MONTPELIER — Lynn Ellen Schimoler has joined the Vermont Land Trust (VLT) as vice president of operations to advance operational excellence and organizational health. She comes to the organization after four years with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and with over 20 years in the food retail industry.

While with the Agency of Agriculture, Schimoler supported the Working Lands Enterprise Board and administered grants and contracts for the Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. In that capacity, she increased investments, implemented governance practices, served as legislative liaison to policymakers and connected dozens of farms, food and forestland enterprises. Prior to that, Schimoler partnered with the National Cooperative Grocers to expand food co-ops while working for City Market and Onion River Co-op to advance efficient operation.