TalentRise Seeking Executive Director for Grassroots Gardens of WNY

Nonprofit seeks leader to provide strategic vision and management for community garden network

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

TalentRise has been retained by Grassroots Gardens of WNY (GGWNY) to lead the search for a new executive director. GGWNY is seeking an experienced leader to provide strategic direction and overall management for the organization, which oversees a network of more than 100 community and school gardens across Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Why it matters

Grassroots Gardens of WNY plays a vital role in promoting urban agriculture, food access, and community engagement through its network of community gardens. The next executive director will be responsible for sustaining the organization's mission and advancing its strategic goals during a time of growth and evolving community needs.

The details

The executive director will be tasked with developing programs to support GGWNY's mission, overseeing fundraising and fiscal management, providing staff leadership, and managing government and municipal relations. Candidates should have experience in areas such as fund development, grants/project management, organizational strategy, environmental sustainability, urban planning, and community organizing.

  • TalentRise has been retained by Grassroots Gardens of WNY to lead the executive director search.

The players

Grassroots Gardens of WNY

A dedicated group of community gardeners and activists whose mission is to share knowledge, power, and resources to grow healthy food, heal systemic harm, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community gardens.

TalentRise

An executive search firm that provides services such as executive search, interim executive placement, and talent consulting. The firm supports companies across various industries with custom talent acquisition solutions.

Peter Petrella

The president of TalentRise, who oversees company strategy, drives growth initiatives, and enhances the firm's service offerings. He has over 23 years of experience in business sectors including sports, healthcare, startups, scaleups, and technology.

Julie R. Berrigan

An accomplished development professional with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, education, and non-profit sectors across Western New York. She has successfully directed major fundraising initiatives and helped secure significant donations for various organizations.

ECMC Corporation

A New York State Public Benefit Corporation that includes an advanced academic medical center, on- and off-campus health centers, and a 390-bed long-term care facility.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The search for a new executive director at Grassroots Gardens of WNY highlights the importance of leadership in sustaining and growing community-based organizations that promote urban agriculture, food access, and neighborhood engagement. The next leader will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission and strategic goals during a time of evolving community needs.