVM. She started her family business, Fat Toad Farm, 14 years ago producing Goat’s Milk Caramel, has been through the Viability Program as a client and has been providing business/marketing planning to farmers across Vermont as a consultant. She taught farmer Holistic Management courses for years and has recently been serving as the Board President of the VT Specialty Food Association. She brings a wealth of experience and connections to the working landscape to this position. In her free time Calley enjoys photography, running and her Icelandic sheep dogs!

Contact Calley by email using calley@vhcb.org

Betsy joined the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program in the spring of 2021. She manages our grant programs and the day-to-day financial processes. Betsy is motivated by building a just and sustainable economy, has a BA in Community and International Development from the University of Vermont. She has previously worked as grassroots community organizer, baker, and pickler. Betsy lives in Burlington and spends her free time biking, cooking, and dancing.

Contact Betsy by email using b.mcgavisk@vhcb.org or by calling or 802-828-5562.

Jillian joined VHCB as the Program Assistant for the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program in 2022. She assists with all aspects of the program; supporting the business and succession planning programs, data management, and community outreach. Jillian graduated from Champlain College with a BS in Environmental Policy in 2015. Her vocational background ranges from starting a small diversified farm, working as a Vermont Town Clerk, and most recently, as a project manager in the carbon offset industry. Vermont’s working landscapes and local economy are her guiding light. Jillian spends her free time in the woods running and biking, skiing with her dog, and dreaming about sheep.

Contact Jillian by email using j.conner@vhcb.org or by calling 802-828-5587.