Team Member

Shayna Fertig
Team Team Member

Shayna Fertig

Shayna Fertig is our Senior Advisor to the President, working to build out GFI’s high level relationships. Areas of expertise: strategy development, project management, data analytics, food industry

Amanda Bess
Team Expert

Amanda Bess

Amanda leads SciTech's technical analyses and supports strategic planning of future research focused on the tractability and sustainability of alternative protein technologies. Areas of expertise: environmental science, critical analysis, program management, strategic planning

Lucas Eastham
Team Expert

Lucas Eastham

Lucas Eastham is focused on analyzing fermentation technologies, and progressing their applications in the alternative protein industry. Areas of expertise: microbial biotechnology, upstream strain and process development, downstream process development, bioprocess product commercialization

Matt Hotze, Ph.D.
Team Expert

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 is responsible for Collaborative Assistance Team (CAT) department management and oversight of administration, finance, IT, and people operations. Areas of expertise: administration, finance, policy and procedure implementation, training, USG international procurement and grants management

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