Welcoming NOFA-NH’s New Executive Director

"NOFA-NH's Board of Directors are delighted to welcome Julie Davenson as the organization’s new Executive Director!

Julie previously volunteered as a member of NOFA-NH’s Board of Directors for five years, during which time she served in the roles of Board President, Co-President, Vice President, Chair of the Policy & Education Committee, and as a member of both the NOFA Interstate Council and the NOFA Interstate Policy Committee.  

Julie was awarded the Policy & Advocacy Leader of the Year award at our 2026 Winter Conference in recognition of her dedication to local, just, and sustainable food systems, exemplified by her outstanding work championing NOFA’s advocacy efforts at the state, regional and federal levels.

Prior to joining NOFA-NH's staff, Julie led several nonprofit organizations, including an agricultural education center and working farm. Most recently, she worked in sustainability supporting farms and companies transitioning to organic and regenerative agriculture across a variety of production systems and scales nationwide. She is also a PhD fellow with Leadership for the Ecozoic and the Gund Institute for the Environment at the University of Vermont, where she is studying Sustainable Development, Policy, Economics, and Governance with a focus on agroecology and ecological economics. She has contributed as a research assistant for the Institute for Agroecology's Transforming Regional Governance in New England analyzing regional and state food system plans. She is also a founding member of the Northeast Woodland Bioregional Collective. She lives in Nelson, NH, with her family, goats and chickens where she grows her own food.  

Julie Davenson shares, “Having served on NOFA-NH's board for years — most recently as Board President — I've seen firsthand how much this organization means to farmers, gardeners, and eaters across New Hampshire. That's what makes stepping into this role feel less like a new beginning and more like a deepening commitment.

“We are at a genuinely critical moment. We are impacted by the rising costs of food. New Hampshire farmers are navigating rising input costs, shrinking markets, consolidation, and the accelerating pressures of climate change, and the choices we make as a state right now will shape who gets to farm and who gets access to healthy, locally grown food for decades to come. NOFA-NH has been a steadfast part of that fight for nearly 55 years, and I intend to work with our members and partners to make sure we're showing up in the ways that matter most: connecting members with resources, advocating for policies that support working farms, and building the local food relationships that make our communities more resilient.

"That work belongs to all of us, farmers, home gardeners, and people who simply care about what's on their plate. If you believe in a New Hampshire where good food is grown close to home, everyone has equitable access, and the people who grow it can thrive, I hope you'll join us. We would love to hear from you.”

Nikki Kolb will continue to provide vital leadership for NOFA-NH in her new role as Development Director. In her previous role as Operations Director, Nikki stewarded the organization’s recent growth providing management for NOFA-NH’s growing team. Her new role will position NOFA-NH to continue building and expanding partnerships, programs, and membership benefits.  

Please join us in welcoming Julie as NOFA-NH’s Executive Director!

Sincerely, 
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James Stever 
NOFA-NH Board President "