Laurie Ristino

Laurie Ristino is Meridian’s Program Director and General Counsel based in Walpole, New Hampshire. In addition to advising Meridian on legal matters, Laurie has contributed to several projects, including managing the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative, leading the national Climate Change Roadmap, and contributing to the AGree Coalition. Her subject matter expertise is at the nexus of the environment and food/agriculture systems, with a focus on improving socioeconomic and ecological outcomes.

Previously, Laurie served as senior counsel at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), advising the Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Subsequently, she was appointed as a law professor and inaugural director of a sustainable food systems center at Vermont Law School. Most recently, Laurie advised leading NGOs on climate and agriculture through her consultancy, Strategies for a Sustainable Future. She has also taught environmental policy and sustainable food systems at Johns Hopkins University. A recognized expert in her field, she has been quoted in leading media outlets such as Inside Climate News, Christian Science Monitor, and Yale360 and has authored academic articles, book chapters, and a book on conservation easements.

Laurie enjoys hiking with her spouse and dogs as well as gardening and permaculture on her family’s property.