My career in the natural and organic food industry began 34 years ago as a grocery clerk with Mrs. Gooch’s in Hermosa Beach California. After advancing through several leadership positions reaching Regional Operations Director we were acquired by Whole Foods Market in 1993 where I joined the Whole Foods Market Leadership team and became Regional Vice President for the Southwest Region in 1996 then to President of the Florida Region in 1998. In 2021, I added the South Region to my portfolio, creating the Southeast Region, where I oversee a combined 78 stores and 3 facilities.
At home, my family has always practiced healthy eating. My two young daughters understand the difference of how food is grown, processed and how the environment is a stakeholder in our family meals. We eat at home most of the time, but when we eat at restaurants or other places, my daughters can taste the difference in conventional food from fresh, organically grown food and are quick to comment on the difference.
The focus on children’s health through healthy eating and nutrition education is vital for the wellbeing of our future leaders, and the education of faculty and parents will ensure healthy eating is a regular activity. By providing garden grants, salad bars and nutritional education we can enhance the quality and length of our childrens' lives.