Our Leadership - Boulder County Farmers Markets

Mackenzie Sehlke, Executive Director

As Executive Director of Boulder County Farmers Markets, Mackenzie leads her team in mission-driven initiatives to increase access and spark civic awareness and engagement with local food systems. Mackenzie is a talented relationship builder with over a decade of experience in effective advocacy and business development across diverse regions and communities. Under her tenure, Boulder County Farmers Markets has secured important grants to increase the accessibility and quality of local food systems.

Mackenzie first dug into the unique food culture of the Mountain West as a public affairs specialist for Boulder County’s Department of Housing and Human Services, with a focus on food assistance programming, as well as being a member of Boulder Food Rescue’s Board of Directors. She previously served as a founding member and 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.

Liz Eckstein, Director of Finance

Liz Eckstein joined the Boulder County Farmers Markets team in 2023, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience working for both for-profits and nonprofits.

As a critical member of the team, Liz brings a special focus on nonprofit finance and conservation after working for Colorado Open Lands, National Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy. She loves figuring out what makes organizations tick and helping them find the best ways to steward their resources, further their mission and thrive.

Frankie Ryder, Director of Marketing

Frankie Ryder oversees all internal and external branding, marketing and communications strategy for the Boulder County Farmers Markets. In her time with the 501 (c)4 nonprofit organization, she has spearheaded management of a key federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the “Take 5 for Local” campaign, and led the Farm-to-Market Master Class initiative to help a cohort of local producers develop crucial marketing skills. Frankie also serves on the Longmont Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, exploring how farmers markets can be leveraged as community institutions.

A storyteller first and foremost, Frankie bolsters Boulder County Farmers Markets mission by developing narratives drawn from the farmers, ranchers and other local producers with whom she works directly, as well as her own decade-long experience in food security, economic development, and community organizing. Prior to joining Boulder County Farmers Markets, Frankie honed her communications and outreach skills in leadership roles with Community Food Share, Emergency Family Assistance Association and Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center.