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FINE Announces New Co-Directors and a Leadership Transition

By Kyle Foley, Chair, FINE Network Advisory Council

Dear friends of the FINE network,

As chair of the FINE Network Advisory Council, I write today with a mix of deep gratitude and tremendous anticipation: Peter Allison, FINE’s Executive Director, is stepping down, and we are pleased to welcome Hannah Leighton and Tania Taranovski as FINE’s new Co-Executive Directors, effective July 1, 2025.

Peter has been at the heart of FINE since its beginning in 2011—helping to shape and guide this network into a powerful force for justice, collaboration, and change in New England’s food system. On behalf of the Network Advisory Council and the entire FINE community, we thank him for his steadfast leadership and vision.

As Peter shared:

“I’m proud to have been part of FINE since its inception and to have witnessed the growth of this amazing network. I am grateful for the opportunity to make space for new leadership at this time and devote more of my energy to working in my local community, as well as to adventures with family and friends near and far. I have utmost confidence in Tania and Hannah as they step into the co-executive director roles, as well as the rest of the FINE team. They have established themselves as leaders in our network, and I know they will put their unique perspectives, experience, passion, and compassion to service as they guide FINE in its next chapter.”  

As we celebrate Peter’s contributions, we invite you to share your own messages, memories, or tributes—whether in words, photos, or video—on our digital Kudos board. It’s a space to honor Peter in whatever way feels meaningful to you.

This transition is the result of a deeply thoughtful and inclusive process informed by many voices—including a specially formed Leadership Transition Committee, the FINE Network Advisory Council, all FINE staff, and other generous and experienced minds across the network. This transition marks both continuity and change for FINE. We’ve written more about how we got here—and where we’re headed—in this longer reflection.

Tania and Hannah bring deep knowledge of FINE’s work and a shared commitment to collaborative, equity-centered leadership. Alongside the incredible FINE team of Dana Stevens, Britt Florio, and Sarah Lyman, they will guide FINE into its next chapter—one that includes a move toward a more fully distributed leadership model that reflects the systems change we seek.

“Taking on this role with Hannah is both an honor and a tremendous responsibility,” said Tania. "We have deep respect for the strength, vision, and dedication of this network—and we are fully aware of the big shoes we’re being asked to fill."

"It's not lost on us that we are stepping into this role during a time of great change and uncertainty for many in the network," added Hannah. "We’re humbled by the trust being placed in us, and energized by the opportunity to walk alongside all of you as we navigate what’s next."

The Network Advisory Council is honored to support this transition and we look forward to continuing this work with you.

With appreciation,

Kyle

Kyle Foley
Chair, FINE Network Advisory Council

Farm to Institution New England is fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England, Inc. (TSNE)