Our people

Program committee

Three positions keep the training program running: the Director owns the curriculum and the certificate, the Assistant Director keeps the courses current, and the Coordinator gets you enrolled and started.

About us

Vertical Crab Farming of America — the organization behind VCFA Academy.

At Vertical Crab Farming of America (VCFA), we are committed to building a cleaner, safer, and more organic approach to crab farming. We believe healthy crabs begin with healthy water, responsible care, and farming systems designed with both people and the environment in mind.

Through education and practical training, we help aspiring and experienced farmers understand water quality, crab health, biosecurity, feeding, and safe daily operations. Our goal is to give growers the knowledge to build productive farms while reducing waste and protecting the ecosystems that support aquatic life.

VCFA is working toward a future where crab farming is responsible, accessible, and built to last.

Andrew Funderburk

Program Director

Leads VCFA Academy's training program end to end — the curriculum, the standards a student must meet, and the certificates we issue.

In this role
  • Owns the Beginner, Supervisor, and Master curriculum
  • Sets the passing standard for every lesson quiz
  • Approves course certificates
  • Final authority on program changes

Stefanie Billington

Assistant Program Director

Runs the program day to day alongside the Director, keeping lesson content, student results, and course materials current.

In this role
  • Keeps lesson content and resources up to date
  • Reviews student quiz results and course progress
  • Handles student requests about their coursework
  • Acts for the Program Director when needed

Matt Behlen

Program Coordinator

Handles enrollment and scheduling — getting new students set up, enrolled, and pointed at the right course.

In this role
  • Enrollment and account setup
  • Course access and enrollment questions
  • Cohort and session scheduling
  • First point of contact for new students

Who to contact

Questions about enrolling, your account, or which course fits your farm go to the Program Coordinator. Questions about lesson content, quiz results, or your certificate go to the Assistant Program Director.