The Specialty Food Association approved the board of directors for the 2023/2024 term at its Annual Member Meeting at the Summer Fancy Food Show, Monday.
Board members, consisting of 15 individuals, are elected by SFA members and must be employees, partners, or actively involved in the business. They serve a three-year term and include:
• Pierre Abushacra, Firehook Bakery
• Scott Jensen, Rhythm Superfoods LLC
• Michael Reich, Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing
• Dwight Richmond, Town & Country Markets
• Sarah Wallace, The Good Bean Inc.
Additionally, Sarah Masoni of the Oregon State University Food Innovation Center was appointed to a one-year term to fill a vacancy.
"We appreciate the high level of engagement from our membership in identifying the slate of board members who will guide implementation of SFA's strategic plan over the next term," said Phil Robinson, SVP of member development at the SFA. "The makeup of our board reflects the unique ecosystem represented by the SFA, including makers, buyers, brokers, and business services professionals from a broad range of industry categories and a diversity of backgrounds."
During the meeting, these existing board members were appointed as the officers for 2023/2024:
Chair: Jon Pruden, TASTE Family of Businesses
Vice Chair: Nona Lim, Nona Lim
Treasurer: Pierre Abushacra, Firehook Bakery
Secretary: Jill Giacomini Basch, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese
SFA president Bill Lynch shared information about the company’s strategy that led to the success of the Summer Fancy Food Show, for which all available exhibitor space was sold. He said the association worked hard to keep the Shows at a reasonable price point while also improving its immersive experiences. One of these changes was the addition of Show Floor activations that allowed for more tastings, education, networking, and opportunities for fun.
The activations are a part of the FOCUS 2026 Strategic Plan, a reorganization that streamlines processes and allows the association to best serve its members, noted Lynch. The plan includes modifications to the four pillars: Fancy Food Shows, membership, programmatic realignment, and exchange groups.
The plan intends to grow the number of buyers, international companies, affiliates, and business services providers in the company’s membership, while providing more opportunities for engagement to different membership types on an individual level. This pillar also prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, to ensure that all industry voices are being heard.
“As a community of strong members and a supportive staff I think we can make a big impact on moving this industry in a positive direction,” said Lynch.
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