Lynn Ellen Schimoler has joined the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) in a leadership capacity to advance operational excellence and organizational health, the Vermont Land Trust announced today. She comes to the organization after four years with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and with over 20 years in the food retail industry.
“Lynn Ellen brings an incredible depth of experience in leadership and operations,” said Nick Richardson, President & CEO of VLT. “Similar to many mid-sized nonprofits or small businesses, the environment in which VLT operates is growing more complex each day. Lynn Ellen will play a critical role in helping us preserve and strengthen the health of our organization—and subsequently, the impact of our work. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”
While with the Agency of Agriculture, Schimoler supported the Working Lands Enterprise Board and administered grants and contracts for the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. In that capacity, she successfully increased investments, implemented governance practices, and served as legislative liaison to policy makers. In her time with the Agency, she connected dozens of farms, food, and forestland enterprises with technical assistance and funding in partnership with the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Vermont Economic Development Authority, and the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund. Prior to that, Schimoler partnered with the National Cooperative Grocers to expand food co-ops while working for City Market and Onion River Co-op to advance efficient operation.
“I am honored to join VLT in this time of evolution, as we are deepening our impact in communities and across sectors,” said Schimoler. “I’ve been an organizational partner and Board Member. It’s a thrill to now be on staff and support our work from the inside.”
Schimoler lives in Essex and is active in her community. She is currently an advisor to the Women in Leadership Program at the University of Vermont Grossman School of Business and serves on the Executive Board of the Real Organic Project. She attended Bennington College and holds a part-time Dance Lecturer position at the University of Vermont.
