News

Appel Farm Leadership Update

July 15, 2024

Appel Farm is beginning an innovative new chapter with a change in organizational leadership. 

Executive Director Jessica Doheny will be departing Appel Farm to pursue a new opportunity. Her last day with the organization will be July 31st. We are grateful for her years of leadership in service of Appel Farm.

With change comes opportunity. In response to this transition, we are proudly exploring a new shared leadership model which we feel reflects the values of the organization, will serve and support our community, and creates a sustainable path forward for Appel Farm. 

The Board of Trustees have appointed an Executive Leadership Team, composed of three current senior staff members at the organization. The Executive Leadership Team will be the strategic leaders and executive managers of Appel Farm. This Team reports to the Board of Trustees and are responsible for setting overall strategic direction and managing the financial position of the organization. Across their tiers, they will manage the full-time, part-time, seasonal staff and contractors; assume oversight for all programs and partnerships; further strategic goals related to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA); and execute Appel Farm’s mission. 

Dani Cooke (dcooke@appelfarm.org) will be the Executive Leader of Infrastructure. Dani’s primary areas of oversight will include Property and Buildings, Technical Systems, Facility and Organizational Operations, Business Contracts, Contractors, Rentals, Emergency Management, and Environment/Land Stewardship.

Craig Getting (cgetting@appelfarm.org) will be the Executive Leader of Advancement. Craig’s primary areas of oversight will include Fundraising, Outreach, External Communications and Marketing, Organizational Finances, and Camp Scholarships.

Kristina Hill (khill@appelfarm.org) will be the Executive Leader of Education. Kristina’s primary areas of oversight will include Appel Farm Arts Camp, School and Partner residencies, Professional Learning partnerships, Teaching Artist recruitment and training, Curriculum Development, Arts Education, and State and Regional programs.

All three Executive Leadership Team Members have significant knowledge of the organization and hold meaningful professional and personal connections within the Appel Farm community. They possess varied skills, experience, and perspectives, adding strength and balance to their joint leadership. 

During this time of transition, Jessica Doheny has been working closely with the Team to ensure they are ready to assume their new roles. Jessica has shared with the staff and Board that she and her family plan to remain dedicated members of the Appel Farm community.