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Specialty Food Association announces board for 2025-2026

The slate includes professionals from across the food field, as well as academia.

Courtesy of Firehook

Several new members have joined the governing board of the not-for-profit Specialty Food Association (SFA). Following a voting period in the spring and early summer, members of the association approved a new group of board officers and new directors for the 2025-2026 term. The new roster was announced at SFA’s Annual Member Meeting at the end of June.

The following directors were appointed as Board Officers for 2025-2026:

Board Chair: Pierre Abushacra, Firehook
Vice Chair: Scott Jensen, Kosmos Q
Treasurer: Dwight Richmond, Town & Country Markets
Secretary: Sarah Masoni, Oregon State University Food Innovation Center
Immediate Past Chair: Nona Lim

“I’m super honored to be stepping into this role and especially excited to be doing it at a time when so many new independent makers and innovators are relying on the SFA to launch and grow their businesses,” says Abushacra.

SFA’s board of directors is responsible for the overall governance of the SFA as a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt organization. Board members are all actively involved in the business or management of SFA member companies in good standing.

SFA also announced that three new directors have joined the board:

Heather Brand, Thrive Market
Lucia Conejo-Mir, Ines Rosales USA
Harrison Kahn of Vermont Creamery

In addition, Victoria Ho of Khalo Inc. was re-elected. Each of these directors will serve a three-year term through June 2028.

“The strength of the SFA comes from our engaged members and the steady leadership of our Board,” states Bill Lynch, SFA president. “I want to thank every member who took time to vote this year. We’re deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteer leaders who will help shape our direction and drive our mission forward in the years ahead.”

Directors who are continuing to serve on the board in 2025-2026 are:

Class of 2025-2026

Michael Reich, Hanson Faso Sales & Marketing
Dwight Richmond, Town & Country Market
Pierre Abushacra, Firehook
Scott Jensen, Kosmos Q

Class of 2026-2027

Sarah Masoni, Oregon State University Food Innovation Center
James Ren, GoodSAM
Rodd Willis, BeyondBrands
Loralie Holly, Texas Tamale Co./Brazos Legends

In addition to the board of directors, more than 35 SFA members were appointed to serve on SFA councils and committees for the 2025-2026 term, helping to guide the association’s approach to priority services and programs, including membership, trade shows, buyer engagement, community, inclusion, and belonging, and more.