Our People

Lisa is President and Chief Executive Officer of GFN. Previously, Lisa served as Vice President of Global Agriculture and Food at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, where she spearheaded a project that has become one of the leading global contributors to discussions around hunger and food security. There she conducted studies and policy dialogues on the role of agriculture in emerging economies, the nexus between agriculture and health, the pressures water scarcity and climate change will place on the global food system and the importance of trade and food price volatility to social stability. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Security Policy Studies from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies, Political Science, and Spanish from Bradley University.

Ana Catalina joins GFN after serving as Executive Director of Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia (ABACO) for nearly six years. There she developed and implemented a certification scheme in partnership with the Colombian food banks, led fundraising and food sourcing, and managed resources and projects aimed at the technical and operational strengthening of the network. Ana serves as the relationship manager and point of contact for food banks in Latin America.

Doug is a recognized leader in global hunger and food banking and has more than 30 years of experience in hunger relief and food assistance policy. As GFN’s Vice President, Network Programs, he leads GFN’s programmatic work that provides the tools and expertise to help food banks grow and operate at scale. Doug served on the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, and held senior leadership positions at Feeding America, Feed the Children, and the Vermont Foodbank. Before joining GFN, Doug was a partner in a consulting firm that specialized in guiding corporations, foundations, food banks, and other NGOs in humanitarian assistance and global food assistance strategies.

Isabel brings over 25 years of experience in managerial positions, planning and project management in transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors. She has been involved in social projects, support for NGOs and management of cooperation entities. She holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, a Master in Business Administration from Los Andes University in Colombia, and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Prior to GFN, Isabel worked in the public sector as an advisor to the Minister of Transportation, Vice President of Economic Affairs of the Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure, and Planning Manager of the National Infrastructure Agency, and worked as an independent consultant on issues such as supply chain digital transformation and logistics public policy.

Halley is a hunger-relief veteran, having spent her entire career in the field. A seasoned research professional, Halley brings experience to GFN from Feeding America, Feed The Children, The Houston Food Bank, The Congressional Hunger Center, and a consulting firm specializing in outcomes measurement and policy advocacy for nonprofits, corporations, and foundations active in humanitarian assistance. She holds a master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.

Caressa is responsible for managing GFN’s in-person and virtual events, including the Food Bank Leadership Institute, GFN’s flagship conference. Caressa brings nearly 14 years of experience successfully planning large-scale events, including corporate conferences, public policy briefings, and more. She has worked with numerous national and international organizations like AIDS United, Operation Renewed Hope, The USO, The Salvation Army, US AFRICOM, and more. Caressa holds a degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, was crowned Miss America 2010, and was awarded numerous Congressional Honors and the President's Volunteer Service Award for her advocacy and policy work.

Alyssa joined GFN in July 2019 as Executive & Research Assistant and transitioned to her current role in October 2021. In this role, she supports prospective Network members and individuals interested in starting a food bank in their community. Prior to joining GFN, Alyssa was a special assistant at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, supporting the work of the Rockefeller Foundation Fellow on global governance and international leadership. She has also worked at the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization that works to develop U.S.-China business relationships. Alyssa holds a Master of Arts in Asian Studies: China from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Notre Dame.

Glenda joined GFN in July 2021 as a Strategic Grants Associate. In her role, she is responsible for reviewing grant projects for food banks in Latin America and Canada. Glenda has over 10 years of experience working for nonprofits and formerly worked at the Rotary Foundation. Prior to embarking on her career in Chicago, she worked in Kenya at an elephant sanctuary and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia and Panama. Glenda received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Gabriela joined GFN in 2016. In her role, she builds and maintains relationships with GFN Certified Members and Emerging Project food banks in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. Some of the technical assistance provided includes country-specific support on fundraising, food sourcing, organizational development, and planning for growth. Alongside technical assistance, Gabriela oversees food bank compliance and GFN Certification in her regions. Gabriela attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in French & Francophone Studies with minors in Political Science and Spanish and studied in the Master of Arts in French & Francophone Studies program.

Based out of Argentina, Alfredo supports GFN’s efforts to enhance food bank development and operations in Latin American countries. Alfredo was introduced to food banking during his work as Regional Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility at a multi-national agribusiness company. He became actively involved with Red Argentina de Bancos de Alimentos (REDBda) and served as Chairman of its Board of Directors from 2009-2012. Following his time with REDBda, Alfredo was invited to serve on GFN’s Board until August 2014, when he assumed his current role.

Anthony moved to Chicago from the United Kingdom to join GFN in October 2012, following 10 years of working in the corporate food industry sector in management consulting. He brings a wide range of experience, having completed a number of successful projects for a variety of clients in the retail and consumer goods industries during eight years at Accenture. In 2008, Anthony worked on behalf of GFN in South Africa helping to establish FoodBank South Africa (now FoodForward SA) and exploring the food sourcing opportunities there. After leaving Accenture, he spent three years working for the largest dairy company in the UK before moving to GFN. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University Of Bath.

David joined GFN in 2010 and currently holds the role of Research Associate. Formerly, in his role as Network Programs Officer, David works with the Director of Network Programs in delivering several major programs to the food banks in the network including the Food Bank Leadership Institute. In addition, David administers the GFN e-Learning Platform and has worked on the design of over 20 e-Learning courses designed specifically for the GFN network. David is also a Salesforce Certified Administrator and is responsible for coordinating with the Development Coordinator to ensure that GFN's database is leveraged to achieve its mission. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Diplomacy and International Relations from Seton Hall University.

Monica joined GFN in March 2017. In her role, Monica is responsible for the strategic design and management of GFN's Child Hunger Program, which assists food banks in the establishment, development, and expansion of programs to provide food and other services to food-insecure children, adolescents, and mothers. Prior to joining GFN, she worked most recently in the non-profit sector in Peru, with experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation. Monica holds a Master of Arts degree in International Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Southern California.

Paula joined GFN in March 2020 and is based in Bogota, Colombia. She supports the food banks and national food bank networks in the Latin American region by providing technical assistance. Paula brings more than 12 years of experience working in poverty and hunger alleviation, strategic planning, and management. Prior to GFN, she served as Director of Red Unidos (Program of Poverty Alleviation of the National Government of Colombia) and as Planning and Project Coordinator at the Asociación de Bancos de Alimentos de Colombia (ABACO) for five years, where she supported the strategic planning and certification process.

Tiffany joined GFN in July 2021 as a Strategic Grants Associate. She brings a wealth of experience in philanthropy, grants management, donor relations, and program development. In her previous roles, Tiffany managed international institutional partnerships, workplace engagement initiatives, and volunteer programs. A native of the western Chicago suburbs, Tiffany is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

Craig has been involved in the food banking sector for more than 25 years. Currently, he is GFN’s Director of Field Services, managing new food bank development and overseeing member compliance. Craig is GFN’s main contact for food bank development in South East Asia. Previously, he served as a Network Services Representative and the first Director of Disaster Services at America’s Second Harvest (now known as Feeding America). Craig has earned numerous distinctions including the prestigious International Diploma in Humanitarian Assistance and has been recognized for his humanitarian service with an Honorary Doctorate in Social Work.

Richard was first introduced to GFN in 2019 during Korea Foodbank’s GFN recertification process, and later attended the 2019 Asia Incubator Conference. As a consultant with GFN, Richard supports field services in the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions. He brings experience consulting for the Canadian and Korean governments, the United Nations, and a variety of other organizations. Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Linguistics & Business Administration and a Master of Arts in English-Korean Translation and Simultaneous Interpretation.

Katie joined the food systems partnerships team in December 2020 and leads strategic food and agricultural partnerships. Katie comes to GFN with more than 20 years of experience working to build sustainable and equitable food systems. Previously, Katie spent six years with Oregon Food Bank as Strategic Sourcing Manager overseeing a team dedicated to partnering with farmers, ranchers, fishers, food processors, retailers, and others to source nutritious food for people experiencing hunger. She spent four years at the Oregon Department of Agriculture, where she ran a USDA grant program and supported food, beverage, and agricultural companies to grow their businesses. Her previous work also includes 10 years with a publishing and marketing firm focused on sustainable business. Katie is based in Portland, Oregon, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from the University of Oregon.

Chris is the Field Services Director for Canada, Europe, and South Asia. He brings a career rooted in food banking and community service, with more than 40 years of experience in the field. Chris travels extensively and manages food bank capacity building and effectiveness projects, member support, and training activities for his region. He also leads GFN’s global New Food Bank Development program, helping establish food banks in countries that do not have them. Previously, Chris has been the Executive Director of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Vice President of Member Support for Feeding America, where he also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD). While with Feeding America he assisted local teams in Argentina and Israel with the development and maintenance of successful food banks systems. With his experience and career history, Chris helped establish GFN through the expansion of food banking internationally. His work with Bob Forney, Bill Rudnick, and others led to the launch of GFN in July of 2006 and the organization he helped create continues to benefit hungry communities all over the world.

Kurt joined GFN in May 2021 to support GFN’s member food banks and incubator cohorts. He brings nearly 40 years of experience in manufacturing and packaging operations, demand and supply planning, food safety, and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining GFN, Kurt served as Senior Director of Business Operations and Vice President for Operations for major food manufacturing companies such as ConAgra, Treehouse Foods, and former Kraft Foods units. Most recently, Kurt spent four years at the Northern Illinois Food Bank as the Director of Continuous Improvement, where he was responsible for compliance and capacity-building projects.

Tara is based in Singapore and leads GFN’s product sourcing partnerships for the Asia-Pacific region. Tara comes to GFN with deep experience and passion for food systems partnerships, spanning agriculture, nutrition, and child feeding, and reflecting her work with non-profits, research institutes, and the private sector. Her most recent role was as a consultant for clients such as UN World Food Programme, Johns Hopkins University, UNICEF, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, and International Food Policy Research Institute, leading multi-stakeholder engagement, management, and analysis. Tara holds a master’s degree in cross-sector collaboration from the Singapore Management University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and international relations from the Australian National University.

Angela joined GFN in November 2017. As Strategic Grants Director, Angela is responsible for developing the strategic framework of GFN's grants portfolio and monitoring and evaluating its implementation across the network. In addition, Angela measures the direct and indirect impact of GFN grant strategies on food banks’ capacity to alleviate global hunger and reduce food waste. Prior to joining GFN, Angela held similar roles at Lions Clubs International where she administered blindness prevention grants in Latin America and managed the strategic development of international programming. Angela is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in El Salvador and holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mohama brings an extensive background in capacity-building in areas of international development and food banking. Prior to GFN, he worked for the River Bend Food Bank where he helped launch the food bank's Client Empowerment Initiative, facilitated partnerships relationships, and supported volunteer training.

Mohama also worked for Lions Clubs International Foundation where he managed grants in the Africa and Middle East region. Mohama holds a master's degree in Sociology from Western Illinois University and a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Lome in Togo.

Ahlea joined GFN in March 2021 as the Digital Communications Manager. In this role, Ahlea develops and executes GFN’s digital strategy across social media channels and website. Previously, she spent seven years working at Boston University (BU) in marketing and operations roles. Most recently, she was the Marketing & Communications Manager for BU’s Innovate@BU initiative where she supported young entrepreneurs and social impact leaders through digital storytelling and community management. Ahlea is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State University and a master's degree in Advertising from Boston University.

Katie joined GFN in 2018. She manages GFN’s external and internal communication, generating strategic and engaging content for a diverse and unique audience. She brings international nonprofit communication experience, with a focus on food security and agriculture, from her years at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center in Mexico City and the CGIAR System Organization in Montpellier, France. Katie graduated from Flagler College with a Bachelor of Arts in communication with emphases in public relations and journalism.

Jason joined GFN in May 2021 to lead the creation of external content for the organization. Previously, Jason worked on the Communications and Programs teams for Heifer International where he helped shape the organization’s narrative, storytelling style, and brand. Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Jason holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s in cultural geography from the University of Kansas.

Micaela joined GFN in May 2021 and assists with all aspects of communications strategy and digital asset projects. She brings a background in social media management, urban agriculture, and environmental and health education. Prior to GFN, she worked with the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, Food+ by Compass, and other organizations in the food systems space. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo.

Vicki leads the team at GFN spearheading fundraising and corporate partnerships. With more than a decade of service to the nonprofit world, Vicki served as the Vice President of Philanthropy and Development for Heifer International where she led a global fundraising team and elevated the organization’s role in hunger and food security. She holds a Master of Arts degree in political science and Ph.D. in political science and public administration from Northern Illinois University. While a doctoral student, she received a Fulbright grant to conduct field research in Ghana, West Africa, where she lived for two years.

Matthew supports GFN by fostering strategic partnerships with corporate and foundation partners, managing existing and launching new corporate and foundation revenue streams, and growing new business in support of GFN’s mission. Prior to GFN, Matt was Director of Institutional Giving and Corporate Philanthropy at Chicago Public Media. In that role, he developed and grew partnerships with foundations and corporate partners in support of CPM’s journalism. Prior to CPM, Matthew worked to develop global corporate partnerships at Teach for All and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Originally from the UK, Matthew began his career in development with Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Royal Society. Matthew earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from the University of Portsmouth, UK.

Leah joined GFN in September 2021 as Corporate Partnerships Manager. She previously served in a similar role at WaterAid, an international development non-profit in London, UK. She delivered corporate volunteering, employee giving, and communication campaigns to engage UK water companies in conjunction with their philanthropic support. She holds a BA in Sociology from University College Roosevelt in The Netherlands and recently completed her MBA at ESADE Business School in Barcelona, Spain.

Marta joined GFN in August 2021 as Corporate Partnerships Manager. She brings over a decade of international and domestic experience, most recently building relationships with corporate partners at Read Ahead, a mentoring program in New York City public schools. Prior to Read Ahead, Marta was the Director of Membership and Programs at the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, supporting nonprofit and corporate members across the state. She has also worked as an English teacher in South Korea and served in Kosovo's inaugural Peace Corps cohort. Marta has a Bachelor's in English from Yale University and a Master's in International and Urban Development from the University of Toronto.

Jonathan connects our corporate partners with incredible in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities across our network of food banks. Jonathan brings a robust background in food banking; prior to GFN, he worked for Capital Area Food Bank, Food & Friends, Rise Against Hunger, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank, connecting volunteers with hunger relief efforts. He has a passion for food but an even greater heart for seeing people make a difference in their communities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology and Community Engagement from Olivet Nazarene University.

As Director of Foundation Relations, Sam stewards relations with foundation partners and grows investment in GFN and its food bank members. Sam brings nearly 15 years of experience in international and community development. Prior to GFN, Sam worked with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for 9 years, most recently as Senior Advisor for Donor Engagement, specializing in foundation and corporate partners, leading the capture of more than $100 million in foundation grant funding. Sam also served in various roles with CRS across Ukraine, Afghanistan, Turkey, and Egypt–and supported emergency response efforts in Greece and the Balkans. With CRS, Sam has specialized in emergency response and recovery programming, food security and livelihoods, and capacity strengthening of local partners. Before joining CRS, Sam accompanied threatened communities in the Palestinian territories, documenting human rights abuses and co-developing advocacy strategies. Sam holds a Master of Arts in Peacebuilding from the University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute, and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology & Philosophy from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. Sam is proud dad of two adventurous children, and you can usually find him exploring the outdoors and cycling with his family.

Caroline joined GFN in 2016. In her role as the Major Gifts Development Officer, she manages the organization’s annual and major giving program for individual donors. She brings expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship planning, planned giving, and volunteer management. Prior to joining GFN, she worked at The Field Museum of Natural History for six years with the Major and Planned Giving team as well as the Women’s Board. She is a graduate of DePauw University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and serves on the Junior Board of the Chicago Child Care Society.

Rebeckah supports GFN by fostering strategic corporate partnerships. Rebeckah most recently served as the Director of Institutional Partnerships at City Harvest in New York. With more than 14 years of experience in international development and nonprofit management, Rebeckah worked in leadership positions at Action Against Hunger (ACF) since 2011 before assuming her role as Director of Programs in 2014, coordinating ACF’s humanitarian operations in Cambodia, Pakistan, South Sudan, and Uganda. Previously, Rebeckah worked with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) for five years in roles based abroad and at their NYC Headquarters. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations from Seton Hall University and an Executive Master of Public Administration for Public Service Leaders from New York University.

Joanne joined GFN as Director of Individual Giving in September 2022, bringing over 10 years of fundraising experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to GFN, Joanne served as Development Director for Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) in Chicago where she led the development of an integrated annual fundraising strategy including individual giving, major donor strategy, monthly giving programs, major events, and capital campaign fundraising. Joanne started her career with Habitat for Humanity Australia where she led the long-term strategy of Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program and later provided fundraising consulting for the Canadian Red Cross, Greenpeace, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Social Science focusing on government, international relations, and food security from the University of Sydney, and a post-graduate certificate in project management from the University of South Australia.

Qiana joined GFN in August 2022. In her role, she develops robust employee giving programming and revenue strategies and manages cause-related marketing campaigns. Qiana brings decades of experience in fundraising, corporate development, and volunteer services, successfully increasing revenue through building strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and leading successful campaigns to advance the mission of nonprofits. Prior to GFN, she worked at Georgia Public Broadcasting, the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and a certification in volunteer management from the Georgia Commission AmeriCorps program.

Beth joined GFN in 2008. In her position as Chief Financial Officer, she directs all financial and administrative functions for the organization including budgeting, cash management, financial planning and analysis, annual audit and tax filings, human resources, and office administration. Prior to GFN, she worked as an independent consultant on financial management and systems implementation issues for non-profit organizations, served as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer for Feeding America, as well as spending several years in public accounting at Deloitte & Touche. She is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Northwestern University, Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Jourdan provides crucial assistance and administrative support to GFN's Human Resources team. Prior to GFN, she worked as both an executive assistant for the Chief Human Resources Officer and acted as the HR Administrative Coordinator at The University of Chicago Medicine. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Resources with a specialization in Climate and Water and a master’s in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University.

Matthew work closely with staff across departments to streamline the accounts payable process. Prior to GFN, Matthew worked for NorthStar Aerospace as an accounts receivable consultant and was responsible for monthly reports, general ledger support, and billing and account reconciliations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Aurora University.

Ardita provides crucial support to GFN’s growing team and brings a wealth of human resources knowledge. Before joining GFN, Ardita worked in an HR generalist capacity for over ten years, most recently with the American Bar Association and at NDI, a global democracy NGO. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Oakland University and a master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Walsh College. Ardita enjoys connecting and helping people through talent acquisition, training and development, benefits administration, and employee relations. Outside of work, you can find her traveling, spending time with family and friends, and learning new things.

Mike brings two decades of experience overseeing, directing, training, and supporting users and systems in information technology and has worked extensively in the nonprofit sector. He is responsible for initiating strategic initiatives, including new facility onboarding, employee onboarding solutions, migrations, and technical policy and procedures. He holds an associate's degree in networking systems and technologies and a bachelor's degree in applied behavioral science.

Diane joined GFN in January 2020 and serves as the Finance & Administration Senior Director. Diane brings many years of experience from her previous roles at The Jewish Community Centers of Chicago and the Center for Financial Innovation (CFSI). During her tenure at CFSI, she was promoted from Controller to Director of Finance. Diane holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting with a minor in management.