Veretta Nix

Human Resources Director
Zingerman’s Community of Businesses

Why Food Gatherers? “I was raised to believe that I have a responsibility to contribute in positive ways to support my communities and fellow citizens. Food Gatherers provides healthy food choices to people in need, demonstrates care and respect, and supports the health of our community. I look forward to serving on the Food Gatherers Board.”

Favorite vegetable? “Cabbage – raw or cooked a million ways, you can’t mess it up for me.”

Christopher Tressler

Senior Director of Tax and Asset Accounting
Wacker Chemical Corporation

What Food Gatherers? “I’ve been a big fan of all that Food Gatherers has done for the Washtenaw County community over the past decades. I wanted to help try to make sure that Food Gatherers is well-positioned to continue providing and expand the critical role played in reducing food insecurity in the local community.”

Favorite vegetable? “Hard to pick just one, but right now I’d have to say brussels sprouts! Broccoli and carrots round out the top 3!”

Eileen Spring

President/CEO
Food Gatherers

Why Food Gatherers? “I joined Food Gatherers in 1994 to oversee fundraising and volunteer management. I soon became the CEO and it’s been a whirlwind of a joyful journey to fight hunger where we live. I am constantly inspired by the staff, volunteers, and community partners to share more food and goodwill. I believe that in a land of plenty, no one should be hungry. When not gathering, I love to travel and play Scrabble.”

Favorite vegetable? “Potatoes, in honor of my Irish parents who served them in every meal!”

Susan Aaronson

Lecturer/Director of Dietetics Program, Department of Nutritional Sciences
University of Michigan School of Public Health

Why Food Gatherers? “Our community is incredibly lucky to have Food Gatherers and its network of partners who provide food assistance. Both my professional and personal passions are to work toward addressing and solving the disparities that prevent people from having access to healthy food, aligning with their mission. I am inspired by their passionate work.”

Favorite vegetable? “Any vegetable in the cruciferous family that is roasted — the stars are cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts!”

Gary Bruder

Attorney
Bruder PLC

Why Food Gatherers? “Having been involved with Food Gatherers since shortly after its inception, I have seen it grow from an organization that borrowed a station wagon to distribute food to becoming a nationally recognized leader in addressing food security (with a fleet of vehicles)! It is an honor and privilege to work with Food Gatherers as it serves our community and provides support to our neighbors in need.”

Favorite vegetable? Snap peas fresh off the vine.

Tony Denton

Senior Vice President and Chief Environmental, Social and Governance Officer
University of Michigan Health System

Why Food Gatherers? “I have been a long-time supporter of Food Gatherers’ vision and mission to feed the hungry and homeless in need of nourishment and good health. I am committed to reducing food insecurity, a key determinant of health, which when successful, can inspire hope and enable the vitality of an individual, family, and community one day at a time.”

Favorite vegetable? “A tie between broccoli and tomato. For those who say a tomato is a fruit…..nope!”

Nell Dority

Chief of Staff, Vice President for Government Relations
University of Michigan

Why Food Gatherers? “It was a huge honor to be invited to join the board of Food Gatherers a few years ago as it’s been an organization that I have long admired since working in restaurant kitchens in Ann Arbor in the 90’s. I’ve really enjoyed helping the Development team as well as Eileen and the Community Food Programs team as they work to expand their advocacy programming.”

Favorite vegetable? “In terms of picking favorite vegetables, I absolutely cannot pick one because I LOVE THEM ALL!!!”

Angela Jackson

Attorney
Hooper Hathaway, P.C.

Why Food Gatherers? “I grew up in a community where food insecurity was widespread. I believe that consistent access to healthy food from birth is fundamental to a healthier community in all respects.”

Favorite vegetable? “Carrots!”

Todd Kephart

Managing Partner

Retirement Income Solutions

Why Food Gatherers? “In an era where every aspect of life grows increasingly more expensive, Food Gatherers helps fill holes in family budgets by providing access to nutritious food. Having gotten to know Food Gatherers from running our local Rotary Club’s annual food drive for the past 15 years, I am thrilled to join the board in its continuing efforts to reduce food insecurity in our community.”

Favorite vegetable? “My favorite veggie is broccoli.”

David Lamb

Chairman, President and CEO
Oxford Bank and Oxford Bank Corporation

Why Food Gatherers? “I have known about the great work that Food Gatherers has done for years and knew I wanted to be part of serving the community with the most core essential, which is food. We can’t address any other needs in the community without food security or reduced food insecurity.”

Favorite vegetable? “Brussel Sprouts.”

Jackie Lapinski

Vice President Performance Excellence
Trinity Health Michigan

Why Food Gatherers? “I’m honored to be joining the Board for such an incredible organization who is committed to ending hunger in our community. Food is a basic need and something too many of us take for granted. And in our community, we’re fortunate to have a strong network of services who can support our most vulnerable people and families.”

Favorite vegetable? Brussels Sprouts

Juan Marquez

Medical Director
Washtenaw County Health Department

Why Food Gatherers? “Access to healthy foods is a critical part of public health and I value the important role that Food Gatherers plays in our county.”

Favorite vegetable? “Cucumber.”

Julia Petty

Manager of Professional Development
McKinsey & Company

Why Food Gatherers? “I have a deep personal connection to Food Gatherers because it’s where I began my career. I saw firsthand how effective and efficient the organization is at connecting the community’s resources with people who need support. That experience is why I’ve remained a supporter over the years, and I am honored to deepen my connection to the mission by joining the Board.”

Favorite vegetable? “Sweet potatoes!”

Kelly Stupple

Program Manager
Washtenaw Health Project

Why Food Gatherers? “I’m excited to join the Food Gatherers board because I love food and I hate waste! I feel as if our community has an abundance of resources and I’m very interested in how Food Gatherers is able to effectively reallocate resources to those in need, helping to bring our community into a healthier balance.”

Favorite vegetable? “My favorite vegetables are bell peppers, especially the yellow ones, because of the taste but also because of how they look in a salad.”

Denise Tanguay

Emeritus Professor

Eastern Michigan University

Why Food Gatherers? “I have been dedicated for many years to building support in Washtenaw County for those who are housing insecure and food insecure, having served on the Board of SOS Community Services. It seems incomprehensible to me that in our country, people go hungry. The opportunity to join the Board of an organization like Food Gatherers to help increase food resources in our community is a real honor.”

Favorite vegetable? “My favorite vegetable is definitely the artichoke – I love the idea that I’m eating an amazing tasting flower bud!”