Work Anniversaries
Meggie Smith, Director of Communications – 7 years
Courtney Worden, Purchasing Systems Lead – 2 years
Hannah Gomes, Community & Events Manager – 3 years
Michael Paynic, Fresh Retail Consultant – 7 years
Sara Fulton-Koerbling, Retail Marketing Lead – 3 years
Tom Scott, Member Business Advisor – 1 year
Taylor Stringe, BI Manager – 1 year
Greta Sikorski, Director of Operations – 8 years
Dawn Egbert, Executive Assistant – 1 year
INFRA Team Celebrations
Congrats on your promotion, Ruthanne!
Growth Operations Manager
As we continue to re-evaluate how our team can best serve members, we’ve decided it’s time for Ruthanne to take on a larger role in guiding the growth of INFRA’s membership! We can’t think of anyone better for the job – Ruthanne’s innovation, creative problem-solving, and dedication to serving members will make her the perfect fit for this role. Congrats!
Congrats on your promotion, Hannah!
Community & Events Manager
For 3 years, Hannah has contributed her stellar organizational skills and attention to detail to put on fun and informative events for INFRA members. We can’t wait for her to step into her new role as Community & Events Manager where she will continue to make INFRA’s events shine!
Congrats on your promotion, Meggie!
Director of Communications
Meggie’s incredible ambition and vision have been driving INFRA’s communications for 7 years, so it was about time she took on a bigger role in leading our communications! We can’t wait to see what exciting directions she will lead us in next. Well deserved, Meggie!
Congrats on your promotion, Taylor!
BI Manager
As our Business Intelligence needs have grown, we couldn’t think of anyone better to lead our growing BI team. We are confident that Taylor will steer us towards even more useful and impactful data insights. Congrats, Taylor!
These promotions align with INFRA’s recent team re-organization, to learn more click here.
New Staff
Sarah Super
Hello my friends! I am beyond excited to be back at INFRA as a Wellness Strategist. My passion for natural food retail started nearly 20 years ago when I became a manager for a local co-op, and I’ve loved it ever since! I started at INFRA in 2014 as a Category Manager, but I’ve spent the last 7 years working on the brand side with a focus on supporting independent retailers. Now I am back and so happy to help our amazing retailers and their wellness departments thrive. I appreciate this opportunity to continue to do what I am passionate about and can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together!
I have lived in Minnesota most of my life and love to travel, hike, and experience new things. I have a great husband, wonderful daughters, a beautiful granddaughter, and awesome friends!
Penni Ruben
Hello! I’m so excited to be joining the INFRA team as Senior Growth Strategist. The world of natural foods has been a constant in my life, thanks to growing up in a retail family. From managing the day-to-day operations at Lakewinds Co-op to experiencing the distribution side of things as Sr. Business Development Manager at UNFI, I bring a wide breadth of experience across the natural industry to this role.
INFRA’s mission speaks to me because I know from experience how crucial grocery stores are to communities – they’re more than just stores, they’re the pulse of where we live. One of my most valued experiences working in retail leadership was being there for my community during a bird flu outbreak. Witnessing how independent grocers unite in times of need is nothing short of incredible, and I’m excited to extend INFRA’s reach to more retailers nationwide.
Outside of work, I am an avid rock collector – I’m a proud member of the Apache Junction Mineral and Gem Foundation! I am also a certified herbal therapist and enjoy creating herbal remedies for friends and family in my time off. You can also find me walking my beloved pups around my neighborhood in AZ!
Jen LaValley
Hello! I am thankful to be joining INFRA as the VP of Finance and Administration. I bring over twenty years of experience with me from varied industries, from the service sector to distribution and retail, which I will leverage to help me support and grow the finance and administrative team at INFRA. From Finance to Technology, People & Culture to Communications, I’m excited to work beside the team to further the mission of INFRA. Not only does our team focus on the internal support, but also makes sure the members and vendors are fully supported in whatever they may need from us. I’m excited for the challenges and adventures to come!
I am a product of the Midwest and have lived in five different states but have made Minnesota my home for the last 20 years. I live with my husband, Dustin and our two daughters (Ady 13 and Sam 10) and we love to stay active and spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors, especially with our dog, Sky. If we aren’t watching our girls at a cheer competition, soccer, basketball, or softball game, we love spending time with friends and family. Leaving the world a better place for my children and the next generation has really become a focal point for me. I feel INFRA is a perfect fit for leaning into that passion.
Join our Team
As you can see, the capabilities of the INFRA team keep growing to provide the best service to our members! We're currently seeking talented, mission-driven folks to join us! Do you know someone skilled in merchandising or category management? We love referrals - click here to learn more and view open positions!