Tara Kelly is a founding member of Rutland Area Farm and Food Link. She has been actively involved in community development efforts for over 15 years. Her specialty is organizing and involving the public to form strategies and implement actions that will shape the future of their community and region.

Tara was raised near Boston, Massachusetts, spent a decade in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, and now lives in rural Vermont. Working in these diverse environments, she has gained a wide breadth of experience working for a variety of advocacy, political, community organizing, community development and social service organizations – all of which directly influence her commitment to strong, healthy, vibrant communities.

Tara is a graduate of Wellesley College with a BA in Sociology, and of San Jose State University with a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning. In 2006 Tara completed a professional development program at Cornell University called “Growing Home: Community, Food and Agriculture”. She blends her passion for vibrant communities and proactive civic engagement through her current work with RAFFL.