Clare Reichenbach, Chief Executive Officer of the James Beard Foundation, announced the next phase of the organization’s evolution with newly created positions for six senior management team members. Mitchell Davis is being elevated to Chief Strategy Officer (CSO); Kris Moon rises to Chief Operating Officer (COO); and Marilyn Platzer adds Chief of Staff (CoS) to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) title. In addition, Katherine Miller becomes Vice President of Impact; Siobhan Flaherty Haber assumes the role of Vice President of Events; and Alison Tozzi Liu becomes Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Editorial.
“This is a comprehensive reorganization, aligning the Foundation’s talent to our strategic priorities,” says Reichenbach. “It sets us up for success as we embark upon the next phase of ambitious growth, with greater focus on our Impact work and all that we do in pursuit of a better food world. It will enable a more strategic approach, strengthening the value we bring to the culinary community, food lovers, and partners alike. I have great confidence in the team, and am excited for this next chapter.”
Reporting directly to Reichenbach, the newly created positions are effective immediately. Davis will oversee corporate strategy and strategic projects, as well as acting as industry liaison and ambassador for the Foundation globally. Moon will oversee all revenue (sponsorship, development, and fundraising), Beard House operations, and information technology/property. Platzer will handle all financial management reporting and accounting, and human resources, in addition to increased legal and governance responsibilities.
Miller will be accountable for all of JBF’s current Impact Programs (including Chefs Boot Camp for Policy & Change, Smart Catch, chef advocacy, and food waste programs), the JBF Women’s Leadership Programs, and diversity initiatives, as well asScholarship Programs.
Flaherty Haber will oversee the full portfolio of events for the Foundation. The portfolio comprises Beard House events and all out-of-house events, including Taste America, Chefs’ Night Out events, Fall Gala, the annual James Beard Awards events, and the expansion of JBF Greens: Foodies under 40.
Tozzi Liu will head up all internal and external communications and PR. She will be accountable for marketing and brand strategy, as well as editorial and content origination.
