Jessie Shires

Jessie Shires is a Project Coordinator at Meridian, where she supports a variety of projects working to promote biodiversity, advance sustainable development and farming diversification, and improve global food security.  

With a diverse background in healthcare, hospitality and event planning, and higher education, Jessie’s broad experience and natural curiosity help her ask the right questions and anticipate needs before they materialize. Prior to joining Meridian, she served as the Program Manager for the Masters in Critical Craft Studies at Warren Wilson College, a first-of-its-kind low-residency graduate program.  

A native of rural southwestern Virginia, she has over the years been found driving a tractor in North Carolina, volunteering on a mountain rescue team in New Mexico, and serving on the board of her local bicycle advocacy nonprofit. She enjoys working with her hands, conducting rambling explorations on foot, and trying new recipes – and she will never be caught up on her to-read list.