NEW HAVEN, Conn. — CitySeed, a New Haven-based nonprofit dedicated to serving city residents fresh, local food while building economic opportunity in the city's food system, has announced its new executive director.
Lifelong New Haven resident Sarah Miller was appointed by the CitySeed Board of Directors to fill the role. Miller has more than 20 years of nonprofit and community leadership experience, according to a release from CitySeed. Miller earned her Bachelor of Arts from Yale University and a Master of Social Work from UConn.
Most recently, Miller worked as director of strategy for Clifford Beers Community Center; she is also an elected member of the New Haven Board of Alders, the release said. CitySeed appoints Miller as it celebrates both its 20th anniversary and the purchase of a building at 162 James St. in the Fair Haven neighborhood.
CitySeed is responsible for year-round farmers markets in Wooster Square, Edgewood Park and the Dixwell Q House, the release said. The nonprofit also supports Sanctuary Kitchen, a culinary training program and social enterprise that aids new immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers, giving them an opportunity to work as chefs at an above-market wage.
Meanwhile, CitySeed Incubates helps new food businesses, which includes providing shared-use commercial kitchen space, training and mentorship. The nonprofit’s newly aquired James Street home will bring the complimentary initiatives together under one roof and establish a local food hub to serve the surrounding neighborhood, city and region, according to the release.
In addition to time spent at Clifford Beers and as an Alder, Miller established and led the New Haven Community Schools Partnership, increased accessibility to integrated mental health and family support services throughout New Haven and Hamden and drove economic development initiatives for the Fair Haven neighborhood, including plans for the redevelopment of Grand Avenue, the release said.
In her new position, Miller will help develop the new James Street location and continue CitySeed’s vision of creating a network of thriving local food businesses and economically empowering new immigrants through food-related enterprises. She’ll help expand access to nutritious, local food; strengthen local agriculture; and connect the community via the “unique power” food has to bring people together, according to the release.
In the release, Miller said it is a tremendously exciting honor to join the CitySeed team.
“Like so many new Haveners, CitySeed has been part of my life since its inception,” Miller said. “Driven by shared commitments to food and health equity and racial and economic justice, I look forward to collaborating with CitySeed’s dedicated staff, volunteers and partners to expand opportunities for local food growers and entrepreneurs, and the community that depends on them.”
Miller fills the shoes of Cortney Renton, who moved to Chicago to run Proofing Station, a charitable investment fund that provides capital access to small and mid-sized entities in the Midwest regional food and agriculture supply chain.
Ashley Kremser served as interim director and expressed confidence in Miller, saying in the release, "Miller is an exceptional leader whose vision and dedication to community development are perfectly aligned with CitySeed's needs. I am confident that under her guidance, CitySeed will continue to flourish and expand its impact in creating a more equitable food system for New Haven."
CitySeed Board of Directors Chair Christine Kim said in the release that the nonprofit is thrilled to welcome Miller to its family. She said Miller’s proven leadership and passion for community-driven initiatives and her dedication to New Haven make her an ideal choice to lead CitySeed into its next chapter.
“(Miller’s) innovative approach and commitment to inclusivity align perfectly with our mission to create a healthy, sustainable and just food system for all,” Kim said, in the release.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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