Bonnie Buckingham

Executive Director

bonnie@farmconnectmontana.org

Bonnie serves as executive director, and co-founded Farm Connect Montana (formerly Community Food and Agriculture Coalition) in 2005, to provide a space for people to participate in food democracy - having a role in how their food is grown, processed, distributed and eaten - and to initiate policies and advocacy in support of a vibrant local food system. She has led Farm Connect through its strategic growth and the creation of new programs and initiatives since its inception. When not engaged in local food and farm activities, Bonnie can be found outside enjoying the bounty that western Montana offers - boating, skiing, hiking, and biking with her dog and friends.

Mary Ellis

Beginning Farmer & Rancher Program Director

mary@farmconnectmontana.org

Mary Ellis is the Program Director for the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program at Farm Connect Montana, where she provides leadership for all program facets, from development and evaluation, to managing the Land Link program and coordinating statewide educational classes and events. Mary holds a deep personal and academic interest in sustainable food systems. She earned her M.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Montana in 2019, building upon her B.S. in Biology. Before joining Farm Connect Montana, Mary dedicated over six years to hands-on experience, working on small farms across Oregon, Washington, and Montana. This included two years serving with AmeriCorps and FoodCorps, helping establish and grow high school farms. In her free time Mary enjoys backpacking, xc skiing, and spending time on Montana’s lakes and rivers.

Ian Finch

Director of Philanthropy

ian@farmconnectmontana.org

Ian Finch is the Director of Philanthropy at Farm Connect Montana, where he strengthens the organization’s mission by building meaningful relationships and mobilizing resources for a more just and resilient food system. Born in Helena, Ian’s Montana roots shape his commitment to our community, where he has spent the last two decades working in food system change from the field to plate. Outside of work, Ian enjoys gardening, exploring Montana’s mountains with his partner and dog, and cooking local meals-and new ideas-with friends and family.

Bridget Farmer

Food Access Program Coordinator

bridget@farmconnectmontana.org

Bridget is Farm Connect's Food Access Program Coordinator focused on Double SNAP Dollars (DSD) in Western Montana and nutrition education programming. Bridget hails from Minnesota and has called Missoula home since 2020. Originally an Americorps member serving with Farm Connect in 2021, Bridget helped found the Produce Prescription and Montanan's Who Cook! programs and continues to support healthy food access through Double SNAP Dollars today.

You can find Bridget soaking up the Montana sun, playing volleyball, hiking Missoula's trails, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Gillian Thornton Andrews

Farmer Tool Library Coordinator

gillian@farmconnectmontana.org

Gillian is passionate about building thriving, community-based food systems in Montana. She also co-owns and operates Thunder Road Farm in the Jocko Valley, where she and her family produce grass-finished beef and operate a raspberry U-Pick. Gillian holds an M.S. in environmental studies from the University of Montana and a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Oregon, with over a decade as a sustainable food systems advocate in western Montana. Originally from Kalispell, she enjoys exploring the wilderness behind her farm, painting, and spending time with her husband and young daughter.

Meghan Daily

Events and Marketing Coordinator

meghan@farmconnectmontana.org

Raised between the foothills of the Rockies and the rural plains of Northeastern Colorado, Meghan is no stranger to Western landscapes. She moved to Missoula in 2022 to get her M.S. in Environmental Studies at the University of Montana. While in school, Meghan focused on methods to preserve farmland in the U.S. and finding ways to provide affordable access to farmland for beginning farmers. Her experience in various community outreach positions, both in and outside of school, has prepared her for the Events and Marketing Coordinator position at Farm Connect. She is excited to merge her passion for farming and food systems with her skills in event planning and community outreach.

Outside of work, Meghan enjoys growing vegetables, caring for her houseplants, exploring new craft projects, and writing!

Lilian Kennedy

Food Access Masters Practicum Student

lilian.kennedy@umconnect.umt.edu

Lilian Kennedy supports Farm Connect's Food Access Program by providing critical on-the-ground outreach to eligible participants, farmers, and the community at large. During the school year you can find Lilian at farmers markets in Missoula educating the public about our mission, programs, and especially Double SNAP Dollars.

Vacant

Food Access Program Director

community@farmconnectmontana.org