Grassroots Gardens of Western New York welcomes Meg Kelly as the organization’s new executive director!
Serving the Buffalo and Niagara Falls communities since 1995, Grassroots Gardens WNY supports more than 115 neighbor-led community and school gardens in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Kenmore. The organization shares knowledge, power, and resources to grow healthy food, heal systemic harm, and strengthen neighborhood connections through community spaces.
Kelly will enter her leadership role with structured transition support from the nonprofit’s Board and outgoing executive director, Timothy Chen. Chen spent five years with Grassroots Gardens WNY, first serving as program manager until his promotion to executive director in January 2023.
Kelly is a Buffalo-based operator and community builder with a background in helping organizations bring clarity to complex projects, strengthen internal operations, and build sustainable systems. Kelly has supported the region’s business and entrepreneurship community through work with UB Cultivator, UVC, and BootSector. Her experience has always prioritized Buffalo and working alongside local organizations to turn ambitious ideas into practical action.
“Grassroots Gardens has built something truly special in Western New York: a network of community spaces where neighbors come together, grow, and invest in one another,” said Meg Kelly, Executive Director of Grassroots Gardens WNY. “I’m excited to step into this role, listen and learn from our gardeners and partners, and continue to bring the resources and green spaces that make communities stronger across our city.”
Kelly was named to Buffalo Business First’s 30 Under 30 list in 2024. In addition to her new role with Grassroots Gardens WNY, she is an active member of Nickel City Canine Rescue and cares deeply about building strong, connected communities across Buffalo.
