Nikki Seibert Kelley
Business Development Manager
Nikki Seibert Kelley is a passionate advocate for increasing connectivity, equity, and resilience in the local food system. With 22 years of experience working with the non-profit sector, 14 in local food systems, and a lifetime of her hands in the dirt, she enjoys using a human-centered approach to collaborate with communities to realize their goals.
In addition to her work with New Venture Advisors, she is the proud owner of Wit Meets Grit, supporting food, farming, and health organizations in fulfilling their missions across the Southeast. Nikki has a very diverse background and genuine passion for helping others that enables her to bridge the gap between the broader systems and boots on the ground while providing practical solutions that meet objectives. Some of her accomplishments in South Carolina include launching the state’s first farming apprenticeship certificate, incubator farm, and Eat Local Month; creating a statewide local grower resource guide and local food system roadmap; and developing the South Carolina Food Hub Network and the South Carolina Food Systems Network.
At the national level, Nikki currently serves on the North American Food System Network Advisory Board and Leadership Circle, and as a contributing member of the CARAT Audit Tool.
Outside of the office, Nikki loves playing outdoors with her family, gardening, riding her bike (slowly), reading, taking pictures, and dancing in the kitchen.
