Jenny Dorminy becomes the second full-time director of the not-for-profit group
The Red Hills Small Farm Alliance was formed in 2010 by four women with a big vision and a dream: supporting our farmers, educating the community about our local resources and connecting farmers and the public to provide access to fresh, locally grown food.
For most of its existence, the not-for-profit was run by volunteers, but the group has now hired its second, full-time director, Jenny Dorminy.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenny Dorminy to the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance,” said Cari Roth, chair of the RHSFA Board. “ With her extensive background, vision for the future, and passion for our mission, we are confident she will lead RHSFA to new heights in our work to support our region’s local farmers.”
Jenny was most recently the executive director at the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where she directed day-to-day operations for the statewide association of more than 1,000 members.
But Jenny isn’t a stranger to the world of farming.
Turkeys roam the field at La Petite Ferme in Havana. Photo provided.
Her husband’s brother and sister-in-law – Michael Dorminy and his wife Jena – own a farm called La Petite Ferme (the Little Farm) in Havana. They sell their turkeys and chicken for meat and eggs, primarily through the Red Hills Online Farmers Market, one of the main projects run by the Alliance.
Then there’s Jenny’s mom and brother, who started the Palm City Farms Produce and Market.
“They owned a piece of land on a busy street and the area was a food desert,” said Jenny, a mother of two and a graduate of Florida State University. “There wasn’t a grocery store within three miles. They decided to open a market to sell produce and meat from local farmers.”
Family and farming
Her family’s involvement in the farming world has helped her gain insight into the needs and challenges of farmers/producers and the importance of their work to the public.
“I know the value of getting locally grown food to the community,” Jenny said.
The Red Hills Small Farm Alliance is currently made up of 101 small farmers, ranchers and artisan food producers located within a 100-mile radius of Tallahassee.
Katie Harris, of Full Earth Farm, and Louise Divine, of Turkey Hill Farm,. are two of the founders of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. Provided.
The Alliance was formed 16 years ago by four women with an interest in agriculture in Tallahassee: Louise Divine (Turkey Hill Farm), Katie Harris (Full Earth Farm), Malini Ram and Mary Russ.
In 2023, the Alliance decided it was time for their first full-time director and selected Tyler Turkle.
“Board members, staff and volunteers have done a remarkable job in establishing and developing the Alliance over the last 16 years, “ Tyler said.
Tyler Turkle, resuming his career in art and filmmaking, was the first full-time director of the Red Hills Small Farm Alliance. Provided.
“Working together with our community partners we have made real progress in building out the organization to meet future needs and challenges related to our member services and community food access,” he said.
Tyler, formerly executive director of the Foundation for Leon County Schools and Habitat for Humanity, resigned from the Alliance in April to return to his career of art and filmmaking, and completing work on a documentary about the history of music in Tallahassee from 1950 to 2025.
Strengthening the Alliance
“Tyler helped us tremendously,” said Louise, an Alliance founder and owner of Turkey Hill Farm in Tallahassee with husband Herman Holley. “Tyler gave us more structure and helped us expand our three-pronged mission: supporting our local farms, getting food to people who need it and education and professional development for farms.”
She said Tyler was a force behind the Fresh Food Fund, which has strengthened ties with local food banks. The Alliance pays farmers for their food, which is distributed to people in need through the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the FSU Food Pantry and the Frenchtown Neighborhood Improvement Association.
Here’s a sampling of the items that I ordered from the Red Hills Online Market, where you can pick up local items at a hub or have them delivered to your door. Photo / Tallahassee Table
The Alliance is also the umbrella for the Red Hills Online Market, which aims to connect the region’s farmers, ranchers and artisans with the public. They have nearly 1,000 customers.
Online market makes a connection
The market features local produce, meats, cheese, eggs, poultry, juice, coffee and tea, pastries, bread, flowers, plants and items such as honey, granola, handmade soaps, and kombucha. The market also offers prepared fare such as soups, stews and salads.
The Online Market helps small farmers gain sustainability by connecting them with a wider community.
“The market is a fantastic way to connect our farmers with the community and provide vital access to fresh food,” Jenny said. “I want to expand that access by focusing on what our farmers truly need, whether that means connecting them with funding, providing tools to help them grow their sales, or just asking them directly how we can better support their businesses,”
With more than 20 years of experience in running associations, Jenny supports education and advocacy, noting that farmers should be getting their voices heard in the legislature.
“She has a proven track record of success in program and event management, and sponsorship development,” Cari, the board president, said.
Valuable experience
Before serving as the executive director of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Jenny’s experience includes roles as program director of The Florida Bar and coordinator of recruitment and marketing for Flagler College. She graduated from FSU with a bachelor of applied science and communication.
At the Alliance, Jenny will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the group’s operations, such as enhancing the Fresh Food Fund program, expansion of the Red Hills Online Market and fund development, according to the board.
The Tomato Feastival features a sampling of tomatoes growin in the backyards of Tallahassee. Photo / Tallahassee Table
The Alliance also runs community events such as the Tomato Feastival, a yearly fundraiser coming up June 7 at Goodwoods Museum and Gardens, and Seven Days of Local Delights, a celebration of local agriculture.
Her role will be important to her personally as well as professionally, Jenny said.
“For me personally, spreading the word of what local farmers like my brother and sister-in-law do is incredibly meaningful,” she said. “I see firsthand the dedication it takes to bring food to our tables, and I want to ensure they get the recognition and support they deserve.”
Powerful knowledge
From the perspective of a parent, Jenny wants her children to understand the importance of growing food locally.
“I am honored to join RHSFA at such a dynamic moment of growth,” Jenny said. “There’s something powerful about knowing where your food comes from and who grew it. I’m excited to work alongside our staff, farmers, and producers to deepen those connections and make fresh, local food a more accessible part of everyday life in our region.”
To learn more about RHSFA visit redhillssfa.com.
