Daniel Keeney

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.

I come from a family of class-conscious political activists who work and organize around social justice. My family also has a collective love affair with food and culture — celebrating our own ethnic and geographic identities as well those of others. My own journey has landed me in various worlds of value-added agriculture, local food procurement, co-operatively managed food service, public policy, and agricultural economics. These are all layers of knowledge and experience on top of a fundamental and soulful theme — the importance of community and sharing our joys and loves with friends and neighbors.

What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?

On good days I get to learn about new dimensions of northern Vermont’s rural economy, and on great days, I get to help people build skills to shape their lives into something that’s economically fulfilling and reflective of their values.

What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)

Simple and sublime food. Watching my kids learn and grow. Watching and practicing athletics. Finding love in unexpected places.

What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)

The creative and cooperative energy which people bring to moments of crisis.