Tag: Food Industry

Ann Clarton: Guided by Purpose, Driven by Excellence, Committed to Quality

I’m excited to share a look into my professional journey—a career defined by leadership in food safety, quality assurance, and operational excellence. From my beginnings at PepsiCo’s Quaker Oats division to my current role as Senior Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance at Stampede Culinary Partners, I’ve been privileged to lead incredible teams and help organizations achieve higher standards of safety, quality, and performance. Here is my biography.

Norman C. Bessac: Empowering Markets, Inspiring Leaders, Advancing Global Growth

After more than 40 years leading global sales, marketing, and international business development in the protein and food industries, I’m excited to continue making an impact through board and advisory roles. I’ve always believed in the power of purpose-driven leadership and the importance of helping others grow. Here is my biography.

Ron Forest: A Legacy of Leadership in Food Sales Excellence

After decades in the food and beverage industry, I’ve had the privilege to lead, grow, and mentor across sales, operations, and executive leadership. As I look to transition into more strategic roles on advisory boards and beyond, I’m excited to share my professional biography, which reflects my journey, values, and vision for the future. Here is my biography.

Mike Chapter | Executive Director of Research, Development & Culinary Innovation | Food Industry Strategist

Mike Chapter is a visionary culinary executive and food product strategist with over 30 years of experience driving innovation across foodservice, CPG, and grocery retail. As Executive Director at Food IQ, LLC, and owner of Hands On Gourmet, Mike has led the development of award-winning food products, created culinary training programs for Fortune 500 companies, and guided startups through product launches and co-manufacturing partnerships. A Certified Master Taster® and former Kraft Foods corporate chef, he blends deep food science expertise with creative culinary leadership to help brands elevate quality, scale production, and delight customers. Mike now brings his strategic insight to advisory and board roles, supporting companies looking to grow through innovation, operational excellence, and consumer-centric product development.

Nick Miller: Transforming Insight Into Impact

After more than a decade in the CPG and food innovation space, I’m excited to share a snapshot of my professional journey—from engineering to strategy, and from ideation to execution. Whether it’s launching new products, revitalizing legacy brands, or leading innovation strategy, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible teams to bring ideas to life. Here is my biography.

Ari Kendall

I'm excited to share my professional journey, which encompasses culinary entrepreneurship, restaurant consulting, and community advocacy. From co-founding a kosher food truck in Boston to advising on restaurant development, my focus has always been on blending culinary excellence with social impact. Here is my biography.

Joanna Rodriguez | Vice President of Finance | Strategic Financial Executive in CPG & Food Industries | CMA

Joanna Rodriguez is a seasoned finance executive with over two decades of experience driving strategic growth and financial excellence in the consumer packaged goods and food industries. As Vice President of Finance at Miss Jones Baking Co., she leads critical initiatives in budgeting, forecasting, capital strategy, and investor relations. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with a proven track record in high-growth environments, Joanna combines financial rigor with operational insight to support companies scaling toward long-term success. She is passionate about using her expertise to mentor emerging leaders and contribute meaningfully through board service.

Zac Johnston: Entrepreneurial Leader and Community Builder in Food and Franchise Development

Zac Johnston is a driven entrepreneur and community leader whose passion for food, business, and mentorship has shaped a dynamic career across multiple ventures in the Atlanta area. As the founder of Bread and Butter Bakery, now expanding into franchising, and the creative force behind BeeFresh Bowls, Zac has built a reputation for blending quality, innovation, and hometown pride. His leadership extends beyond business through nearly eight years of coaching football at Eastside High School, reflecting his dedication to personal development and community impact. With a foundation in business management and hands-on experience in hospitality, retail, and real estate, Zac continues to grow enterprises that are as purpose driven as they are successful.

Rich Berry: A Visionary Leader in Business Strategy and Operational Excellence.

I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my experience in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and business transformation. With over 40 years of experience leading mergers, acquisitions, and company growth initiatives, I am passionate about mentorship, process optimization, and strategic planning.

J. Joseph Otte | Environmental Consultant & Leadership Mentor

J. Joseph (Joe) Otte is a seasoned environmental consultant and business leader with over 44 years of experience in environmental due diligence, sustainability, and compliance. Throughout his career, he has guided organizations in the engineering, manufacturing, food, and environmental industries through complex regulatory landscapes, ensuring responsible growth and environmental stewardship. With a strong foundation in water and air quality, hazardous waste management, and remediation, Joe has been a trusted advisor in both the private and public sectors. His leadership extends to nonprofit board service, expert witness testimony, and mentoring executives to see beyond their immediate challenges. Passionate about fostering sustainable business practices, Joe is actively seeking board roles where he can apply his strategic expertise, industry knowledge, and leadership acumen to support organizations in their environmental and operational goals.

Joe Falvey: Accomplished Leader in Retail and Wholesale Strategy

Joe Falvey is a seasoned retail and wholesale advisor with over four decades of expertise in strategy development, business execution, and operational efficiencies. Known for his ability to enhance store operations and drive profitable engagements with vendors and distributors, he has played a pivotal role in shaping successful business strategies across the grocery industry. His leadership spans major organizations, where he has implemented forward-thinking solutions that optimize efficiency, improve financial performance, and foster long-term growth. Now leading Falvey’s Consulting, Joe continues to provide invaluable guidance to retailers, wholesalers, and distributors, helping them navigate industry challenges and maximize market opportunities.

Rudy Westervelt: Distinguished Leadership and Excellence Architect

Rudy Westervelt is a seasoned management professional with over 20 years of leadership experience in the food industry, specializing in operational efficiency, safety and quality compliance, and team development. Known for his ability to drive business growth and foster a culture of continuous improvement, Rudy has a proven track record of optimizing processes, developing strategic partnerships, and enhancing profitability. His leadership style emphasizes operational excellence, employee empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality standards, positioning him as a transformative leader in every organization he has served.

Gina Signorella: Elevating Brands and Business Through Strategy, Insight, and Authentic Connections.

Gina Signorella is an accomplished branding professional with over 30 years of experience in developing innovative brand strategies across diverse industries, including food, wine...

Paul Medeiros: Driving Growth, Inspiring Teams, Transforming Brands.

Excited to share the journey of Paul Medeiros, a seasoned leader in the CPG sector! From his roots in supermarket management to pivotal roles at Nestlé and beyond, Paul's expertise in driving sales growth and guiding emerging brands is truly inspiring. Discover how he's shaping the future of food industry success with The Medeiros Group LLC.