Although I will miss working regularly with my funny, indefatigable and razor-sharp pal Pat Stieran, I know some of the IFMA board well enough to know that they picked a worthy successor to her. Looking forward to working with Janie and seeing this great association continue to grow.

The Illinois Farmers Market Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce Jane Maxwell, as its new executive director.  Janie, as she prefers to be called, started on October 26 and is excited to be a part of the IFMA. She is very passionate about expanding local food opportunities and promoting Illinois farmers markets.

As a Registered Dietitian Janie believes strongly in the health value of local food and advocates for local food by building systems that highlight the economic value of markets to communities and farmers.

In her most recent work with Making Kane County Fit for Kids, as a part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Healthy Kids Healthy Communities Grant, Fit for Kids became a nationally recognized leader in creating a culture of health in part by improving access to healthy food.

Janie brings a background in managing grants and in nonprofit management having managed non-profit initiatives and programs.  She is also a nutrition instructor at Northern Illinois University, Department of Family, Consumer and Nutrition Sciences.

Board President Natalie Kenny-Marquez stated “We are so excited to have Janie at the helm, she is hard at work already with her grant management skills due to the USDA grants that IFMA recently received.” Please join me in welcoming Janie and you can contact her atjmaxwell.ifma@gmail.com.