Introducing New Local Food Coordinator for NW Michigan!

We are pleased to introduce our new Local Food Coordinator for NW Michigan, Kimberly Conaghan! Based out of Traverse City, she will serve northwest lower Michigan local food businesses. Get to know her here!

Kimberly grew up in metro-Detroit and lived in Florida, Colorado, and downtown Detroit for before moving to Traverse City nearly a decade ago. She was drawn to northern Michigan because of its healthy lifestyle, abundance of gorgeous natural habitats, and connected communities.

After working in middle management in the food and beverage, retail and banking industries, she decided to pursue more personally fulfilling work in the non-profit sector. While running northern Michigan’s largest community garden for the past four years, she became deeply connected to building a more resilient local community, localism, and of course, local food. She is fascinated by the health, economic, and sustainability impacts of eating locally.

Kimberly is a proud lifetime learner.  She has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Communications, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Public Relations, and a Post-Baccalaureate Paralegal Certificate. She is also a graduate of the Specs Howard School of Media Arts, and holds various certificates related to farming’s Food Safety Modernization Act and GAP/GHP practices.  By blending her unique skill set, she would be absolutely delighted to hear your story and learn how she can support your local business!

When not working with TLD, you will likely find her covered in dirt with her husband and young kiddo at the Grand Traverse Area Children’s Garden (she’s also its Executive Director), or in her kitchen cooking, baking or preserving the latest local bounty. If socially acceptable, she’s also almost always wearing a hat.