(Photographer Jessica Sipe)
Bryan Flower Named Executive Director; Marc St. Jacques Joins as Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef
Vermont Business Magazine Philo Ridge Farm, a nonprofit working demonstration farm dedicated to promoting organic regenerative agriculture, announces, after a nationwide search, Bryan Flower as Executive Director and Marc St. Jacques as Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Chef. These leadership hires mark a significant milestone in the farm's evolution as a nonprofit organization. St. Jacques started March 24, with Flower set to join June 9.
"We are thrilled to welcome Bryan and Marc to Philo Ridge Farm," said Diana McCargo, co-founder. "Their combined expertise in sustainable agriculture, food systems, and culinary excellence will help us fulfill our mission, while providing exceptional experiences to our community."
Bryan Flower, Executive Director
An internationally-recognized leader with over 20 years of experience, Flower has worked across South Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. He brings expertise in team leadership, food systems innovation, and operations.
Most recently, he led the nationally lauded NIU Edible Campus initiative and Sustainable Food Systems Innovation Challenge as Assistant Director at Northern Illinois University. Prior to that, as Associate Dean at Robert Morris University, he directed operations, led faculty mentorship, and organized an annual culinary symposium. His background includes raising livestock, developing sustainable farming practices, and building community food programs.
"I'm honored to join Philo Ridge Farm and contribute to its nonprofit mission of cultivating a sustainable food system," said Flower. "The farm's dedication to research and education creates a special opportunity to demonstrate how thoughtful land stewardship benefits both people and the environment."
Casey Ryan, current Senior Managing Director, will transition to an advisory role on the board, capping a five-year journey leading the farm's nonprofit transition.
Diana McCargo, co-founder, with Marc St. Jacques (Photographer Jessica Sipe)
Marc St. Jacques, Director of Food & Beverage
St. Jacques joins the leadership team and will help set the culinary vision for the reopening of the farm’s dining spaces and Market.
"I'm excited to create a culinary program that celebrates the farm's products while providing a fun and lively gathering place for the community," said St. Jacques. "Our cooking will be rooted in mostly European technique with à la minute preparation showcasing vibrant flavors of ingredients harvested that same day."
St. Jacques brings over two decades of culinary leadership, most recently as owner and executive chef of Bar Bête in Brooklyn. His career includes executive chef positions at the Ace Hotel (overseeing The Breslin and John Dory Oyster Bar), culinary director for Pearle Hospitality developing farm and butchery programs, and executive chef roles at Auberge du Pommier and Restaurant Michael Mina.
Under St. Jacques' direction, guests can expect refined, yet approachable menus highlighting the farm’s seasonal harvest. Philo Ridge Farm will share more details around summer operating hours and experiences in early June. Philo Ridge Farm is hiring line cooks, servers, Market associates, and more. Visit philoridgefarm.org for details.
(Photographer Jessica Sipe)
About Philo Ridge Farm
Philo Ridge Farm is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) working demonstration farm located in Vermont's Champlain Valley. Using innovative and ecologically sustainable practices, we steward over 500 acres of pastureland, forests, and diversified produce gardens. We rotationally graze heritage breed livestock and cultivate certified organic fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Our mission is to promote organic regenerative agriculture through hands-on research, education, and community engagement. As a nonprofit living laboratory, we provide farmers, students, and the public with opportunities to explore sustainable food and farming practices. Through educational initiatives and collaborative partnerships, we seek to deepen our understanding of food systems, environmental stewardship, and the essential role of agriculture in building resilient, healthy communities.
CHARLOTTE, VT – Philo Ridge Farm
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