With over 24 years of experience in regenerative agriculture, high-impact research, and program management, Aaron Ristow leads the New York Farm Viability Institute as Executive Director. Throughout his career, Ristow has worked extensively with producers to implement sustainable farming practices across New York.

As Executive Director of NYFVI, Ristow leads the institute’s strategy, facilitates farmer-guided innovation and research grant programs, and builds strong relationships with industry and agency partners to strengthen the economic viability and long-term success of New York farms. 

Prior to joining NYFVI, Ristow served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia and had leadership roles at Cornell University, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition of Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and the American Farmland Trust. 

Ristow holds Master’s degrees in both Soils & Biogeochemistry and International Agricultural Development from the University of California, Davis. 

In his spare time, Aaron enjoys being out on the trails and is officially a 46er after summiting all 46 High Peaks of the Adirondack Mountains. 

As a seasoned farm business leader and agricultural educator, Richard Woodbridge serves as the Deputy Director at the New York Farm Viability Institute.  

With more than 15 years in the field of international market research and rural economic development, Woodbridge brings in-depth expertise in farm operations. Over the course of his career, Woodbridge has delivered more than 200 lectures and hands-on technical trainings covering market vegetable production methods, farm business planning, food safety, and strategic on-farm innovations. His work reflects a deep commitment to equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

As Deputy Director, Woodbridge oversees the development and administration of NYFVI’s grant programs and works alongside farm and food business owners, researchers, and government partners to drive positive economic growth for New York’s agricultural sector. 

Prior to joining NYFVI, Woodbridge served as an Agricultural Business Educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County, as well as a consultant on rural markets for IFMR Centre for Development Finance in India.  

Woodbrige holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of California, San Diego.  

He and his wife own and operate McCollum Orchards, LLC., a diversified fruit, vegetable and flower farm in the city of Lockport, NY that has been family owned since 1827.  

Grounded in economics and data analytics, Timothy Kaiser serves as Program Analyst at the New York Farm Viability Institute, where he supports data-driven strategies that strengthen New York’s agricultural sector. 

With expertise in financial analysis and quantitative modeling, Kaiser works directly with farmers to help them navigate the complexities of the grants process. In addition to farmer-facing support, Kaiser plays a key role in advancing NYFVI’s internal analytical capacity. He develops and refines data systems that enhance organizational decision-making, improves program evaluation, and ensures resources are deployed where they have the greatest impact. 

Prior to joining NYFVI, Kaiser held quantitative, analysis-driven roles in the private sector, where he built a strong foundation in financial modeling, performance analysis, and strategic reporting. 

Kaiser holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Syracuse University. 

Outside of work, Tim enjoys duck hunting and spending time outdoors. 

Drawing on her diverse expertise across agricultural research, specialty crops, and compliance, Lucy Bush serves as the Grants Coordinator at the New York Farm Viability Institute. 

As Grants Coordinator, Bush administers and coordinates the institute’s grant proposal review processes, and works directly with New York farmers and agricultural researchers to ensure they have clarity and support throughout the grant process. 

Prior to joining NYFVI, Bush worked in agricultural research and development roles that combined program administration, data collection, and compliance oversight at Eaton Botanicals in New York. As the Head of Mycology Research and Development at Eaton, Bush worked directly with growers and research teams to develop and test novel substrate formulations and optimize production methods.

Lucy holds a Master’s degree in Integrative Plant Science from Cornell University. 

In her spare time, Lucy enjoys mushroom foraging, networking with farmers and producers at local farmers markets, and advancing her goal of visiting every botanical garden in the United States. 

As a legislative and policy professional with expertise in agricultural policy, federal programs, and legislative strategy, Gabriela Foster serves as the Grants and Communications Manager at New York Farm Viability Institute. 

In this role, Foster directs strategic communications and stakeholder engagement efforts, and plays a key role in implementing grant programs for New York farmers.  

Prior to joining NYFVI, Foster worked directly with agriculture and environmental focused organizations to develop grant proposals and manage reporting requirements. Foster also served as an advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she supported policy development, drafted legislative text, and coordinated across federal agencies and Congress to advance initiatives to strengthen U.S. agriculture and rural communities. Foster also worked in the Executive Office of the President where she supported legislative priorities and facilitated communication between the White House and members of Congress. Earlier in her career, she served on Capitol Hill for a New York Member of Congress representing a largely rural, agriculture-driven district. 

Foster holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and Environmental Studies from Hamilton College. 

When she isn’t working, Gabriela can often be found exploring New York State parks.

For more than 20 years, Eileen Maher has played an integral role in advancing the mission of the New York Farm Viability Institute as Financial Manager.  

As Financial Manager, Maher oversees fiscal management, budgeting, financial reporting, compliance, and the promotion of strong financial stewardship. Through transparent reporting practices and disciplined financial oversight, Maher helps ensure that NYFVI operates efficiently.

Her steady guidance and attention to detail have supported the organization’s growth, strengthened accountability, and enabled NYFVI to deliver meaningful impact across the state’s agricultural community for over two decades. 

Outside of work, Eileen enjoys settling in with a good book.