On January 9, I started as the new Executive Director/CEO for Food Export-Midwest and Food Export-Northeast. I am succeeding longtime Executive Director/CEO Tim Hamilton who stepped down at the end of last year.
I’ve been working at Food Export-Midwest since 2013 and have served as the International Marketing Program Manager since 2020. I’m honored to take on this new role and am excited about continuing to serve all of you in a new capacity. Food Export has a long tradition of excellence, and I am optimistic about our future.
Food Export’s mission is more than a job for me. Helping businesses export contributes to an international exchange. One that is vital for our communities to thrive. It mirrors my own background: I grew up in Minnesota, lived in Wisconsin, and now call Illinois home. Prior to working at Food Export, I lived and worked in Moscow, Russia. You’ll meet many of my colleagues in Chicago and Philadelphia with similar backgrounds.
During this period of change, Food Export’s focus will stay where it has always been: you. Whether that is preparing you for exporting, introducing you to foreign buyers, or supporting your overseas efforts with marketing dollars. As a member of the International Marketing Program team for almost ten years, I attended many Food Export activities both domestically and internationally. You have most likely seen or met me at one of our many events, or perhaps even heard my voice on one of our webinars. I look forward to connecting with you at some point in the future. Your feedback and support is critical in shaping Food Export’s programs and services, today and beyond.