Mackenzie Sehlke

  • Boulder County Farmers Markets
Mackenzie Sehlke Headshot

As Executive Director of Boulder County Farmers Markets, I lead a dymanic team in mission-driven initiatives to increase access and spark civic engagement with local food systems. I have over a decade of experience in effective advocacy and business development across diverse regions and communities. I'm an Idaho native who followed my proud Colorado-born partner back to the Mountain West in 2017, working as a public affairs specialist for Boulder County’s Department of Housing and Human Services before getting back to my farmers market roots in 2022. It is my priviledge to serve as Board Chair for Boulder Food Rescue, Board Vice President for Colorado Farmers Markets Association, ex-officio board member for the Downtown Boulder Partnership, Community Affairs Council member at the Boulder Chamber, and Nectarine-Promoter in Chief (unoffically, but avidly). I'm lucky to be a founding member and former Director of Community Education and Engagement for the Boston Public Market Association—the first all-locally sourced food hub in the United States with 2.5 million annual visitors. With additional stints as an older-adult strength training researcher, food system consultant, farm intern, sample slinger, hotel front desk clerk and university sustainability team member, my career has been delicious so far.

My advice to students...

Work with people who are smarter than you and make it your mission to 1) learn from them and 2) clear obstacles out of their way. The best, most fulfilling collaborations are equal parts curiosity and mutual respect for the team and the problem. My experience has been that it's best of see yourself as a runner in a relay race: do your part to the best of your abilites, let your team push you, focus on the end and be humble enough to know you're only part of the process.