PLANNING COMMITTEE
Chef/Owner, Co-Founder | Canon East Sacramento, Food Frontier

Chef Brad Cecchi is the Executive Chef and Owner of Canon East Sacramento, an acclaimed restaurant known for its innovative, seasonally-driven cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients. As a Michelin-starred chef, Brad brings a wealth of culinary expertise and creative vision to both his restaurant and the broader Sacramento food community. 

As Co-Founder of Food Frontier, Brad works to spotlight Sacramento's unique position as an agricultural powerhouse and emerging culinary destination. His work connects local food producers, chefs, and food innovators with global opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

Brad's experience includes leadership roles at renowned establishments including Solbar at Solage Calistoga, where he earned a Michelin star. He is deeply committed to advancing Sacramento's food ecosystem through the application of sustainable practices, innovative techniques, and collaborative partnerships that elevate the region's culinary stature on the global stage. 

PLANNING COMMITTEE
CEO, Co-Founder | Honey, Food Frontier

Meghan Phillips is the CEO and founder of Honey, a brand strategy and creative agency that helps purpose-driven Organizations tell their stories more effectively. Under her leadership, Honey has grown into a respected creative force in Sacramento, partnering with clients across food, agriculture, technology, and public sectors to develop impactful brand experiences. 

As Co-Founder of Food Frontier, Meghan works to connect the Sacramento Valley's agrifood ecosystem with global innovation networks, aiming to accelerate regional economic development through food system transformation. Her work bridges the gap between agricultural heritage and technological innovation in the region. 

Meghan is deeply invested in Sacramento's entrepreneurial community, serving as a mentor to emerging founders and creative professionals. She has been recognized as one of Sacramento Business Journal's '40 Under 40' and is frequently sought as a speaker on topics related to brand building, creative leadership, and the regional food economy. 

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Co-Founder of Food Frontier, Assistant Director for Nutrition Services for Sacramento City Unified School District

With 13+ years in federal child nutrition programs, Kelsey is a leader in child nutrition and food systems development. Starting at the California Department of Education during the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act implementation, she developed curriculum and trained food service directors on new regulations. Since joining Sacramento City Unified School District in 2015, her expertise spans program management, grant acquisition, policy implementation, and strategic communications. Kelsey has built relationships with farmers, distributors, community partners, and government agencies while maintaining meticulous oversight of compliance with federal child nutrition regulations.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Christine Ault Communications

With over three decades shaping brands, communities, and public narratives, Christine is a trusted communications strategist deeply rooted in Sacramento’s civic and business landscape. She has led high-impact work across public agencies, nonprofits, and private industry—specializing in storytelling, place-making, and initiatives that drive economic growth and community identity.

A connector at her core, Christine brings together leaders, ideas, and opportunities to move regions forward. From launching grassroots efforts like Sacramento’s Brandathon and Dîner en Blanc to advising major regional initiatives such as Next Economy, California Mobility Center and Food Frontier's Innovation Tour, her work consistently centers on building stronger, more vibrant communities.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Italian Lifestyle Concierge

Thami, with his international background (German citizen - South African offsprings), has lived in Italy for the past forty years cultivating his passion for the Italian lifestyle: “la bella vita (the good life)”. Where slow food & fine wine culture blends with tourism and the spirit of hospitality.