The Business of Alt Protein: How to advance plant-forward initiatives in government

Rachel Atcheson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FOOD POLICY PATHWAYS

After years of public service to transform the food system and generate public good, Rachel founded Food Policy Pathways to cultivate the next generation of food and agriculture policy leaders. Previously, she worked in various New York City government roles, including as Deputy Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, Special Advisor to the Chief of Staff, and Deputy Strategist for the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, where she spearheaded initiatives such as citywide nutrition programs and public health campaigns to strengthen food policy.

Maille O’Donnell

SENIOR POLICY SPECIALIST, PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND INDUSTRY, GFI

Maille (pronounced “Molly”) works to catalyze public support for alternative protein commercialization. Her work includes educating stakeholders within the U.S.-based alternative protein ecosystem about government resources that may be available to them and ensuring that agency funders have access to accurate information about the alternative protein industry.

Maille has held several positions within GFI, most recently focused on developing reports and resources on the alternative protein commercial landscape. Before GFI, Maille held various internships in the policy space, including with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park.