GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) announced the hiring of two staff members: Kallie Robertson, who joins BAV as Finance Manager, and Audrey Hackett, who steps into the role of Communications & Development Associate.

 

The new hires expand BAV's staff team to nine, adding capacity to the nonprofit's service to local farmers and food producers in the Berkshire-Taconic region of Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.

 

Robertson comes to BAV with a diverse background in farming, nonprofit financial management, and design experience. For over a decade, Robertson and her husband have owned and managed Sawkill Farm, a diverse pasture-based livestock farm in the Hudson Valley. They currently raise sheep and make yarn from the fiber. Most recently, Robertson worked as the Finance & Administrative Director of NOFA/Mass, managing the budget and financial health of the organization whose mission is to promote organic agriculture and food access in Massachusetts.

 

Hackett joins BAV with over two decades of diverse experience in writing, editing, nonprofit communications, and community journalism. Most recently, she worked for a regenerative agriculture nonprofit in Ohio as editor and writer. Hackett is relocating back to the Berkshires, where she previously was editor of The Women's Times and worked on staff and as an independent consultant for Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, and other organizations. Prior to accepting this position, Hackett served BAV as a communications consultant beginning in early 2024.

 

"BAV is thrilled to welcome these two passionate and talented professionals to our team. Kallie adds new depth and expertise to our organizational financial management and grants management, as well as bringing valuable firsthand farming knowledge and experience. This newly created role will support BAV's growth and enable us to serve more farmers," Executive Director Rebecca Busansky said.

 

"BAV is also delighted to deepen our work with Audrey, who has been BAV's communications consultant since February. In her staff position, Audrey will work closely with BAV's leadership, program staff, and Board to increase public awareness of BAV and expand our community of supporters and friends," Busansky continued.