Krisztian Varsa Email & Phone Number

United States

The Farms Fund is building a sustainable local food system by establishing a patient pathway to affordable farm ownership for next generation farm businesses.Championing small to mid-size farmers with a first of its kind "Buy-Support-Protect-Sell" model, Farms Fund is permanently protecting our nation's most important and most threatened farmland while transitioning the land to the next generation of farmers. We work with farmers and farmland owners to develop farm infrastructure, facilitate business planning and sound financial record keeping, train on wholesale readiness, provide access to federal programs, increase access to new and emerging markets, and transition farmland ownership to the next generation of farmers.

Athens, Ga

Worked collaboratively with local, state, and national partners to advance conservation priorities and improve water, soil, and air quality for all Georgians. Protected and improved land across Georgia using conservation tools such as easements and NRCS cost-share programs which support working lands and wildlife habitat. Worked with local partners to develop training and economic development programs to address wildlife habitat issues like invasive species management, urban forestry, and native planting. Stewarded and collaboratively ensured the long term protection of over 18,000 acres of Georgia's landscape, including more than 80 properties, through effective outreach and one-on-one landowner communication. As Conservation Director, oversaw five programs : Regional Conservation Partnership Program, farmland protection and technical assistance, the Young Conservation Stewards, Northeast Georgia Invasive Plant Cooperative (NGIPC), and Georgia Farmlink.

Northern Cluster (Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, & Harford Counties)

Assessed environmental needs, created and implemented outreach & education opportunities, built community partnerships, increased capacity, and provided grant writing assistance to local organizations and partners. Worked with local and state government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, watershed groups, and community partners to improve water quality through watershed restoration and stormwater remediation techniques by building partnerships, identifying funding sources, and shepherding restoration projects to implementation. Implemented behavior change programs to reduce nutrient and sediment loads to local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Used innovative and inclusive communications techniques to support watershed planning and coastal resilience decision-making through webpage development, media networks, weTable applications, and communication design. Worked in conjunction with the Watershed Assistance Collaborative on statewide research and pilot efforts that provide technical assistance to communities and recipients of Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund and other grant programs.

University Of Montana College Of Technology

Facilitated the growth of the CAD program through a community-driven, stakeholder based approach, relying on guidance from key stakeholders in the Missoula environmental, planning, and engineering communities. Challenged students to use technical skills to solve real-world problems in natural resource management, urban planning, engineering, and design. Advised and assisted students in the CAD Certificate Program in their completion of the degree. Ensured all courses and requirements are being maintained and upheld in support of the University's mission to, "create knowledge, provide an active learning environment for students, and offer programs and services responsive to the needs of Montanans." Coordinated adjunct faculty, software, and classroom functionality. Facilitated professional development and continuing education opportunities for local professionals to meet evolving technical skill needs.

Missoula, Mt

Worked with community leaders and experts to prioritize the most effective goals to reduce the City of Missoula’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Guided the decision-making process through a series of inclusive Working Group meetings and contemporary communication tools to share ideas and establish realistic goals between public, business, and expert stakeholders.

San Francisco Bay Area

Managed, analyzed, and mapped data with ArcGIS to assess existing conditions, recommend policies, and complete specific plans. Used ArcGIS and Adobe Illustrator to analyze habitat, recommend regulatory policies, and produce illustrative maps for the Lake Merced Watershed in San Francisco, California. Applied ArcGIS’ Spatial Analyst and Network Analyst to assess the potential for a “LEED Silver” Rating for a green-built affordable housing neighborhood in San Francisco.

Oakland, Ca

Contributed technical expertise and watershed planning knowledge to the Board of Directors of the Friends of Sausal Creek. Supported a partnership with the River Network to give the organization increased exposure and to locate additional grant funding sources. Coordinated and educated volunteers in aquatic insect sampling to determine the water quality of the residents’ local stream.

Ellicott City, Md

Wrote two chapters of the Gordon Creek, VA Watershed Plan and a chapter of the Urban Stormwater Retrofit Practices Manual, Version 1. Performed field work on stormwater and upland watershed assessments in Baltimore utilizing GPS. Researched and updated materials to aid watershed planners in the EPA’s water region three.

Master Of Regional Planning, City And Regional Planning

Activities and Societies: Organization of Cornell Planners, Women's Planning Forum

B.A., Geography

Activities and Societies: Delaware Organization of Undergraduate Geographers