Breaking Ground welcomes a new executive director

We are delighted to introduce our new executive director, Kierstyn Hunter, who comes to us with an impressive background in social work and nonprofit development. Through her previous work, education, and volunteering, she has shown a commendable commitment to sustainability and social justice -- values essential to Breaking Ground’s mission.

Kierstyn began traveling internationally at the age of 6 and is currently earning her doctorate in sustainability education from Prescott College. She most recently worked as a consultant for nonprofits in Seattle, W.A. and Portsmouth, N.H.

At the same time, she worked as a residential manager for a housing and homeless shelter in New Hampshire called New Generation Inc., where she provided case management for pregnant or newly parenting women. Previously, she served in the same organization's health outreach program as coordinator and redesigned the prenatal, parenting education, and women’s health program, while providing grant support to the development director.

Between 2007 and 2009, she helped establish a nonprofit in Seattle called iLEAP: The Center for Critical Service, which runs a fellowship program for international leaders from Africa, Latin America, and Asia. She also served as a program assistant with VISTA at Antioch University in Seattle. There, she was part of a team that secured $6 million in federal funding for a partnership between the university and a Native American tribe to address substance abuse issues with native youth. 

Kierstyn holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies from Long Island University and a master’s degree in whole systems design from Antioch University's Center for Creative Change.

In addition to being a kind, thoughtful leader, she is not afraid to challenge herself in her work and personal life. She is a long-distance runner and bicyclist, has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, SeacoastLocal, and Eco-Movement/Zero Waste, and previously served as an HIV/AIDS and peer education intern in North Carolina.

In the coming weeks. Kierstyn will be working with Alex and Paul in Cameroon and getting to know our operations and staff there. Please give a warm welcome to Kierstyn!