PLANNING COMMITTEE
Co-Founder of Food Frontier, Owner/Executive Chef of Canon, Franquette, Cantina Pedregal

A Michelin-recognized chef, restaurateur, and co-founder of Food Frontier, Brad has built a career at the intersection of culinary excellence, entrepreneurship, and community impact. After earning a Michelin star at SolBar in Calistoga, he returned to Sacramento, where his restaurants have earned widespread recognition for showcasing Northern California's agricultural abundance while helping shape the region's emergence as a nationally recognized food destination. In 2020, Brad co-founded Family Meal Sacramento, an initiative that has provided more than two million meals to people experiencing food insecurity. 

That same spirit of collaboration inspired Food Frontier and its mission to connect chefs, farmers, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers across disciplines and borders. Through the Innovation Tour, Brad hopes to spark ideas and partnerships that strengthen California's food ecosystem and Sacramento's role as a global food leader. 

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Co-Founder of Food Frontier, CEO/Founder of Honey

Meghan Phillips is a brand strategist, creative entrepreneur, and co-founder of Food Frontier. For more than 16 years as founder and CEO of Honey, she has helped organizations in food, beverage, agriculture, and other emerging sectors connect with audiences through thoughtful storytelling, design, and strategic communications. Her work is grounded in a belief that strong brands can do more than sell products - they can build community, shape culture, and advance important ideas.

Through Food Frontier, Meghan brings that same creative and entrepreneurial lens to strengthening Sacramento's food ecosystem. She is passionate about connecting established leaders with emerging talent and creating platforms where new partnerships, bold ideas, and a shared vision for the future of food can take root.

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

Kelsey Nederveld is a leader in child nutrition and food systems development with more than 13 years of experience in federal nutrition programs. Her career began at the California Department of Education during implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, and today she helps lead Nutrition Services for Sacramento City Unified School District. Kelsey brings together farmers, distributors, educators, government agencies, and community partners to expand access to healthy food and strengthen regional supply chains. 

As a co-founder of Food Frontier, she is especially interested in how policy, procurement, education, and innovation can work together to build healthier, more resilient food systems for the next generation.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Communications Consultant, Food Frontier Planning Team—Program Content

With more than three decades of experience shaping brands, communities, and public initiatives, Christine is a trusted communications strategist rooted in Sacramento's civic landscape. She specializes in storytelling, place-making, and strategic communications that strengthen regional identity and economic vitality. Throughout her career, she has helped launch and guide initiatives including Brandathon, Dîner en Blanc Sacramento, the California Mobility Center, Valley Vision's Livability Summit, and Sacramento State's College of Continuing Education. Christine has also been the lead content planner for more than a dozen Sacramento Metro Chamber Study Missions that take regional leaders to learn best practices from other city leaders across the country.

As a member of the Food Frontier planning team, Christine worked closely with partners throughout Northern Italy - including the Future Food Institute in Bologna - to design the Innovation Tour experience. From identifying the people delegates will meet and the organizations they will visit to shaping the themes, conversations, and learning opportunities throughout the week, she helped build the program that brings the region's food innovation ecosystem to life.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Owner, Italian Lifestyle Concierge, Food Frontier Planning Team—Hospitality

Having called Italy home for more than 40 years, Thami has built a career helping international visitors experience the country beyond the guidebooks. Through Italian Lifestyle Concierge, he designs personalized itineraries and connects travelers with the people, places, traditions, and flavors that define authentic Italian life. With an international background, extensive local relationships, and a deep appreciation for Italian food, wine, and hospitality, Thami is known for creating seamless experiences with genuine warmth. 

As Food Frontier's on-the-ground concierge and local host, Thami helps ensure delegates experience not only Italy's renowned food culture, but also the connections and memorable moments that make the country so special.

Vice President, Workforce and Climate Innovation, Foundation for California Community Colleges

Tim Aldinger is a recognized leader in workforce development and education innovation, with more than two decades of experience building partnerships that expand economic opportunity and prepare learners for the jobs of tomorrow. As Vice President of Workforce and Climate Innovation for the Foundation for California Community Colleges, he works at the intersection of education, industry, and public policy to create work-based learning opportunities that strengthen California's workforce while advancing sustainability and climate resilience. Today, those efforts support more than 5,000 learners each year through paid, hands-on learning experiences.

A lifelong champion of work-based learning, Tim's own career began detasseling corn in southeastern Wisconsin—an experience that shaped his belief in the value of learning by doing. Through the Innovation Tour, Tim brings a passion for connecting education, workforce, and industry to help prepare the next generation for meaningful careers.ription goes here

Executive Director, Downtown Sacramento Partnership

For more than two decades, Michael Ault has led the transformation of Sacramento's urban core as Executive Director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. A nationally respected downtown revitalization leader, he has helped shape the city's evolution into a vibrant destination for business, culture, entertainment, and investment through strategic leadership in economic development, placemaking, advocacy, and destination marketing. Michael believes food, hospitality, sports, entertainment, and community gathering places are essential ingredients of healthy downtowns and competitive regional economies. Under his leadership, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has championed investments that strengthen local businesses, activate public spaces, and create experiences that attract residents, visitors, and employers alike. 

Michael brings to the Food Frontier delegation a valuable perspective on how food and agriculture extend beyond the farm—serving as powerful catalysts for economic vitality, tourism, community identity, and the long-term success of cities and regions.

Project Policy Analyst, Innovation Institute for Food and Health, University of California, Davis

Dr. Patrick Nichols is a scientist and program leader working at the intersection of sustainable agriculture, food systems, and health innovation. As Project Policy Analyst for the Innovation Institute for Food and Health at UC Davis, he manages grant-funded initiatives and partnerships that connect academic research with nonprofit and industry collaborators to create real-world impact across food, health, and agriculture. Patrick’s career spans more than two decades in academic, nonprofit, and industry settings, including agricultural biotechnology, the wine industry, multi-institutional research programs, and soil management research across California’s farms and vineyards.

He brings to the Food Frontier delegation a valuable perspective on how science, sustainable agricultural practices, and cross-sector partnerships can move promising ideas from research into practical solutions for healthier, more resilient food systems.

Events Consultant, Food Frontier Planning Team—Program Logistics & Sponsorship 

With more than three decades of experience producing high-profile events and executive convenings, Susan is a seasoned leader in event strategy, logistics, and sponsorship management. She has played a lead role in delivering many of the Sacramento Metro Chamber's signature programs, including Capitol-to-Capitol, the Study Mission, and the Annual Dinner & Business Awards Gala. She also brings more than a decade of leadership with the California Capital Airshow, managing sponsorships, logistics, and partner relations for one of Northern California's premier public events. 

As a member of the Food Frontier planning team, Susan oversees participant experience, travel coordination, sponsor fulfillment, and on-site operations - helping ensure every detail of the Innovation Tour is thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed.

Director of Photography / Filmmaker

Antar Corrado is an Italian Director of Photography and Filmmaker whose work sits at the intersection of cinematography, aesthetics, art and technology. He treats the camera as a language, translating ideas, emotions and stories into striking visual form, balancing technical precision with artistic sensibility. 

A graduate with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna, his work spans films, music videos, commercials and events, guided by a distinctive cinematic eye and a research-driven approach to light, composition and movement. His practice also explores where cinematography meets emerging technology, reflecting a continued curiosity about how the craft is evolving.

Regional Director, F3 Local Farm and Food Innovation

Southwest Regional Food Business Center, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Tracy Celio leads F3 Local and the Southwest Regional Food Business Center at UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, where she helps strengthen local and regional food systems by supporting food and farm businesses across the western United States. Through strategic partnerships, business development, technical assistance, and capacity building, her work helps entrepreneurs and agricultural producers thrive in an evolving food economy.

A social scientist by training, Tracy has dedicated her career to community-based economic development and public service. Before joining UC ANR, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Central America and as an AmeriCorps VISTA along the U.S.-Mexico border - experiences that continue to shape her collaborative approach to building resilient communities and food systems. 

Vice President, Government Relations, American Pistachio Growers

Cadee Condit is a respected government affairs strategist with more than two decades of experience navigating California's political and legislative landscape. As Vice President of Government Relations for American Pistachio Growers, she leads state and federal advocacy efforts that advance the interests of one of California's signature agricultural industries. Known for her ability to build bipartisan relationships and unite diverse stakeholders, Cadee is a trusted voice on agricultural policy, coalition building, and public affairs. Throughout her career, Cadee has helped bring together policymakers, producers, and industry leaders to address complex challenges facing California agriculture. 

She brings to the Food Frontier delegation an insider's perspective on how public policy, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen the state's food and agriculture economy while shaping the competitiveness of California-grown food.

Vice President of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Davis 

Dr. Glenda Humiston is a nationally respected leader in agriculture, natural resources, rural development, and sustainability. As Vice President of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, she guides research and extension programs that connect the University of California with communities, producers, and partners across the state. Her career includes senior leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Presidents Clinton and 

Obama, as well as international work on agricultural productivity, economic development, and environmental stewardship. 

Glenda brings to the delegation a systems-level perspective on how research, policy, and cross-sector collaboration can strengthen agriculture and rural communities. 

Senior Advisor, Valley Vision 

Trish Kelly is a regional strategist and coalition builder who has helped elevate food and agriculture as a defining economic strength of California's Capital Region. Since joining Valley Vision in 2014, she has led initiatives spanning the food and agriculture economy, workforce development, broadband, and digital equity—translating research into collaborative strategies that strengthen communities and drive regional prosperity. Her work has brought together producers, businesses, educators, public agencies, and community partners around agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and resilient food systems. Through flagship food economy initiatives with the University of California and state and federal agencies, she has helped build partnerships that advance innovation across California's food and agriculture sector. 

Trish brings to the Food Frontier delegation deep institutional knowledge, a statewide network of collaborators, and a unique ability to connect bold ideas with the partnerships needed to turn them into lasting regional impact.

President & CEO, Foundation for California Community Colleges

Keetha Mills is a mission-driven executive with more than 25 years of experience advancing economic mobility through higher education, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. As President and CEO of the Foundation for California Community Colleges, she leads a statewide organization that partners with education, government, philanthropy, and industry to strengthen California's community colleges and expand opportunity for students and communities. 

Known for turning shared challenges into opportunities for innovation and impact, Keetha brings a valuable perspective on how education and industry can work together to prepare people and regions for a rapidly changing economy.

Co-Owner, Mulvaney's B&L and California State Fair Board Member

A veteran hospitality professional and entrepreneur, Bobbin Mulvaney has spent more than three decades creating memorable guest experiences while championing the people and relationships that make great hospitality possible. Before co-founding Mulvaney's B&L with her husband, Patrick, she owned a successful catering company and held leadership roles with the Hyatt Regency Sacramento and the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she helped showcase the region as a premier destination.

For nearly 20 years, Bobbin has shaped the restaurant's renowned hospitality and welcoming spirit. A passionate advocate for women in the culinary and agricultural industries, she is an active leader with Les Dames d'Escoffier International and was recently appointed to the California State Fair Board, where she is helping advance initiatives focused on agriculture, food education, and strengthening connections between Californians and the state's rich farming heritage. 

Bobbin brings a deep appreciation for the power of hospitality to build community, foster collaboration, and create lasting and meaningful connections.

Chef/Owner, Mulvaney’s B&L

Patrick Mulvaney is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and longtime advocate for local food systems whose career has spanned five time zones. Since opening Mulvaney's B&L with his wife, Bobbin, in 2006, he has championed seasonal cuisine, gracious hospitality, and stronger connections among farmers, chefs, and communities. Beyond the restaurant, Patrick is a respected voice on food policy, nutrition security, workforce dignity, education, and mental health in the hospitality industry. Deeply invested in Sacramento's evolution as a global food destination, Patrick serves in leadership roles with the Foundation for California Community Colleges, Visit Sacramento, and initiatives advancing food access and regional collaboration. 

He brings to the Innovation Tour a chef's curiosity, a community advocate's perspective, and an infectious belief in food's power to create meaningful and lasting change.

Business Owner, Canon

Clay Nutting is a Sacramento hospitality entrepreneur and community leader whose work bridges food, arts, technology, and civic impact. As an co-owner and operator of Canon, Franquette, and Nixtaco in Folsom, he has helped create distinctive gathering places that contribute to the region's culinary identity. He also co-founded and managed Family Meal Sacramento, a community food security initiative that has provided more than 750,000 meals which mobilized local restaurants to feed people in need and support hospitality workers through the pandemic. He is currently leading the launch of Mealful, a platform connecting healthcare, nutrition, restaurants, and philanthropy to improve food access and health outcomes. Clay serves as Board Chair of Valley Vision and is a member of the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

A longtime builder of creative ventures - from major arts experiences to restaurant technology - Clay brings an entrepreneur's instinct for collaboration, experimentation, and turning ambitious ideas into community assets.

President & CEO, Paratransit

Tiffani Scott is President and CEO of Paratransit, Inc., where she leads one of California's most innovative mobility organizations serving older adults, people with disabilities, and community partners. With a career spanning transportation planning, public policy, and transit operations, she has guided major transit systems through growth and modernization while championing mobility as a pathway to health, opportunity, and independence. Under Tiffani's leadership, Paratransit has developed programs that expand access to healthcare, address food insecurity, support nonprofit organizations, and improve mobility across the Sacramento region. 

A respected transportation leader, Tiffani brings a practical understanding of how transportation connects people to essential services.

California State Assembly, 62nd District

Assemblymember José Luis Solache Jr. represents California's 62nd Assembly District, serving communities across southeast Los Angeles County. Before his election to the State Assembly in 2024, he built a career in local public service as Mayor and Councilmember for the City of Lynwood, a three-term member and president of the Lynwood Unified School District Board of Education, and a nonprofit and chamber leader. Throughout his career, he has focused on expanding economic opportunity, strengthening education, and improving quality of life for the communities he serves.

In the Legislature, Assemblymember Solache chairs the Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact and serves on select committees focused on California's independent restaurant industry and CalFresh enrollment and nutrition. He has also authored legislation supporting California's food and agriculture sector, reflecting his interest in the role food systems play in economic development, workforce opportunity, and community well-being. 

He brings to the delegation a state policymaker's perspective on how agriculture, food innovation, and public policy can work together to build a stronger and more inclusive California economy.

Director of Advancement, Alchemist Community Development Corporation

Shannin Stein is a nonprofit and food-systems leader with 30 years of experience in restaurant, agriculture, and community development. As Director of Advancement for Alchemist Community Development Corporation, she leads fundraising and strategic partnerships while helping guide the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability. Her work is grounded in the belief that food can be a powerful tool for creating economic opportunity and strengthening communities. At Alchemist, she helps advance efforts focused on equitable food access, entrepreneurship, and investment in the places people live and gather. She is currently leading the development of Alchemist Public Market, a new gathering place in Sacramento’s River District that brings much of this work together.

She is particularly interested in how locally rooted food systems can contribute to a thriving region. Her focus is on building the relationships and investment that allow good ideas to grow, while finding new ways to support the people and businesses shaping Sacramento’s sustainable food future.

Founder & Partner, Bright Light Strategies

Crystal Strait is a public affairs strategist and policy leader with more than two decades of experience helping elected officials, organizations, and communities navigate complex public policy and drive meaningful change. As Founder and Partner of Bright Light Strategies, she advises clients on government relations, strategic communications, coalition building, and public affairs, drawing on a career that has spanned local, state, and national leadership.

Crystal has served as a policy advisor, communications director, and chief of staff in the California Legislature, as well as senior advisor to Sacramento's two most recent mayors, where she helped advance initiatives focused on innovation, business growth, healthcare, and economic development.

She brings to the Food Frontier delegation deep expertise in public policy, cross-sector collaboration, and the partnerships needed to turn bold ideas into lasting community impact.

President & CEO, Van Vleck Ranch

Stan Van Vleck leads Van Vleck Ranch, a diversified land management company overseeing more than 23 square miles devoted to ranching, recreation, and natural-resource enterprises. Rooted in a multigenerational California ranching tradition, he brings firsthand experience navigating the opportunities and pressures facing working lands, agricultural businesses, and rural communities. 

Stan's perspective connects food and agriculture to the larger questions of land stewardship, resource management, and long-term economic resilience - offering the delegation an important producer's view of how innovation must work in practice as well as in theory.

President & CEO, Walters Strategies

Josh Walters is an attorney, strategist, and political advisor with two decades of experience navigating California's public policy landscape. As President and CEO of Walters Strategies, he helps elected leaders, associations, coalitions, and employers solve complex political, legal, and communications challenges. His work spans campaign strategy, issue advocacy, coalition building, and crisis management, including service as chief strategist for the Alliance of California's Farmers & Ranchers.

A native Californian and graduate of UC Davis and UC Hastings College of the Law, Josh brings to the delegation a keen understanding of how policy, public opinion, and effective partnerships shape the future of agriculture.

Future Food Institute, Founder

Andrea co-founded in 2003 You Can Group - a group of 30 companies (with over 200 bright and dynamic individuals) focused on digital, design & food.

He is also founder and CEO of Lifeinaclick, has been a project leader of the Lifeinaclick team for the Torino 2006, Vancouver 2010, and Sochi 2014 Olympic torch relays in the digital picture coverage of the events. In 2003, he founded You Can Srl, a company that introduces the Italian design market (Molo design ltd) and he still maintains the commercial partnership with this Canadian company. In 2006, Andrea founded Sosushi and managed it as CEO for 7 years. Since 2013, he is CEO and founder of Well Done Burger - a made-in-Italy gourmet burger chain with 14 restaurants. In 2018, he became Chairman of BoD of Welldone SpA. In 2014, he became a partner through You Can Group of Laurent-Perrier Italia Spa, the Italian subsidiary of Laurent-Perrier Champagne Group and was responsible for communication and innovation processes until 2016. In 2014, he founded Future Food Institute and since 2016 has been the CEO and manager of Scuderia - Future Food Urban Coolab.

Future Food Institute, Junior Project Manager

Anastasiia is a Junior Project Manager at the Future Food Institute, where she coordinates international initiatives at the intersection of food systems innovation, sustainability and territorial regeneration. Her work encompasses EU-funded research and innovation projects, stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, events and cross-sector collaboration, including initiatives such as SWITCH, SEEDS and ERA-Careers. 

She holds a Master’s degree with honours in Business Administration and Sustainability from the University of Bologna and a Bachelor’s degree with honours  in International Relations from Saint Petersburg State University.