RUTLAND—Tara Kelly, the executive director of the Rutland Area Farm and Food Link (RAFFL), a non-profit that supports the local agricultural economy, has announced her decision to accept a nomination by Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras to become the planning and zoning director for the City of Rutland. This is an appointed position that requires the approval of Rutland’s Board of Aldermen. They will consider Kelly’s nomination at their meeting on June 6.
Prior to working with RAFFL, Kelly had more than a decade of experience in regional and city planning, working with the City of San José, Calif. and the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. She was a founding member of RAFFL in 2004, along with partners from several organizations and a host of local farmers, and has served as RAFFL’s executive director since 2009. Over the past 12 years, she has helped grow the organization and developed numerous initiatives promoting the local farm and food economy.
“I am extremely proud of RAFFL’s impact to strengthen local farm businesses and build new pathways for people throughout our community to connect to local foods. It has been an honor to invest my energy in such a worthwhile effort and experience the difference it has made. I am confident that our staff and board team will carry the mission forward and continue to support the future of our local farm and food economy,” said Kelly.
If the Rutland Board of Aldermen approve the appointment, she would transition from her responsibilities at RAFFL over the summer. During that time, RAFFL’s board of directors, under the leadership of their established search committee, would support Ms. Kelly and the organization, as well as hire her replacement.
For more info, visit raffl.org.
