Pitney Meadows Community Farm Welcomes New Board Members As It Enters Its Second Decade!

As Pitney Meadows Community Farm celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the organization is stepping into its next decade with momentum, purpose, and a powerful infusion of leadership, welcoming four new members to its Board of Directors at a pivotal moment of growth and possibility.

Over the past ten years, Pitney Meadows Community Farm has grown into a cornerstone of the Saratoga Springs community, where agriculture, education, food access, and connection come together on the land. Now, with expanded programming, deepening regional partnerships, and a newly refined strategic plan rooted in equity, sustainability, and community wellbeing, Pitney Meadows is poised for its most impactful chapter yet.

Pitney Meadows Community Farm’s mission is to grow food, community, and connection, and to educate about the natural world right here on its conserved farm in the heart of Saratoga Springs. The organization envisions a future where people and nature grow together—where caring for the land and sharing what is grown helps create a healthier, more connected, and more resilient community.

To help lead that future, Pitney Meadows proudly welcomes Zachary Madding, Josh Stepani, Susan Weinrich, and John Henley to its Board of Directors—each bringing a dynamic blend of expertise in sustainability, food systems, nonprofit leadership, and human services.

“At this moment in our history, we are reflecting with gratitude while building toward our next iteration,” said Brooke McConnell, Executive Director of Pitney Meadows. “The addition of these four leaders, coupled with our long-term and dedicated board, committee members, and volunteers, strengthens our ability to think bigger, reach further, and deepen our impact across the region.”

A Moment of Transition and Deep Gratitude

This exciting new chapter also marks the conclusion of board service for two extraordinary leaders whose influence has helped shape Pitney Meadows into what it is today: Lori Bellingham and Alisa Dalton.

Lori Bellingham, Vice Chair and Chair of the Fund Development Committee, played a critical role in strengthening the Farm’s financial foundation and cultivating a culture of generosity and support. Her strategic leadership and tireless advocacy have left an enduring mark on the organization’s sustainability and growth.

Alisa Dalton, Past Board Chair, guided Pitney Meadows through a period of meaningful expansion and transformation. Her steady leadership, deep care for the community, and unwavering belief in the mission helped position the Farm as a vital and trusted community resource.

“Lori and Alisa have given so much of themselves to this organization,” said Jen Alexander, Board Chair of the Pitney Meadows Board of Directors. “They are not only exceptional leaders, but true champions of this community. Their impact will be felt here for years to come, and we are profoundly grateful.”

While their board service concludes, their connection to Pitney Meadows does not—and we look forward to continuing to see Lori and Alisa as part of this community they have helped shape.

New Board Members Join at a Defining Time for the Farm

The newest members of the Board bring a breadth of experience that reflects the evolving role of Pitney Meadows as a hub for food systems and food access innovation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

John Henley brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in child welfare, family services, and special education. A dedicated advocate for children and families, John most recently served as CEO of Northern Rivers Family of Services, where he led significant organizational growth and transformation. Over the course of his career, including leadership roles at Northeast Parent & Child Society, Parsons Child & Family Center, Elmcrest Children’s Center, and Cayuga Home for Children, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to strengthening communities and supporting those most in need. John’s thoughtful leadership across the nonprofit sector, combined with a lifelong commitment to service, makes him a powerful addition to the Board.

Zachary Madding serves as Capital Program Manager and Sustainability Manager at SUNY Empire State University, where he leads initiatives in capital planning, energy, facilities, and sustainability. With a background spanning finance, environmental health and safety, engineering, and construction, Zachary brings a systems-level perspective to infrastructure and land stewardship. Raised on a multi-generational farm in Oklahoma, he carries a lifelong connection to agriculture and rural life. His professional and personal experiences, including developing a certified aquaponic farm, align closely with Pitney Meadows’ mission to connect land, food, and community.

Josh Stepani is the Director of the Adirondack Food System Network and has spent more than a decade working across agricultural and environmental nonprofits. His work has spanned farm-to-school initiatives, food hubs, farming, and produce prescription programs, among others. As an adjunct professor and Ph.D. candidate, Josh explores food systems, policy, and food justice in New York State. His deep knowledge of regional food systems and commitment to equity will help strengthen Pitney Meadows’ role in advancing a more just and resilient food future.

Susan Weinrich is the founder of Trellised Solutions, LLC, a nonprofit consulting firm focused on strengthening organizations through strategic planning, board development, and capacity building. With more than 20 years of experience at the New York Council of Nonprofits, including serving as Senior Vice President for Capacity Building Services, Susan brings extensive expertise in organizational development and leadership. She describes herself as a “pollinator,” sharing ideas and best practices across the nonprofit sector—a philosophy that aligns beautifully with the collaborative spirit of Pitney Meadows.

Looking Ahead

With new leadership, a strong foundation, and a decade of impact behind it, Pitney Meadows is entering its next chapter with clarity and ambition.

From expanding food access initiatives and educational programming to deepening its role in regional food systems and environmental stewardship, the Farm is committed to growing as a place where community thrives… on and off the land.

“With a decade behind us and so much ahead, we are just getting started,” said Madison Goldfischer, Vice Chair of the Pitney Meadows Board of Directors. “Together with our Board, our staff, our volunteers, and our community, we are ready to grow something even stronger in the years to come.”