JFAN Expands and Welcomes Two New Staff Members

JFAN's new Development Director Mike Carberry speaking at the 2017 JFAN Annual Meeting.

by Diane Rosenberg | Executive Director

When JFAN began the search for a half-time Communications and Operations Coordinator, we were lucky to find an exceptional candidate to fill that role. What we didn’t expect was that we would also have an opportunity to hire a half-time experienced, dynamic Development Director. But that’s what happened, and we’re excited to introduce you to our two new staff members.

Bekah Vineyard – Communications and Operations Coordinator

Bekah Vineyard, our new half-time Communications and Operations Coordinator, brings both management and some farming experience to JFAN. Prior to joining JFAN, Bekah was Production Manager at Scream Frozen Desserts overseeing daily production operations.

Her farming experience includes working at a regenerative 55-head goat farm in Missouri where, as Assistant Farm Manager, she co-managed rotational grazing on 85 acres of pasture and woods. Bekah also worked at a small New Mexico pig farm assisting with daily operations and a farm program that captured food waste for pig feed.  

When her career path led her to a fruit tree and native plant nursery, Bekah grew to identify plants and read the landscape. She participated in numerous watershed restoration projects where she learned about the flow of water and the supportive or destructive impacts it can have within a watershed.

Bekah brings to JFAN a strong sense of environmental justice, an understanding of the impacts of factory farms, and a sharp understanding of systems for creating a smooth and efficient flow of processes for our expanding operations.

Mike Carberry – Development Director

Over the years, the JFAN board periodically discussed hiring a development director to help us to grow, but it never seemed to be the right time. We are excited that in December the right time found us. Mike Carberry joins JFAN as our new half-time Development Director to identify and pursue large donations and grants.  

For over 30 years, Mike has worked on the full range of sustainability issues including clean water, factory farms, renewable energy, and regenerative and organic agriculture. As members of the Iowa Alliance for Responsible Agriculture (IARA), JFAN and Mike have worked together on factory farm issues for over 15 years.

Mike served as the Executive Director of I-Renew from 2008 – 2010. During that time, he more than doubled the organization’s budget, going from $100,000 to $250,000/year and expanding staffing from one full time member to three full-time and two part-time employees.

While Benefit Director for the Save the Englert Theatre Project in 2000-2005, he raised over $200,000 through benefit concerts and CD sales, which helped to keep the venue open for concerts and other events.

Mike was elected to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in 2014 where he led the county to adopt IARA’s model CAFO resolution calling for a moratorium until there are fewer than 100 water impairments. In 2017, JFAN invited Mike to speak at JFAN’s 2017 Annual Meeting, “Breaking the Grip of Corporate Agriculture on Rural Iowa.”

Mike is a member of the Iowa Sierra Club Executive Committee and serves on numerous boards including the Iowa Farmers Union. Mike’s successful fundraising and grant writing track record, and his widespread connections to people and organizations throughout the state and nation, will help JFAN grow financially so we can have more impact on advocating around factory farm issues that matter to us locally and throughout Iowa.

A Special Thank You to Susan Chapin

Mike’s duties as Development Director will include leading JFAN’s annual fundraising drive, taking over the work Susan Chapin did so well for JFAN over the last eight years.

Susan is a big reason behind JFAN’s ability to thrive and grow, and hiring her to do our annual fundraising drive and corporate sponsorship program was one of the best decisions we ever made. She brought her passion for environmental justice and her dedication to JFAN to all her fundraising efforts.

When Susan talked to JFAN supporters, not only did she give donors solid reasons to support our work, but she also educated them about critical issues and how they could effectively act. Both of these factors further increased awareness on issues and the necessity to keep JFAN well-funded.

The entire JFAN Board of Directors is grateful to Susan’s hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. We want to acknowledge and warmly thank her for the important role she played in helping to make JFAN a stronger, more impactful organization.