When the Countryside Conservancy’s founding director Darwin Kelsey stepped down in September of the last from the job he’d had since 1999 (he passed away in December), he left big shoes to fill. He’d established its unique program of homestead farms in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and was one of the pioneers of the local food movement, which has begun to really flourish in northeast Ohio in recent years.
The board of the Countryside Conservancy didn’t have to look far to find the person to fill those shoes. Tracy Emrick has been acting as interim executive director since Kelsey stepped down. She had previously been the director of operation core partnership manager and Countryside Initiative coordinator.
She’s well positioned to continue Kelsey’s work in strengthening the connection between food producers and consumers and growing awareness of how sustainable growing practices benefit the entire community.
“Tracy is extremely passionate about the future of local food and farming,” says board chairman Ernie Estep. “She brings a wealth of experience that will keep the legacy of Darwin’s vision alive — in addition to adding a strong operating perspective that is critical for the sustainability of the Countryside Programs and the future Countryside Learning Center.”