Working Together
OUR STAFF
Penelope Powell Executive Director
“After years volunteering for VFP including as Board Treasurer, I joined the staff as Executive Director. Agriculture has a story throughout my life, coming from multi-generational farmers to working on a small, locally focused organic farm, to having a home garden. My career has mostly focused on non-profit administration at a variety of different agencies and I am excited to bring this experience and knowledge to the team. In my free time, I enjoy yoga, hikes, soaking in hot springs, and spending time with my friends and family.”
Brittanee Boldan Farmers Market MANAGER
"I am a long-time resident of Western Colorado with a deep passion for sustainable living and supporting small businesses. My professional background is in manufacturing operations, and I am thrilled to bring my knack for organization and project management to the Montrose Farmers’ Market. When I am not working, I enjoy a mix of outdoor and indoor activities. Outside, you’ll often find me walking, gardening, or simply soaking up the sunshine. Indoors, I love spending time with my son—whether we’re playing board and video games, building Lego creations, or making epic forts. I value the balance between work and personal life and am always eager to learn, grow, and connect with those around me."
Cally Hale
Program Manger
Cally Hale is a 5th-generation farmer living on her family's centennial ranch in Montrose, CO. She serves on the Colorado State Fair Board. She has been the Program Manager for Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers that Thrive (CFRT), a beginning farmer/rancher training program at VFP, and is now the Program Manager overseeing producer outreach and education.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul moved to Colorado back in 2008 first landing in Lafayette, CO and in 2014 moved to a small acreage home west of Olathe (Coal Creek). The property allows his wife and him to house several animals including chickens, ducks, goats, a horse, cats and dogs. They also have a substantial garden with many varieties of peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables along with some apple and pear trees.
Paul’s first experience working with local agriculture was at the Western Slope Soil Health Conference helping with the administration of the event. Paul also has experiences working with a number of local businesses in Delta and Olathe on Economic Development activities and is a strong supporter of local businesses and agriculture. Paul also provides community support through his employment with Hilltop Community Resource in Montrose.
“I am excited about serving with the Valley Food Partnership board and its efforts to connect local agriculture and local people. It is more evident than ever before the importance that local food systems have to the well-being of people and food security for our area.”
Paul Stockwell, President
Elisa McKee, Treasurer
“After growing up as a Navy brat who moved every few years, my family finally settled in Colorado in 1975. My mother created paintings of rural countryside and my parents took us kids out to farms on our Sunday drives. I feel at home living in a ranching and farming community. I want to support agriculture/ranching (locally) and solutions for producers that allow them to thrive and later retire without losing our prime agricultural real estate”
Geoff Oslund, Secretary
“As the secretary of the board for the Valley Food Partnership, I bring a unique blend of practical experience and dedication to sustainable agriculture. My background in gardening on a small CSA-based farm has equipped me with hands-on knowledge of community-supported agriculture and the intricacies of farm operations. This experience allows me to understand local farmers' challenges and opportunities, making me a valuable advocate for their needs and interests on the board.
Through the Valley Food Partnership, I am enrolled in the Cultivating Ranchers and Farmers that Thrive program. This program is enhancing my understanding of innovative farming practices and sustainable agriculture. My active participation demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Additionally, my ongoing volunteer work with the same CSA farm reflects my dedication to supporting local agriculture and my ability to apply my knowledge in real-world settings.
As secretary, I bring excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for fostering a thriving local food system. My experience and education enable me to contribute effectively to the board's strategic planning and decision-making processes, ensuring we meet our goals of supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture.”
Tyler Macmillan, director
Tyler moved to Hotchkiss in 2024, and quickly made contact with Valley Food Partnership to learn how to manage a pasture that had been neglected. Within several months, he and his wife Lauren became engaged in many of our sponsored events and programs, including the Roots of Renewal Forum, and Cultivating Farmers and Ranchers That Thrive.
Tyler is a pharmacist with Kaiser Permanente, where he manages electronic medical record systems, keeping medication therapies safe and streamlined. He is passionate about the connection between healthy food and healthy communities, and supporting our local producers to share best practices. He enjoys music, learning about soil, building things, camping, and exploring.
"As a beginning farmer myself, I value opportunities to learn. I'm so glad to participate in an organization which is providing valuable support to our own farm, and many others."
