Jack Riffle

Executive Director

Jack Riffle’s dedication to agriculture and community has brought him to the Farmers Market Federation of New York, though this destination wasn't always clear to see. Despite growing up surrounded by agriculture, farming never occurred to him as a possible vocation. After attending Hamilton College, he spent six years teaching in Boston and New York City.

His increasing awareness of social inequality, issues around food justice, and the climate crisis led him to leave teaching and apprentice on a farm in Westmoreland, New York. After two seasons in Westmoreland, he transitioned to managing a farm and education center in New Hampshire. 

Though the COVID-19 pandemic ended his stay there prematurely, his time in New Hampshire planted the seed of an idea that is currently blooming as Local Foods Mohawk Valley — a local food collective based in Clinton that encourages community access to local food year-round and reduces farmers' opportunity costs of selling and marketing their products.

When he isn't behind a computer, he enjoys hiking in the Adirondacks with his wife, playing chess, and walking his dog.

Anna Zoodsma

Program Administrator

Anna Zoodsma has been enamored by food and the outdoors her whole life, finding excitement as a kid growing green beans in the yard, canning applesauce, and foraging for wineberries. That excitement has translated into a career dedicated to enhancing food sovereignty and climate resilience for all through the strengthening of local food systems.

Anna also works as an Adjunct Professor, teaching food system-related courses at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She has previous work experience as the Agriculture Program Director at Refugee and Immigrant Self-Empowerment, as a Food System Researcher at Syracuse University, and working in the field on diversified vegetable farms in NY and CO. Anna has her Masters in Food Studies.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, backpacking, and cross-country skiing.

Britni Gallo

Office Manager

Britni Gallo comes from a background of telecommunications, retail, and social media. After graduating with a degree in Telecommunications and Broadcasting, she shifted into the world of retail. After working as a makeup artist with prestige brands, she moved to the back-end of retail as a manager and social media coordinator. From there she became the Field Marketing Specialist for the retail division of an American dinnerware company, running their social media and marketing for all retail stores.

At home, Britni spends her time with her “kids”, two Labrador Retrievers. She also loves film, television, dogs, of course, and constantly has the urge to travel.