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.  

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.

With a work history that spans across the food system, Carl Mierek brings a passion for entrepreneurship and science to his role as a Grants Specialist at the New York Farm Viability Institute. 

Mierek grew up on a small dairy farm outside of Rome, NY which fostered his interest in not only food production, but also nature and biology. Before coming to NYFVI, he worked at a variety of nonprofits and farms across New York and Massachusetts. Returning to the Mohawk Valley, he started a market garden and later opened a cafe focused on sourcing ingredients from farms across the region. In his work, he aims to find win-win scenarios that benefit both producers and consumers, leading to improvements in profit margin, food security, and environmental sustainability.

Most recently, Carl was a Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County. There, he oversaw the NYS funded Upstate-Downstate project, bridging the gap between rural farmers and residents of the NYC metro area. 

As a Grants Specialist, Mierek supports the NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program by conducting outreach, onboarding reviewers, and assisting awardees as they execute their projects.

Mierek holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology from St. Lawrence University.

In his free time, Carl enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time in nature with his family.

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. 

Caitlyn brings a diverse background and firsthand agricultural perspective to her role as Accounting & Operations Associate. Her experience working within agricultural businesses gives her a unique understanding of the financial, administrative, and operational challenges faced by farm and agribusiness owners. In her role at NYFVI, Caitlyn supports the organization’s financial and operational needs, helping maintain the systems and processes that keep the organization running smoothly.  

Prior to joining NYFVI, Caitlyn served as Vineyard Manager for Amberg Grapevines, where she managed vineyard operations and worked closely with growers, researchers, and organizations throughout the Northeast.  

Caitlyn began her career in the wine industry in a variety of roles that include wholesale distribution and administration, tasting room sales, and winemaking. A Finger Lakes native, she earned her Associate of Applied Science in Viticulture & Wine Technology from Finger Lakes Community College and holds a WSET Level 2 certification.  

Outside of work, Caitlyn enjoys gardening, making wine, and spending time with her family. She is the owner and operator of Moonbeam Bakery & Farm, a micro-bakery located in Waterloo, NY and serves as Treasurer for the community’s youth soccer club.