Burlington--After a national search, the University of Vermont (UVM) has selected Dr. Teresa Leslie to be the new director of the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, effective January 29.

SARE is funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture. The Northeast SARE program serves the six New England states, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

Leslie is a research analyst and community engagement strategist with national and international expertise in the areas of health systems, community development, infectious disease management, equity and justice. She has experience cultivating relationships with diverse stakeholder groups to create innovative, evidenced-based policy and practice solutions.

The new director previously was a public health associate at Morgan State University, where she developed grants and obtained public health funding in the urban agriculture sector. She also served as a scientific director in the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health.

For six years prior, Leslie was the director of the Eastern Caribbean Public Health Foundation in the Caribbean Netherlands where she managed projects and project budgets to improve island health and sustainability, including workshops on sustainable agriculture, waste management, energy efficiency, small business development and social entrepreneurship.

Leslie holds a doctorate in medical anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in medical anthropology from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Howard University.

Outgoing Northeast SARE director Dr. Vern Grubinger, who has served in the position since 2007, said, “Dr. Leslie brings a fresh perspective to our program that will enrich our work. She has a deep understanding of the connection between agriculture and public health, as well as issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. I am eager to work with Dr. Leslie to assure a smooth transition, aided by our very capable staff.” During Grubinger’s tenure, Northeast SARE awarded 1,776 grants for a total of $75.8 million.

The Northeast SARE program is managed by UVM Extension and led by a volunteer administrative council of 22 people engaged with the region’s farm and food system. To learn more, go to https://northeast.sare.org.