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Oran B. Hesterman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Hesterman is the inaugural president and chief executive officer of the Fair Food Network. A national leader in sustainable agriculture and food systems, Dr. Hesterman has published more than 400 reports and articles. He played an essential role in the establishment of the Michigan Food Policy Council. Dr. Hesterman has also made significant contributions to the funding of healthy food and farming via his leadership of the Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders group. As a former farmer and an avid potter, Dr. Hesterman's eclectic and innovative experiences contribute grounded guidance and leadership.

Prior to starting the Fair Food Network, Dr. Hesterman was the inaugural President of Fair Food Foundation. His considerable experience in the philanthropic sector also includes working for the Kellogg Foundation for over 15 years as Program Director in Food Systems

Dr. Hesterman researched and taught forage and cropping systems management, sustainable agriculture, and leadership development in the Crop and Soil Sciences department at Michigan State University in East Lansing before going to the Kellogg Foundation. From 1987-1990, he was a fellow in the Kellogg National Fellowship Program (KNFP). Dr. Hesterman was also a fellow at the National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy in Washington, D.C..

Dr. Hesterman earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of California-Davis in plant science/vegetable crops and agronomy, respectively. He received his doctorate in agronomy and business administration from the University of Minnesota, in St. Paul.

Jean Chorazyczewski, Director of Operations

As Director of Operations at Fair Food Network, Jean Chorazyczewski works closely with the President to help to run the organization effectively and helps to create a culture that is meaningful, satisfying, inspiring, and progressive. She is responsible for managing and monitoring the daily operations, activities, policies, and initiatives, including human resources management, accounting, budgeting, contracting, information management systems, office management, and regulatory compliance.

Prior to joining Fair Food Network, Jean was the Director of Operations at Fair Food Foundation. She also brings work experience from Enlighten, an interactive agency in Ann Arbor. Over the ten years of her tenure there, Jean held many key positions including Director of Production, Director of Project Management, and most recently Engagement Manager. Jean was an active leader in the company on issues surrounding business strategy, growth, and process and was instrumental in building a strategic platform for exceptional company-to-client satisfaction with the development of Enlighten's overall production process, making it the standard by which Enlighten works today. Jean also has extensive experience as a consultant and market researcher for a wide range of industries including financial services, utility and governmental organizations. She holds a BA in Business from Michigan State University with an emphasis in Marketing.

Growing up with an abundant backyard vegetable garden in Detroit, Jean appreciates how fortunate she was in having access to such delicious, fresh healthy food and how it brought family and neighbors together. Jean is passionate about connecting with people, community, and taking care of the Earth and feels very excited about being part of an organization that is focused on healthy food and making a real difference in people's lives.

Meredith Freeman, Program Director

Meredith joins the Fair Food Network as Director of Fair Food Detroit. She provides strategy development and implementation that focuses on advancing food equity in urban areas. This includes working with community-based organizations in historically excluded urban communities, policy makers, and other funders to affect change as it relates to the re-design of a food system that provides access to healthy foods for all.

After many years working to help revitalize urban communities, Meredith has seen that food access, politics, and unhealthy environments have been a constant struggle for so many communities. Meredith joins Fair Food Network with extensive experience in nonprofit management and community development. Her experience includes work with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Citibank Global Community Relations, and Episcopal Charities of the Diocese of New York. Meredith received a BA in Psychology from Michigan State University, and a MS in Management and Urban Policy from the New School University in New York. She enjoys yoga and biking, and aims to teach her children the value of self-care and to not take their blessings for granted.

Peggy Cotterell, Special Assistant to the President

Peggy serves as special assistant to the president and CEO of the Fair Food Network. In this position, Peggy contributes a wealth of knowledge from years of management in many fields. The role she plays is challenging and stimulating and draws upon her expansive professional experience.

Peggy has operated as Executive Assistant at Southwest Counseling Solutions, Inc, Synergy Partners, LLC, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and various departments of the Detroit Medical Center. She is currently attending Baker College to obtain a degree in Business Administration and Human Resources. Peggy enjoys her work and studies, yet is regularly out in the community either with her family and friends or volunteering. She has been very conscious of the role that food plays in health, and how shopping for local, fresh food is a priority.