Team Member

Janie Butler
Team Team Member

Janie Butler

Janie Butler develops dynamic educational programs and workforce solutions to cultivate talent in the growing alternative protein sector. Areas of expertise: workforce development, community-building, educational program design, cross-disciplinary thinking, agile mindset

Pat McAuley
Team Team Member

Pat McAuley

Pat McAuley works with the Corporate Engagement team, serving as the primary contact for alternative protein entrepreneurs and startups. Areas of expertise: entrepreneurship, startups, fundraising, consumer brands, brand strategy

Rachel Lichte
Team Expert

Rachel Lichte

Rachel works with GFI's U.S. and global affiliate leadership to promote cross-functional teamwork and strengthen collaboration across our global network in order to maximize GFI's impact. Areas of expertise: strategic planning, communication, program management

Sarah Backer
Team Team Member

Sarah Backer

Sarah Backer supports the Policy team by researching policy opportunities and using persuasive writing to engage decision-makers, partner organizations, and the public to advance alternative proteins. Areas of expertise: Research and analysis, content creation, environmental policy

Tamar Lieberman
Team Team Member

Tamar Lieberman

Tamar Lieberman leads the Policy Department’s state legislative efforts and campaigns for public research to accelerate progress on alternative proteins. Areas of expertise: policy advocacy campaigns, coalition building, state legislation

Aimee Pelletier
Team Team Member

Aimee Pelletier

Aimee Pelletier helps to ensure the effective operation and management of GFl's Corporate Engagement Department. Areas of expertise: nonprofit management and strategy, relationship building and collaboration, project management, operations, communications

Emily Hennegan
Team Team Member

Emily Hennegan

Emily Hennegan drives creative campaign initiatives to communicate GFI's key messages and elevate GFI's brand. Areas of expertise: branding, web and print design, illustration, motion graphics, video

Chelsea Hammersmith
Team Team Member

Chelsea Hammersmith

Chelsea Hammersmith develops industry narratives and deliverables with actionable insights to accelerate progress on alternative proteins. Areas of expertise: strategic communications, content development, storytelling

Maria Mercado
Team Team Member

Maria Mercado SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Maria manages People Operations, benefits, payroll, compliance, and employee life cycle changes to ensure everything runs smoothly, which allows GFI team members to focus on their work with the confidence that their needs are well taken care of, while also enhancing the overall employee experience. Areas of expertise: People Operations, benefits, employee experience, payroll, and compliance

Brandi Bangle
Team Team Member

Brandi Bangle

Brandi Bangle facilitates GFI's Research Grants Program, manages stakeholder communications, and supports the RFP cycle processes. Areas of expertise: research administration, program coordination, process improvement