Federal prosecutors say the former finance director for a nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in Vermont has pleaded guilty to embezzling about $165,000 from the organization.

The U.S. attorney's office says 61-year-old Sally Kirby pleaded guilty Monday to a federal forgery charge and was released on conditions.

Kirby was accused of forging checks of Hunger-Free Vermont to herself between 2009 and 2015.

Prosecutors say the embezzlement was discovered in October.

Kirby faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. The public defender did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.