Karen Petersen to Lead Local Food Network
The Board of Directors of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network is excited to announce that Karen Petersen has been hired as the organization’s Executive Director.
Karen has 20 years of experience in leadership roles in human resources and business/financial operations as well as a BS in Business Administration from Long Island University. Karen moved to Fort Wayne in 2018 and purchased 20 acres just outside the city limits. Together with her husband Dustin, they started Pequash Farms, a market garden farm that values sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsibility.
Karen has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the last 9 years where she has received extensive training & looks out for the best interests of children who have been victims of child abuse and/or neglect in our community. Karen is currently the Eel River Township Trustee in northwest Allen County. In that role she serves residents in times of need, managing and administering Township Assistance and other important programs.
Karen joined the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network (NEILFN) board in early 2024, taking on roles within the strategic planning and finance committees. Karen is currently participating in the Indiana Regional Food Systems Learning Collaborative as well as the Farm to School Fellowship initiative, sponsored by the USDA and Indiana Department of Health. In collaboration with St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, Karen will manage the Double Up Indiana program in Allen County. These opportunities will further inform and guide her when advancing and supporting nutrition incentive programs and expanding local food access to our community. In early 2025, Karen is excited to work closely with the Board of Directors and our Founding Director, Janet Katz, to develop and implement NEILFN’s strategic plan through our capacity building initiative.
Karen and Dustin have 2 adult children and are recently empty nesters. They enjoy spending time working on projects together around the farm and spoiling their animals which include their 2 rescues - a tripawd pittie mix and deaf cattle dog, barn cats, goats & chickens.
Reach out to Karen Petersen at Karen@neifood.org.