Backyard Growers expands Board of Directors, 

announces new Board President

GLOUCESTER, MASS., June 8, 2026 - Food equity nonprofit organization Backyard Growers shares the strategic growth of the Board of Directors through four new appointments: Courtney Dunn, Avery McNiff, Beth Tshudy, and Kelsey Tuminelli. Additionally, current Board member Suzanne Clerkin will step into the role of President of the Board of Directors on July 1, 2026. Current President of the Board Jen Perry, who also acts as the Director of People & Culture at The Open Door, is stepping down after 11 years of service on the Backyard Growers Board of Directors, including the periods June 2015 to April 2021 and September 2021 to June 2026.

“It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors through tremendous periods of growth and transition at Backyard Growers,” said outgoing Board President Jen Perry, “Today, as the organization enters its sixteenth growing season, the Board of Directors welcomes a roster of new members that reflect its expanded reach and impact as well as its deep, formative roots here in Gloucester.” 

Incoming Board President Suzanne Clerkin is a Gloucester resident and retired special education teacher & case manager. A member of the Backyard Growers Board of Directors since January 2023, Suzanne has been a member of the Gloucester Gigrowers since 2010, and is currently chairing the race committee. She is a coach for women's and junior boys’ Seine Boat crews during St. Peter’s Fiesta. Suzanne holds a B.A. in English Literature from St. Anselm College and an MEd in Special Education.

“As an adult, I came to gardening through the kitchen,” said Suzanne. “I love to cook and I wanted fresh vegetables to eat and preserve to create meals to sustain our family. But, I learned how to plan and cultivate a garden alongside my grandparents and parents when I was a child. 

When I learned about Backyard Growers, I wanted to be part of an organization that introduces and provides young people with the skills and knowledge to grow their own food.  Teaching people, especially young people, how to grow their own food has a lasting impact on a community.”

In addition to Suzanne’s new appointment, Backyard Growers welcomes four new Board members to oversee the organization’s growth, sustainability, and financial governance. 

Courtney A. Dunn

Courtney is a solo legal practitioner specializing in mental health law, post-conviction and appellate criminal defense, as well as child and family law. She began her career as a public defender in Roxbury representing individuals facing involuntary civil commitment. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from The George Washington University and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. 

Courtney has a deep commitment to special education advocacy and disability rights, participating in many outreach programs such as Needham SEPCA, PPAL and OUTMetrowest. Courtney and her three children have been involved in food sustainability and access outreach since they moved to Massachusetts in 2010, regularly volunteering with the Needham Community Farm and Community Servings (Boston). 

Avery McNiff

Avery is Associate Director of Student Progress and Performance for the Elementary Middle School at Landmark School. She previously worked for Gloucester Public Schools and lives in Gloucester with her family. She holds a B.A. in the History of Art & Architecture from Middlebury College, a M.Ed in Moderate Disabilities (K - 8), and a M.A. in Learning, Teaching, and Teacher Education and a PhD in Special Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Avery previously served on the Board of Directors for Cape Ann Art Haven and acted as a committee member for the Gloucester Committee for the Arts.

Beth Tshudy

Beth Tshudy is an experienced business and transformation leader with a long-standing career at Analog Devices. Her leadership experience spans large-scale programs, people leadership, and change management, giving her a broad enterprise perspective and a practical understanding of how mission, operations, and culture intersect. She holds a B.A. from Keene State College.

Beth is drawn to Backyard Growers’ mission of empowering individuals and families through food education and local growing. She is eager to contribute her leadership experience, governance mindset, and passion for community impact to support the organization’s continued growth and success.

Kelsey Tuminelli

Kelsey is a professional consultant to Insulet Corporation, following almost six years implementing programs at The Progeria Research Foundation. Kelsey holds a B.S. in Conservation Biology and Anthropology from St. Lawrence University as well as a M.S. in Marine Biology from Northeastern University. 

She is deeply committed to philanthropy and community volunteering. She first engaged with Backyard Growers as a volunteer. Kelsey serves as Organizational Committee Co-Chair and Founding Board Member for Combined Change. She has previously served as Treasurer and Founding Board Member at The BeatHeart Foundation. She lives in Essex, Mass., with her family. 

To learn more about Backyard Growers, visit www.backyardgrowers.org. 

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Backyard Growers is a grassroots organization that cultivates healthy, connected, resilient communities by empowering people to grow their own food. Founded in 2010, its community programs and award-winning school programs increase access to vegetable gardens in community gardens, backyards, schools, public parks, housing developments, and more. Learn more at www.backyardgrowers.org.