The Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on sustainable economic development, has announced three new hires: Kelly Dolan, as Farm to Plate network manager; Esther Erbe, as office manager and events coordinator; and Sydney Lucia, as grant and fund development manager.
In her new position, Dolan provides leadership and support to the Farm to Plate Network’s communities of practice, topic exchanges, and priority strategy teams. Prior to joining VSJF, Dolan led the University of Vermont Extension’s Migrant Education Program, overseeing a statewide effort to ensure migrant farmworkers and their families have equitable access to educational and community-based resources. She is a graduate of Saint Michael’s College.
Erbe, in her new role, leads office operations and provides programmatic support through meeting and conference planning, along with special projects. Before her time with VSJF, she worked for diversified and livestock farms in administration, growing and fulfillment positions. Erbe holds a master’s degree in food studies.
As grant and fund development manager, Lucia oversees VSJF’s fundraising efforts and its federal, state and foundation grants. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont and holds a master's degree in international peace and conflict resolution from American University. Before joining VSJF, Lucia worked as grant manager for a school district in Vermont.