Gaining Ground welcomes three new members to the board of directors: Amy Capofreddi, Crista Collins, and Nick Ferbert.

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Amy Capofreddi

Amy has served as Gaining Ground’s first executive director for two years and grant manager for three years. She successfully increased contributions to fund an expanded staff and further capital improvements and also led a five year strategic planning process. Although she has left to manage a capital campaign for another nonprofit, we are fortunate that she continues to contribute as a board member. 

“As board president I was so thankful to have Amy in the executive director role! She was always a step ahead, ensuring that everything came together to make Gaining Ground successful. She was a fantastic fundraiser, a thoughtful manager, and just fun to be around. I’m thrilled that she has joined the board!”

—Sue Mildrum, board member

“Amy’s passion for our mission and the people Gaining Ground serves inspired her work and all at the farm. Gaining Ground’s first executive director, she has been a skilled advocate for our organization and connected warmly and genuinely with all the Gaining Ground community.”

—Joe Rigali, board member emeritus

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Crista Collins

Christa Collins brings to Gaining Ground a lifelong passion for the natural world and concern for environmental protection. For the past 17 years, she has worked for a regional nonprofit land trust, Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT), where she currently serves as director of land protection. Christa was originally introduced to Gaining Ground by Jamie Bemis when Jamie served as a director of SVT. Subsequent opportunities to volunteer at the farm solidified Christa’s interest in the mission of the organization, and admiration for the work of the staff and other volunteers.

Christa lives in Concord with her husband, Jeff, and two children. They enjoy spending their free time outdoors, hiking, biking, and skiing. She hopes her experience with nonprofit boards and staff, as well as with farmland conservation, will be an asset to Gaining Ground.

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Nick Ferbert

Nick Ferbert brings skills in fundraising and financial management to Gaining Ground. He grew up in Concord, attending CCHS and then Boston University. After serving roles at various wealth management firms in the Boston area following college, Nick launched and now manages a financial advisory practice with clients across New England, established under the international parent company AXA Advisors.

Nick is a corporator at Emerson Hospital, building relations between the hospital and local community. He has hosted fundraisers supporting Friends for Tomorrow, Groton Neighbors, and Gaining Ground. He also builds networks of local professionals to collaborate on philanthropic projects.

Nick is additionally an avid traveler who attempts to travel to twelve new countries each year. He is on track to have visited all seven continents by the end of 2020.