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Farmer-Entrepreneur is New ILFMA Executive Director
- Bob Benenson
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Libby Ervin of Southern Illinois Succeeds Longtime Leader Janie Maxwell
Illinois Farmers Market Association, a non-profit better known as ILFMA, announced today (May 7) that farmer-entrepreneur Libby Ervin will serve as its new executive director. She succeeds Janie Maxwell, who is stepping down after a nearly 11-year tenure in that leadership role.
Libby and her husband Derek own Glaciers End farm in the southern Illinois community of Johnson City, Illinois and sell value-added products made with their own produce from a store in nearby Marion. Libby also manages the Southern Illinois Link Hub under Food Works, where she supports 11 Southern Illinois farmers markets.
The Ervins are both first-time farmers. Though they grew up in southern Illinois, they were living in Chicago when they met and married, but moved back south in 2017 after Derek inherited his family's land.
The couple first started making hot sauces and other condiments out of their home kitchen, but found it difficult to sell products under Illinois' restrictive cottage food law. Libby then emerged as an advocate, collaborating with Illinois Stewardship Alliance in a successful effort to persuade the state legislature in 2021 to approve a major revision of the cottage food law.
Cottage food producers were previously allowed to sell products only at farmers markets. The new measure, which took effect in January 2022, allows cottage food makers to sell direct to consumers via e-commerce, shipping and delivery.
Libby's work in this effort enabled her to become engaged with ILFMA, and she segues into the executive director role after serving as president of the organization's Board of Directors.
ILFMA's press release is published below. Local Food Forum congratulates Libby and looks forward to working together to support Illinois' thriving farmers market community, and salutes Janie Maxwell for her leadership in this effort.
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ILFMA Appoints Libby Ervin as New Executive Director
Experienced leader in farmers markets, small farms and local food to guide ILFMA into its next chapter
As ILFMA Board President since 2023, Ervin has worked closely with the board on strategic planning, expanding membership, navigating budget challenges, and strengthening partnerships with state agencies and funders.
These experiences have equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of ILFMA’s operations, finances and statewide landscape, as well as the relationships and credibility needed to advance the organization’s priorities at the local, regional, and state levels. Ervin brings eight years of professional experience in nonprofit management, food systems, agriculture and community development.
Libby and her husband Derek are farmers and run Glaciers End, a specialty food store in downtown Marion, IL. She has vended at several farmers markets across the state, has served as a Farmers Market Manager, and currently manages the Southern Illinois Link Hub under Food Works, where she supports 11 Southern Illinois farmers markets.
“I am deeply passionate about the role farmers markets play in Illinois communities — as vital economic engines for small and mid‑scale farmers, and as essential access points for fresh, locally grown food for all residents,” Ervin said. “I have seen firsthand how ILFMA’s work helps strengthen the food system, and I am committed to building the organizational capacity, partnerships, and resources needed to amplify that impact.”
The ILFMA Board expressed strong confidence in Ervin’s leadership: “Libby’s organizational knowledge, relationships, and commitment to ILFMA’s mission make her an exceptional leader for this next chapter.”
The Board also extends its sincere gratitude to Janie Maxwell for her service as Executive Director. Maxwell’s leadership has strengthened the organization and laid a strong foundation for the years ahead.