Margarita Echeverria
Executive Director of The Highfields Institute, Secretary of the Board, head of accounting department, grant writer and member of the Management Team. Margarita brings with her 28 years experience in operational systems consulting and accounting. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of L.A. Mesa Co., Ltd., an international distributor of specialty fasteners for the Hi-Tech Industry.
She works in an advisory capacity for the Pacem In Terris Foundation- a mission in Villa de Leyva, Colombia, South America. The foundation focuses its work with under-privileged children and the elderly in the community and also serves as a monastery for young priests working for peace on earth. As a full-time staff member, Margarita administers all programs, oversees the Highfields staff, directs the development of promotional and outreach materials and develops cost tracking and analysis programs. She has been with Highfields since 2000.
Tod DeLaricheliere
Co-Founder and Board Member of The Highfields Institute. Tod is a former dairy farmer, has 13 years composting experience, and is a Certified Compost Specialist (U.Maine/Orono Compost School). As a part-time staff member, Tod is the site coordinator for Highfields’ West Hill Farm Composting Research and Demonstration Site, is our Dairy Outreach Co-coordinator.
Tom Gilbert
Programs Director and Board Member. Tom is a Certified Compost Specialist (U.Maine/Orono Compost School), has 12 years experience working in agriculture, eight years experience in composting, and is Vice President of the Composting Association of Vermont. BA with emphasis on composting and sustainable agriculture from The Evergreen State College, Washington State, designer and project organizer for The Evergreen State College composting facility. As a full-time staff member Tom is a Technical Consultant in composting systems for the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, the Northeast Kingdom Waste Management District, and the Association of Vermont Recyclers, and serves on the Management Team. Tom oversees our programs and their implementation, as well as providing technical assistance to our clients.
Chris Duff
Demonstration Site Manager. University of Massachusetts BDIC program; focus on Sustainable Agriculture, plant nutrition, soils, soil and water conservation, plant physiology, organic farming and agricultural economics. 26 years experience in horticulture and landscaping with extensive experience with soil fertility, plant nutrition and farm practices. Chris began his part-time position with us in April 2006 and we are delighted to have him on our team. Chris lives off the grid on his organic homestead with his wife and two sons.
June Van Houten
Outreach and Education Coordinator. Degree from the University of Vermont in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, teaching license through the Masters of Education program at Vermont College of Norwich University. Over 11 years experience working directly with students and outreach organizations including: teaching Social Studies at Cabot School in Cabot Vermont, coordinating in-school youth employment programs, Assistant Director to Central Vermont School-to-Work, and grant writing. 14 years experience in organic farming, gardening and landscaping, including an internship at the Intervale Community Supported Agriculture farm in Burlington, VT. June started working with us part-time in April 2006 and we are delighted to have her on our team.
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