fany bortolin
FOUNDER, CEO
I am a financial professional with over 15 years of experience in evaluating and improving organizational processes and financial systems. In recent years, I've specialized in non-profit management, strategic growth, and start-ups, most specifically in the public school system. I am a creative thinker obsessed with identifying opportunities in which all parts work together.
amy biasbas
CHIEF EDUCATION OFFICER
I have a Master’s in Education and over 16 years of experience in K-12 education at the intersection of classroom teaching, education policy, alternative education model development, curriculum development, and business development. Most recently, I served as Director of School Operations and School Principal at urban city schools.
I spent some time volunteering in Belize, delivering sustainable farming practices programs to indigenous communities and served as a School Success/ Public Safety/Disaster Relief First Responder for AmeriCorps in the inner city of St. Louis, MO.
joe heckman
CHIEF FARMING OFFICER
I was fortunate to grow up seeing food grow in West Liberty, Iowa. I’ve worked in my family’s farm for 7 years, improving farming operations, financials, data management, and helping make key decisions. I’ve also had the amazing opportunity to volunteer in an organic farm and rural economic development project in Belize. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa. I'm devoted to sustainability and a better quality of life for all.
board of directors
MIGUEL MUZZIO
Scientist
Assistant Vice-President and Manager, Analytical Chemistry Division at IIT Research Institute
JOHN KRAUSE
Architect and Urban Planner
Executive Director Chicago Streetcar Renaissance
ANA THOMPSON
Marine Biologist
Science Bilingual Teacher at Highland Park High School
Brian Severson Farms, Quality Organic is a family owned business since 1866. We are located 80 miles south-west of Chicago, just outside of Dwight. The bulk of our production is conventional non-GMO corn and soybeans. We started transitioning into organic production in 2004. We now have 150 acres certified organic by Oregon Tilth.
We raise corn, soybeans, organic field peas, wheat, oats, popcorn, and buckwheat.
Partnering with
Lara Field, Registered Dietitian and owner of FEED, is key to the program’s success and sustainability. Lara collaborates in the design of menus available to schools and ensures they meet nutritional standards using local, seasonal products. The menus are key for planning the demand and placing produce orders with the local farmers each season. Additionally, Lara provides nutrition counseling, allergy management, grocery shopping and in-home meal preparation training, and school consultation.
cynthia lopez
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
I have over 16 years of hands-on experience in high-level operations, including systems implementation, processes and procedures, and resource management.
