Bridget comes to us from the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board where she served as their director of development, successfully obtaining over a million dollars in grant funding.  She brings with her an established network and working knowledge of Southeastern Massachusetts.  Bridget grew up on a dairy farm in Montana, frequents farmers markets, and considers herself a locavore and a foodie.  

Bridget's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree from VA Tech, in Communication Studies with concentrations in Journalism & Public Relations.  Bridget also holds a Juris Doctor Degree from Roger Williams University, in Bristol, Rhode Island.  She is a current member of the Massachusetts Bar and practiced in the area of civil litigation.

Much of Bridget's experience was acquired during her time in Washington, D.C., where she worked in the non-profit sector implementing federal government relations & fundraising strategies, and facilitating public policy seminars. More recently, Bridget worked with the Director of Policy for the Rhode Island Attorney General, Patrick Lynch, researching policy initiatives. 

As the WIB's Director of Development, Bridget has successfully written federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate grants totaling $1.25 million.  She has forged relationships with economic development entities in our region to align workforce development and economic development initiatives. She has convened and led government officials, community leaders, and regional progressives to collaborate in developing programs in such areas as weatherization training and prisoner reentry.

Bridget intends to hit the ground running as the new Executive Director of SEMAP as this is an exciting time for food and local agriculture.