Jennie is the owner/operator of a grass-fed, pasture-raised beef herd in Plainfield, Connecticut. In addition to farming, she has been a special education teacher and now disabilities administrator for over 20 years. Jennie utilizes her teaching and educational leadership skills to advocate for local agriculture through her work establishing and chairing her community's Agriculture Commission. Her efforts focus on fundraising and offering scholarships to inspire the next generation of farmers as well as provide educational opportunities for the community to explore backyard farming.
ANDY BURNES, CHairMAN / TREASURER
Andy is the President and CEO of HallKeen Management, and has over thirty years of acquisition, development and management experience across a broad spectrum of real estate. Andy owns and operates Jordan Farm in South Dartmouth, MA, a grass-fed beef operation.
ELIZABETH FRARY, CLERK
Elizabeth owns and operates Copicut Farms a 65 acre diversified livestock farm in Dartmouth, Ma. The farm includes a custom built on-farm poultry processing facility. Prior to starting her own farm she helped run her family's fourth generation fruit and vegetable farm in Dighton, Ma. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Hingham Farmers' Market and serves as the Market Manager for the Hingham Winter Farmers' Market. Her current work is informed by her background in both Education, Biology, and Environmental Studies.
PHILIP DENORMANDIE
Philip was raised on a dairy farm in Lincoln, MA and now owns an all-natural Angus beef farm in Fairhaven, MA. Philip founded and runs DeNormandie Companies, which develops, maintains, and manages unique properties around the country. Philip is on the board of the American Farmland Trust, which helps preserve farms in the United States through public policy and acquisitions. He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Maine Coast Heritage trust and the Vice President of the New England Forestry Foundation, which supports the preservation of working forests in New England.
GARY BAKER
Bio coming soon!
ANDREW WAINER
Andrew works at two livestock farms in the South Coast and is a supporter of local agriculture. He has a business degree from Lynn University uses the Meatworks facility on a small scale basis.
BARRY GROSS
Barry's profile coming soon!
Staff
SUE MOTHA, Meatworks PLANT MANAGER
Sue has been involved in agricultural for many years. Currently owns and operates a beef / hay operation along with her husband in Dartmouth, Ma. An active member of the Westport Fair committee for 10+ years as a volunteer on the livestock committee. She is a former Bristol County 4-H leader for a livestock club in Dartmouth, also served on the annual fundraising committee for many years and is a 4-H supporter for 15+ years. Sue has a background in production, purchasing and logistics. She is part of the team that opened Meatworks and is passionate about the work they do to assist the local agricultural community.
SARAH COGSWELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Born and raised in Southeastern MA, Sarah has been a strong supporter of farms and local agriculture throughout her career. Sarah developed many close relationships with area farmers during her 7+ years working with agricultural non-profits including SEMAP. She now owns and operates her own small-scale certified organic farm in Little Compton RI where she lives with her wife and teenage son.
Industry Consultants
BRYAN PETRUCCI
After 14 years in various roles with the American Farmland Trust in Illinois and Great Barrington Mass, Bryan has been working for the last 10 years both as an Agricultural and Natural Resources consultant (Bos Native Meats, LLC) and as the Livestock Coordinator for Dole and Bailey. Bryan brings an extensive network and knowledge of New England meat processing to the TLI project.
BRIAN SAPP
Growing up on a caladium farm in Lake Placid, Florida, Brian threw himself into the study of agriculture and food production at a young age, eventually earning a B.S. in Food and Resource Economics, as well as a Masters in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida. During his studies, he also got the opportunity to work in several different roles at the university's meat processing center. In 2008 Brian brought his wealth of knowledge to White Oak Pastures' brand new certified humane beef processing plant where he is in charge of day-to-day operations. Recently Brian's domain widened when he was put in charge of constructing the new White Oak Pastures poultry processing plant.