Rita Hennessy
At-large Board Member
Rita brings her skills in partnerships, fundraising, and adult education from a 29-year career with the National Park Service. Currently, Rita is the NPS Program Lead for the National Trails System, focusing on legislative and policy issues, as well as facilitating national and regional partnerships. Rita holds a BS in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Montana, an MA in Community Change and Civic Leadership from Antioch McGregor, a Graduate certificate in Volunteer Administration from the University of North Texas, and recently completed a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems from Johns Hopkins University. Rita also serves on the Board of Jefferson Growers, Artisans, and Producers where she is creating a Farm to School program for Jefferson County. She lives with her husband, Sean Palmer, and 2 dogs in a net zero, solar home in Shepherdstown. Her passions include local foods, cooking, and native meadow restoration.