
Island Grown Initiative (IGI), an Island nonprofit that supports access to local food systems throughout the year, announced Tuesday that Rebecca Haag of Chilmark will take over the duties of former part-time director Sarah McKay. Ms. McKay stepped down May 1, but will retain a seat on the board of directors.
“We are very proud of what IGI has accomplished, and after 10 years of growth, we want to move our organization forward, and strengthen and create programs that further our core mission,” Randi Baird, president of IGI’s board of directors, said in a press release. “We are thrilled that Rebecca is onboard to help us craft a strategic plan and move us closer to building a sustainable food system on the Island.”
Ms. Haag has more than 25 years of leadership experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. She is the former CEO of the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts and the AIDS Action Council and Foundation, and led the creation of the National AIDS Strategy adopted by President Obama in 2008. She was senior executive of several Boston-area businesses, including Hill, Holiday, Work Family Directions, and a global consulting firm, PWC. Most recently, she has worked as an independent consultant with small businesses and nonprofits nationwide.
“I’m excited to join a great team of dedicated leaders, staff, and volunteers at Island Grown Initiative,” Ms. Haag said. “The mission of IGI resonates deeply to me — to give everyone access to food that they can afford and which will enhance the health of families. A local, sustainable food system not only promotes economic and job growth for the Vineyard, it impacts the overall health and wellness of our community. I look forward to working with so many other Islanders who are already committed to this important work.”
The initiative of the IGI is to make a year-round local food system viable, and bring that mission to the community through education programs, food system work, and farmer outreach. Over the past year, IGI has processed 2,500 chickens from backyard and commercial farmers for Island consumers through its mobile poultry unit; delivered over 24,000 pounds of food to elderly programs, local food banks, and others in need through a gleaning program; and introduced healthy, locally produced food to children and families across the Island through the “Harvest of the Month” program. For more information, visit islandgrown.org.