08/18/2026
๐ Weโre excited to announce Ian McSweeney โ98 as the recipient of the 2026 Deborah Spring Reed Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award! ๐
Ian is the co-founder of The Farmers Land Trust, a nationally recognized nonprofit land trust working with communities across the country to transform how farmland is owned and how tenure and equity are conveyed to the next generation of farmers practicing regenerative agriculture.
Throughout his career, Ian has combined professional expertise with a deep commitment to service. He has worked in real estate, served as the director of a private foundation, and volunteered on numerous nonprofit boards. His work has included collaborating with more than 100 land trusts and nearly as many communities, assisting more than 100 farms, protecting over 12,000 acres, and raising more than $26 million to benefit farmland, farmers, and communities.
Ianโs work addresses one of agricultureโs most pressing challenges: ensuring farmers have equitable, long-term access to land while protecting working landscapes for future generations. His leadership has helped advance innovative, community-centered models of farmland ownership and established him as a respected voice in sustainable agriculture, farmland ownership, equity, and stewardship.
His accomplishments have earned him recognition as a โ40 Under 40โ leader in New Hampshire, a Food Solutions New England Leadership Institute Fellow, and an Ashoka Fellow.
Through his professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to creating positive and lasting change, Ian exemplifies the spirit of the Deborah Spring Reed Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
Congratulations, Ian! ๐Weโre proud to celebrate your incredible accomplishments and the impact you continue to make!
Join us in honoring Ian at the Alumni Awards Ceremony during Fall Festival:
๐
Friday, September 25
โฐ 6:00 PM
๐ NEC Campus
๐๏ธ Following the Golf Tournament
Donโt miss this special evening of recognition, celebration, and Pilgrim pride! ๐
**Register now for Fall Festival:** https://alumni.nec.edu/e/fall-festival-2026