Anna Kiss Mauser-Martinez
Executive Director
Anna Kiss was first introduced to City Fresh as a low-income, SNAP-using shareholder in 2007. She is a steadfast believer that what happens in our communities matters, and that it is our duty as citizens of the earth to help build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. These values led her from shareholder to volunteer to program director to executive director. She is an avid knitter and reader and devotes her time and energy to projects and causes that focus on building connection and community.
Leah Finegold
Program Director
Leah first discovered their passion for local food systems as a student at Oberlin College, and got involved with City Fresh in 2021. They are dedicated to fostering community connections through sustainable food access and equity-driven programs. Leah does all things daily operations, from coordinating our amazing team of volunteers to executing marketing campaigns and customer relations. When not slinging shares, you can find them adventuring with their dog, Squash, or experimenting with new recipes.
Emma Miner
Farm Program Coordinator
Emma Miner is an avid environmentalist who fell into agriculture work shortly after moving to Ohio in 2020, where she discovered the only thing she might enjoy more than farming, is teaching about farming. She has worked at numerous small-scale organic farms growing produce and raising livestock, as well as in museums across North East Ohio presenting STEM and agricultural education programs. If you don’t see her out weeding the GJF learning garden, you’ll have to keep looking outside where she may be hiking, birding, cycling, paddling, or fishing. Emma enjoys being able to put her peace studies degree to good use by being part of an organization which provides access to affordable food, and prioritizes both the land and social equity.
Samantha Paskert
Farmer Liaison
Sam has found a calling in schlepping fruits and vegetables to the people. She works with our farmers to bring shareholders fresh, local, and exciting fruits and vegetables every week, in addition to helping maintain the George Jones Farm. She also spins records on her weekly radio show and volunteers for Food Not Bombs.
Alice Stevenson
Food Justice VISTA
Alice Stevenson, a passionate advocate for public health and food security, graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Health Service Administration and Public Health. Currently embarking on her second VISTA year, Alice finds joy in exploring farmers markets, walking her dog Luna, and being active in nature with friends and family. Her commitment to community health and wellness drives her endeavors both professionally and personally.
Board of Directors
Leah Trznadel
Chair
Brandi McElhatten
Vice Chair
Brandi is a single mama of an amazing kiddo and two mischievous cats. By day, she is a Marketing Specialist working in Logistics. She is passionate about sustainability and social equity and knows that even the smallest change in our everyday actions can make a difference. She is an avid supporter of local artists and small businesses. In her spare time, she loves exploring new places in the city with family and friends, going to concerts, crafting, and obsessing over her plot in the community garden.
Melissa Beck
Treasurer
Melissa serves as Chief Financial Officer at The Nord Center and has been in the role of Treasurer for City Fresh since 2021. A committed vegan, she understands the importance of dense nutrition and its impact on health. Melissa spends her free time gardening and enjoying the outdoors with her children and dog.
Julia McPherson
Secretary
Donna Friedman
Donna is a native Clevelander with 10 years of experience in the water sector. Currently, she serves as the Manager of Community Watershed Coordination for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District where she works to build and maintain relationships with the 62 communities within the region’s primary watersheds. Prior to this role, Donna was in the field, conducting environmental monitoring assessments and sewer investigations. In her free time, she hangs out with her dog, rock climbs, and plays sports outside with friends. Her interest in improving and providing local food access to under-served populations in Northeast Ohio brought her to City Fresh.
Jessie Garson
Jessie is a farmer who has spent time working on many small organic veggie farms across the country. She is the owner of J Grows, working with clients to grow veggies and native pollinators in their own spaces. When she is not working outside, she is playing outside. She is excited to contribute to the City Fresh team bringing sunshine, food, and community to everyone.
Madison Letizia
Madison is an impassioned local food and agriculture supporter with over 12 years of communications and marketing experience. She is an enthusiastic advocate of sustainable ag, accessible farmland, and healthy local food systems, and uses her experience to help nonprofits propel their missions forward as a freelancer. Madison is a former farm kid and will never let anyone confuse a goat with a sheep.
Austin Riggle
Cole Ware
Cole is a community organizer and public policy professional. He is a program manager at Results for America, where he helps government leaders use data to promote economic mobility. He has led placemaking and revitalization efforts in Cleveland Heights, and serves on the city’s Transportation and Mobility Committee and GCRTA’s Community Advisory Committee. In his free time, you can find Cole cooking, biking, and watching Liverpool F.C.