Common Roots has announced the appointment of Rob Fish as the organization’s first full-time Executive Director, marking an important milestone in the nonprofit’s 18-year history of building a healthier and more equitable local food system in Vermont.
The transition comes at a time when demand for Common Roots’ programs continues to grow.
Founded in 2007, Common Roots has grown from a small group of parents, teachers, nurses, and farmers into a multifaceted nonprofit operating two urban farms, a licensed commercial kitchen, community food enterprises, and educational programs serving thousands of Vermonters each year.
Today, Common Roots teaches more than 1,400 elementary students each month through its Farm to School program. Middle school students in the Farm to Go program have prepared more than 15,500 meals for their families.
The organization also operates a Farmstand at the South Burlington Food Shelf and provides year-round prepared meals from its licensed kitchen.
Fish brings experience in food systems, rural development, nonprofit management, and public-sector leadership.
“Common Roots is building a local food system where farming, education, and access all work together,” Fish said.
The organization also emphasized that the transition builds on the vision and foundation established by Co-Founder Carol McQuillen, who will continue to serve in a major leadership and development role.
The organization plans to host a community reception in the coming months to welcome Fish into the role and celebrate the next chapter of Common Roots.