For the City Times

STEVENS POINT — Central Rivers Farmshed is seeking a professional, innovative and enthusiastic individual to replace their current Executive Director, Layne Cozzolino.

This fall, Cozzolino will be stepping down after being the ED since Farmshed was established in 2011. 

Farmshed is a nonprofit organization committed to building a resilient local food community. They envision a bustling local food economy of sustainable producers, social entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations, and impassioned eaters working together to preserve agricultural heritage, protect natural resources, ensure the health of our communities, understand the true value of food, provide fair compensation for meaningful work, and recognize that collaboration is necessary to maintain a viable food system. 

The new Executive Director will be responsible for the overall development, management, and supervision of all Farmshed programs and staff and will steward workplace and individual giving and engagement programs to support Farmshed’s goals for the community. 

Cozzolino will assist in making a smooth leadership transition by staying on for a short period after her replacement is found to help train the new individual. Additionally, Farmshed’s Board of Directors and staff have created a three year strategic plan to help ensure that Farmshed will continue to thrive under the leadership of the next Executive Director. 

Cozzolino plans to pursue entrepreneurial efforts and grow Siren Shrub Company; a side business she started in 2018 with Mindy McCord and Josh Stolzenburg.

“Making this decision has been difficult. While this is my job, it has been so much more than that every step of the way,” said Cozzolino when addressing Farmshed’s membership. “Each experience I’ve had with Farmshed has been an integral part of my life and growth as a person.” 

Individuals interested in applying for this position should go to farmshed.org for more information.