PRESS RELEASE: Intervale Center Announces Appointment of New Board Members
Burlington, VT — January 27, 2026 — The Intervale Center is pleased to welcome seven new members to its Board of Directors: David Keck, Hannah Lebel, Lucie Lehmann, Lauren Masseria, Johanna Schneider, Eric Sorkin, and David Torres. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise across social entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, community development, public service, legal strategy, environmental stewardship, and hospitality—strengthening the Center’s leadership as it advances its mission to strengthen the community food system that sustains farms, land, and people.
“It is exciting for me to welcome each of these talented people to our Board of Directors,” said Chuck Ross, Intervale Center Board Chair. “The Intervale Center’s programming is essential to supporting the incredible potential in Vermont’s farm and food economy and to ensuring we do all that we can to help farmers and sustain our working landscape. Our Board of Directors and talented staff bring the right mix of experience and passion to this important food systems work.”
New Board Members:
David Keck – Owner of Stella 14 Wines and Director of Hospitality at Golden Dog Farm, Master Sommelier David Keck joins the board with a unique blend of hospitality expertise and agricultural entrepreneurship, furthering the Intervale Center’s focus on sustainable agriculture and community-based food initiatives.
Hannah Lebel – Contracts Counsel at BETA Technologies, Lebel brings legal acumen and a global perspective from her work in the arts and corporate sectors. Her analytical skills and passion for community impact will be key assets in governance and risk oversight.
Lucie Lehmann – A lifelong naturalist, environmentalist and writer, Lehmann’s decades-long career in public service —including on agricultural issues—brings invaluable environmental leadership and strategic vision to the board.
Lauren Masseria – Regional Manager for Vermont State Parks, Masseria blends public service experience with a strong commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. Her expertise in strategic communications and operations supports the Intervale Center’s mission of fostering resilient, inclusive food systems.
Johanna Schneider – As a Small Business Support Specialist with the City of Burlington’s Community and Economic Development Office, Schneider champions local entrepreneurs and sustainable food economies. Her deep connection to the Intervale community enriches the board’s community-oriented focus.
Eric Sorkin – Co-Founder and CEO of Runamok Maple, Sorkin is a longtime environmental advocate and entrepreneur whose leadership in sustainable food production and business innovation brings valuable perspective to the board.
David Torres – Professor of the Practice of Social Entrepreneurship and Global Health at Middlebury College, Torres offers strategic insight from his extensive career spanning finance and global health initiatives. His work bridging social impact and organizational growth will enhance the Intervale Center’s strategic direction.
“We are thrilled to welcome this diverse and talented group of leaders to the Intervale Center board,” said Travis Marcotte, Executive Director of the Intervale Center. “Their collective experience and dedication to community, sustainability, and innovation will help guide our work as we continue to strengthen Vermont’s food systems that sustain farms, land, and people.”
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About the Intervale Center
For more than 35 years, the Intervale Center has supported a farm and food system transformation that sustains farms, land, and people. We work in Vermont to unlock opportunities for our farm and food economy while addressing significant challenges that impact farm viability, water quality, hunger and climate resilience. Our current programming works across Vermont to support farm business development, riparian buffer and other land restoration, food and market access and stewarding our 360-acre model campus in Vermont's most populated region. Learn more about the Intervale Center vision, programming, and impact at www.intervale.org.
For media inquiries please contact Melanie Guild: (802) 660-0440 ext. 113 or melanie@intervale.org.