Staff
Amanda Shreve
Executive Director | Email
Amanda has been part of the MIFMA team since November 2009. She says, “I am passionate about connecting the public with agriculture and growing awareness of what it takes to produce our food supply in a safe, equitable and environmentally sustainable way. I recognize that farmers markets are a very visible and tangible way to establish, maintain and grow this connection.”
Amanda obtained her Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Michigan State University. She enjoys floral design, gardening, and spending time with her husband and two dogs. Contact Amanda to discuss having MIFMA support an effort you are involved in and to explore partnering with MIFMA (including contracting with us to provide a service, working on a joint grant proposal and/or establishing an in-kind partnership or exchange of services).
Joe Lesausky
Food Access Director | Email
Joe’s experience includes earning a Bachelors of Science degree in Public and Non-Profit Administration from Grand Valley State University and over ten years spent in market management working with food assistance programs. He graduated from the inaugural MIFMA Market Manager Certificate program in 2011 and was recertified in August 2017. Joe joined the MIFMA team in March 2018, inspired by the mission to support Michigan farmers markets through food assistance programs.
Joe says, “Farmers markets are a fundamental community building location- connecting people to farmers, people to food, and people to people.” He is passionate about movies and genealogy. Contact Joe for information about accepting SNAP Bridge Cards, SNAP equipment troubleshooting, and Food Assistance Programs.
Julia Kramer
Assistant Director | Email
Julia joined the MIFMA team in November 2022 after 10 years of varied experience at farmers markets in the Greater Lansing Area. She managed Allen Farmers Market for 6 years and served on the MIFMA Board of Directors for over 4 years.
Julia says, "I am passionate about creating and practicing strategies to move towards equity and justice in the food system." Outside of work time, they enjoy hiking, foraging, and hosting potlucks.
Jenny Radon
Programs Manager | Email
Jenny obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a minor in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems at Michigan State University. Since joining MIFMA in June 2018, she has focused her efforts on program promotion and outreach, organization and time management, and event planning and preparation.
Jenny says, “Sustainable agriculture is something that I’m passionate about and farmers markets provide social, economic, and environmental stability to communities in a way that contributes to the overall sustainability of a society.” Contact Jenny to enroll in the Market Manager Certificate Program, participate in the Farmers Market at the Capitol, and about sharing your expertise with the farmers market community.
Ashley Wenger
Programs Manager | Email
Ashley hails from the Midwest, graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering. She has over five years of on-the-ground experience coordinating and managing farmers’ markets in Massachusetts. Ashley joined the MIFMA team in June 2021, excited to support Michigan’s market managers to create thriving marketplaces for local food and farm products.
Ashley says, “Farmers’ Markets are an essential part of the food chain increasing access to fresh, local food for all community members and serve as important places of connection within a community.”
In her free time, she enjoys DIY projects and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Contact Ashley for technical assistance, membership questions, and to learn more about Produce Prescription Programs!
Hailey Lamb
Communications Manager | Email
Hailey graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photography from Kendall College of Art and Design. She joined the MIFMA team in December 2019, inspired by MIFMA’s mission to advance farmers markets to create a thriving marketplace for local food and farm products.
Hailey says, “All people deserve access to fresh, local food. I believe in the potential of the local food movement in Michigan and beyond.” In her free time, she enjoys collecting coffee mugs and spending time with her pets. Contact Hailey with questions about MIFMA communications, including our website, newsletter, and printed materials.
Paige Hampton
Association Manager | Email
Paige graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Sports Management from Franklin University in August 2022 and joined the MIFMA team shortly after. She moved to Michigan in 2020 and has since fallen in love with Lake Michigan and the state parks. Paige is passionate about supporting small businesses and shopping locally which is what initially drew her to MIFMA. Paige says, “Farmers markets are a great way to get locally grown foods while also supporting small businesses in your community.” In her free time, she enjoys watching reality television and spending time with her dog.
Bella Pagogna
Produce Prescription Manager | Email
Bella Pagogna is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College, majoring in Social Relations & Policy with minors in Health Promotion and Global Public Health & Epidemiology. She's eager to provide technical assistance and support implementation, evaluation and advocacy for PPR programs across Michigan and around the country.
As an avid farmers market attendee, Bella says, “I am excited to work with MIFMA in expanding the fresh food movement as supporting local businesses, exploring new foods, and increasing food access via farmers markets are fundamental in cultivating an inclusive community.”
Student Employees
Keke Griffin
Operations Student Assistant | Email
Keke is a student at Michigan State University’s Lyman Briggs College and plans to major in Human Biology. She joined MIFMA in November 2019, and previously worked for the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm.
Keke says, "Increasing access to fresh, locally grown, and affordable produce in urban and low income areas has always been something I really want to see and be a part of." She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and learning new things. Contact her if you have any questions about Michigan's food assistance programs.