Elk Packaging works with brands across the United States, helping them thrive by delivering custom packaging solutions that align with their values and aspirations.• Responsible for starting Elk’s sustainable packaging division from the ground up to $2mm in sales annually, developing commercially appropriate sustainable packaging solutions primarily for CPG and Natural Foods customers— from emerging up to XL brands. • Lead multi-phase packaging development and transitions with cross functional teams from concept development to testing and validation through commercialization and launch. This includes transitioning brands to their “new world” of sustainability-minded issues such as: different barrier considerations, machine qualifications, logistical handling, environmental marketing claims, LCA projects, H2R or compostability testing & certification, and end of life topics. • Horizon scan and build an innovation pipeline of novel materials to support brands’ goals of functionality, price, and a reliable supply in materials—such as BPI certified compostable, home compostable, plant based, 100% Post Consumer Waste Recycled, made with PCR and recyclable substrates across formats such as flexible films and folding cartons. Build and maintain supplier relationships to extract best in class solutions for customers. • Completed numerous BPI Certification projects for existing and new customers across diverse product categories, creating IP for the company.

The OSC is comprised of dozens of leading natural product brands, material manufacturers and industry partners working pre- competitively as an open-source, open-forum community working on solutions for single-use packaging. My work has ranged from running the group as a founding member, to being a Board member advising overall direction. The work ranges from materials vetting and functionality testing, open sharing of best practices and emerging technologies, to policy and consumer engagement campaigns.Companies on board include: Numi Tea, Ancient Nutrition, Big Tree Farms, Nature's Path, Urban Remedy, Gaia Herbs, WildWay, Lundberg Rice, Justin's Nut Butters, Dr Bronner's, Sambazon, Nutiva, Whole Foods, Mamma Chia, Thrive Market, Sun & Swell, Ben & Jerry's, Alter Eco, Amy's Kitchen Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Tea and others.

Managed day-to-day functions of supply chain to ensure high-quality products were sourced against cost targets and product guidelines. Performed a variety of tasks relating to production, purchasing, new product R&D, vendor sourcing, certifications management and vendor partner management. Oversaw the product qualification and quality assurance department (1 staff) . Led organizational efforts supporting company goals of sustainability in packaging, raw ingredient supply chain. Acted as liaison within Natural/ Organic community as AEA’s resident SME on sustainability.

Was responsible for all facets of operations and sustainability efforts for a Fair Trade certified multi-national food company.• Directed purchasing, production, and vendor selection processes; negotiated pricing and terms for vendors and partners in N. America, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Bolivia, Thailand, and the Philippines• Managed warehouse relationships (4)• Project managed for new product development with a focus on chocolate. Executed delivery on multiple new SKUs annually to meet tight launch schedules. This included line extensions and new categories.• Was responsible for Quality Control, product Certifications (Organic, Fair Trade, Gluten Free, Non-GMO Project and Compostable)• Created first compostable Stand Up Pouch for our quinoa line made from Non-GMO plant based inputs.• Responsible for bringing first Compostable truffle wrapper to US market (2012)• Managed Operations team

Managed Supply chain of Organic and Fair Trade tea. This included supplier and co-packer relationships, Purchasing, Forecasting, Quality Control, all logistics and warehousing for over 100 SKUs.