Team Member

Matt Hotze, Ph.D.
Team Team Member

Matt Hotze, Ph.D.

Matt Hotze serves as a leading learner who oversees operations of the Science & Technology Department; he identifies and removes roadblocks as the team builds out the ever-expanding map of alternative protein research. Areas of expertise: team building and leadership, nanotechnology, water treatment, scientific publishing, e-biking across Houston

Liz Fathman
Team Team Member

Liz Fathman

Liz leads the editorial and engagement team within Comms to steward and strengthen GFI’s owned and social channels, earned media work, and events and community engagement. Areas of expertise: strategic communications, content creation and storytelling, publishing, ethnography, small-scale agriculture, regional food production

Chethana Biliyar
Team Team Member

Chethana Biliyar

Chethana Biliyar manages finance and administration, providing cross-cutting operations support to the Collaborative Assistance Team. Areas of expertise: finance, administration, USG international procurement and grants management, policy and procedure implementation, training

Curt Chaffin
Team Team Member

Curt Chaffin, J.D.

Curt contributes to creating a better future of food by inspiring and growing our policy team. Areas of expertise: strategic planning, management, environmental law

Jennifer Tourkin
Team Team Member

Jennifer Tourkin

Jennifer supports the Vice President of Corporate Engagement toward creating a more sustainable, secure, and just food system. Areas of expertise: project management, communications, organization

Penny Eastman
Team Team Member

Penny Eastman

Penny helps to create a sustainable, secure, and just food system by advancing alternative proteins in Congress. Areas of expertise: government relations, lobbying, legislation

Dominic Scicchitano
Team Team Member

Dominic Scicchitano

Dominic provides administrative and project management support for the Communications team’s thought leadership, messaging, and multi-sector engagement efforts. Areas of expertise: writing and editing, project management, community-based and participatory research, communications and engagement rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice