BRATTLEBORO-Following a comprehensive internal review process, the board of directors of Food Connects says it unanimously selected Lee Halpern as the organization's next executive director.
Halpern, who has served as interim executive director since March 2025, succeeds founder and executive director Richard Berkfield, who stepped down earlier this year after more than a decade of leadership.
"The decision follows months of thoughtful engagement with staff, stakeholders, and the leadership team," the board said in a news release, adding that it "conducted surveys, hosted open office hours, held multiple staff meetings, and engaged in one-on-one conversations to ensure that the selection process reflected the voices and perspectives of those who make up the Food Connects community."
"Lee has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission and work of Food Connects over the last three years," said Board President Stephanie Bonin. "He has shown strong leadership during a time of transition, and we believe he has both the vision and the adaptability to guide Food Connects into the future."
Halpern first joined Food Connects as a business manager, bringing with him experience guiding and stabilizing organizations through rapid growth, along with an appreciation for the regional food system. In 2024, he stepped up as deputy director, positioning him to take on the role of interim executive director, where he provided stability and direction while the organization navigated leadership changes and continued to strengthen its role in the local food economy, according to the news release.
"I am honored and excited to step into the role of executive director for an organization I am deeply committed to," said Halpern. "Food Connects is powered by an extraordinary team, dedicated partners, and a community that values the importance of strong regional food systems.."
Berkfield, now serving as executive director of the Vermont Wilderness School, expressed his confidence in Halpern during his transition to interim director earlier this year. "Lee understands the heart and soul of Food Connects. His leadership, paired with his commitment to the mission, will ensure the organization continues to thrive and make a lasting impact."
Food Connects is an entrepreneurial nonprofit that delivers locally produced food as well as educational and consulting services aimed at transforming local food systems. The Food Hub aggregates and delivers from more than 134 regional farms and food producers to more than 366 buyers in southeast Vermont, southwest New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. Their educational services focus on Farm to School programming, which supports more than 30 schools to increase local food purchasing, school meal participation, and food, farm, and nutrition education.
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