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At the heart of the James Beard Foundation is a commitment to exceptional leadership, dedicated employees, and visionary board members. These key individuals shape our success, drive innovation, and ensure we stay true to our mission.

Photo: Clay Williams

Photo: Clay Williams

Our People

The core of our organization’s success is the strength of our leadership, employees, and board members. Each plays a pivotal role in driving our mission forward and creating an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive.

Our leadership team provides the strategic vision that guides us, ensuring we stay agile in a changing world while remaining focused on our long-term goals. Their ability to inspire and motivate not only directs our organization’s path but also cultivates a culture where every team member can grow and succeed.

Our employees are the foundation of everything we do. Their dedication, talent, and passion make a difference every day. We believe that each employee brings a unique set of skills and perspectives, contributing to a dynamic workplace where ideas flourish. By fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, we empower our employees to reach their full potential, which in turn drives our organization’s progress and enables us to better serve our stakeholders. Their hard work and commitment to excellence are what allow us to meet the challenges of today and anticipate the needs of tomorrow.

Finally, our board members provide invaluable oversight and guidance, ensuring our organization remains on a path of sustainable growth. With their diverse backgrounds and wealth of experience, they offer strategic insights that help us navigate complex decisions and stay aligned with our core values. Their leadership fosters accountability, transparency, and innovation, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact. Together, our leadership, employees, and board members form a powerful team, driving our organization toward continued success and meaningful achievements.

Staff

Brandon Belgrave

Beard House Kitchen Manager

Janelle Benjamin

Women's Leadership Programs Coordinator

Anouska Biswas

Director of Finance

Janae Butler

Development Operations Manager

Christine Chung

Senior Manager of Digital Marketing

Charles Clayton

Email Marketing Manager

Sarah D'Imperio

Executive Assistant

Cat Feliciano

Special Events Manager

Carolin Frias

Manager of Awards 

Jacob Friedfeld

Project Manager, Marketing and Communications

Katherine Gray

Director of Communications

Willa Green

Senior Manager of Sponsorship

Emily Hannon

Awards Manager

Yasmin Hariri

Branded Content Manager

Malandra Hastick

People and Culture Manager

William Hill

Staff Accountant

Aaron Hock

Senior Manager of Membership

Sari Kamin

Manager of Public Programming and Events, JBF at Pier 57

Shameeka Leacock

Associate Director of Community

Tamar Lopez

Box Office Coordinator

Anna Magnuson

Industry Support Manager

Sandra Matias

Director of General Accounting

John McAndrew

Senior Manager of Sponsor Relations

Mirela Mijovic

Manager of Operations

Shane Oseghale

Awards Coordinator

Kimberly Bradley Osorio

Receivables Manager

Ethan Pan

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Nick Piccora

Development Manager

Samantha Presnal

Director of Awards

Dan Reiser

Awards Coordinator

Sindy Reyes

Event Manager, JBF at Pier 57

Brittany Robinson

Manager of Beard House Operations

Clare Rock

Director of Major Gifts

Victoria Jordan Rodriguez

Senior Director of Special Projects

Maggie Schoenfarber

Senior Director of Marketing

Ellie Sher

Senior Director of Special Events

Emily Solomon

Coordinator, Advocacy and Sustainability

Megan Storms

Associate Director of Women's Leadership Programs

Kim Strauss

Senior Director of Database Systems and Salesforce

Kiri Tannenbaum

Director of Public Programming and Events, JBF at Pier 57

Eleanor Williams

Special Events Coordinator

Izabela Wojcik

Director of Special Fundraising Initiatives

Angela Yang

Development Manager

Monique Zhuma

Director of Marketing and Communications, JBF at Pier 57

Board of Trustees

Emeritus Trustees

Peter Cameron


Jill Greenthal


David W. Rivkin


Marva Smalls