Submitted by Sustainable Connections
Sustainable Connections is pleased to announce a number of new personnel changes: Amy Vergillo transitioned to the organization’s communications manager, Becca Taber moved into a new role as the membership coordinator, Alex Smith was hired as the team’s new Food and Farming assistant, Kate Rinder was brought on as the new office manager, Diana Meeks was hired as the new communication and Food and Farming assistant, and Jordan Beaudin will soon start as the new energy manager engineer.
Communications Manager Amy Vergillo will work closely with program managers and strategic partners to coordinate all aspects of the organization’s marketing, PR, and communication programs. She will also be responsible for brand management, creating organizational materials and event promotion. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design, Amy held various sales support and marketing roles before joining Sustainable Connections in 2013. She was instrumental in helping them develop their Toward Zero Waste Campaign and will continue to be an invaluable player in promoting the work of both Sustainable Connections and its members.
In her new position as Membership Coordinator, Becca Taber will be the first point of contact for membership inquiries and questions, and will be responsible for member recruitment and retention. She will continue to collaborate with program staff to organize member events and will take the lead on Sustainable Connections Think Local First Campaign. Becca has been an important team member for over five years, starting at Sustainable Connections as a volunteer, and then working as a Program Assistant after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in environmental policy from Western Washington University.
Kate joined Sustainable Connections after several years leading and coordinating backcountry environmental and sustainability education programming for the North Cascade Institute. As Office Manager, Kate will assist the Executive Director by enhancing the internal organizational processes and infrastructure that will allow the organization to continue to grow and fulfill its mission. She will also help provide oversight for the day-to-day administrative, human resource, technology, and financial affairs of Sustainable Connections. Kate holds a Masters of Environmental Education from WWU and a certificate in Leadership and Nonprofit Administration.
As the new Food and Farming Outreach Assistant, Alex will be responsible for Sustainable Connections Food to Bank On program, the Whatcom Food and Farm Finder, the Culinary Agritoursim Map, and Food and Farming outreach events like Demo Days at the Bellingham Farmers Market. He will also work closely with other program staff to coordinate communications and outreach in support of the Food and Farming program. Not only does Alex have a passion for sustainable food systems, but he has been a farmer himself! He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Western Washington University and has worked in a diversity of roles, from cook to social services provider.
Diana will be working with a variety of Sustainable Connections Program Managers in her new role as the Food and Farming and communications assistant. She will support multiple programs by helping with program newsletters and publications, website updates, social media, and event promotion. Diana will also be responsible for facilitating Sustainable Connections partner group, the Whatcom Food Network, and will assist with other Food & Farming programs like Eat Local Month and the Whatcom County Farm Tour. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sustainability from Arizona State University and has worked and volunteered for a number of different organizations doing communication and outreach including Waste Management, The Sustainability Consortium and the PCC Farmland Trust.
As the new Energy Management Engineer, Jordan will play a central role in Sustainable Connections on-the-ground work to promote commercial energy savings. He will be responsible for performing building energy audits, analyzing data, writing reports, and providing recommendations and support for businesses implementing an energy reduction plan. He will also be responsible for keeping Sustainable Connections up to date on all of the latest trends and best practices for commercial energy efficiency. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and has been in the energy industry for over ten years! He is a longtime supporter and follower of the work Sustainable Connections does and has already worked with the organization on a number of different energy efficiency projects. With his extensive experience and passion for all things energy, Jordan will play a key role in the work this organization does in the community.
Sustainable Connections’ Executive Director, Derek Long, said, “Here at Sustainable Connections we are lucky to have such a dedicated and experienced staff of hardworking individuals. It is our goal to provide a meaningful workplace environment, where staff members can learn and thrive. It gives me great pleasure to see the growth of these particular individuals and programs I’m excited to see what all will accomplish in their new roles.”
