Eden Leonard to lead Land’s Sake Farm

Land’s Sake Farm’s summer executive director search proved to be fruitful as the nonprofit community farm is welcoming its new leader in time for harvest season.

The organization’s board of directors on Aug. 6 announced it was hiring Eden Leonard, the former eight-year executive director of Boston-based World Ocean School to lead the farm. A letter from the board of directors stated Leonard had grown the World Ocean School’s budget, diversified revenue and built a national reputation, leaving an organization “built to flourish beyond her tenure.”

Miriam Levy, president of Land’s Sake’s board of directors, said Leonard was the board’s top choice out of more than 70 candidates considered in a four-month hiring process in partnership with Boston-based firm DH Search.

“She stood out. She had a really great combination of a proven leadership track record at World Ocean School,” Levy said. “She felt a very deep personal alignment to the Land’s Sake mission as well. She grew up on a farm, she understands land-based work, she really believes in that.”

Leonard is stepping into the shoes of 10-year Executive Director Pam Hess, who left the farm in May to become the Brookline Community Foundation’s new executive director. Hess helped steward the farm in a time of massive growth, bringing the year-round farm stand offering food, education and community to the region. She also secured a 30-year lease with the town, rather than the three-year leases the farm had been operating on.

Leonard will begin her tenure at Land’s Sake on Sept. 1.

Leonard grew up on a farm in rural Oregon, where she learned that “when people are connected to something real and rooted, they become capable of remarkable things,” which the board of directors stated is exactly what the farm stands for.

“Land’s Sake does exactly the kind of work I believe in,” Leonard said in a press release. “I’m honored to build on its incredible foundation, and I look forward to working alongside our staff, volunteers, donors and neighbors to carry this community institution into its next chapter.”

Leonard’s agricultural roots and the values that sprung from it, Levy said, tie into Land’s Sake’s role, allowing the new executive director to “honor the mission.” Levy said she expects Leonard will build upon Land’s Sake’s initiatives “where it makes sense” and diversify the fundraising base, while ensuring the farm still achieves its mission of educating and feeding the community.

“I think she sees her role as one to facilitate the entire community’s connection to Land’s Sake and the work that it’s doing,” Levy said. “We’re really excited about her leadership.”

Since Hess’ May departure, Land’s Sake staff have managed the farm, with Levy thanking them for doing a “wonderful job.”

“It’s always a challenging time when a leader resigns. I think everyone at the organization has really stepped up,” Levy said. “They deserve all of our appreciation and thanks.”