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Winter 2026 Staff Celebrations & Anniversaries

By Madeleine Ware posted 16 hours ago

  

Work Anniversaries 

Shanoah Harren, BI Analyst — 1st anniversary 

Jacob Nachel, Member Business Advisor — 1st anniversary 

Bella Syslo, Marketing & Communications Specialist — 1st anniversary 

Jen LaValley, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) —2nd anniversary 

Nicholas Helms, CRM Application Developer — 3rd anniversary 

Hope Tipton, Category Manager — 3rd anniversary 

Courtney Worden, Promotional Systems Lead — 4th anniversary 

Angela Bozo, Director of Member Programs — 4th anniversary 

Kim Route, Category Manager — 4th anniversary 

Michele Lamppa, Director of People & Culture — 5th anniversary 

Hannah Peper, Community & Events Manager — 5th anniversary 

Meggie Smith, Director of Marketing & Communications — 9th anniversary 

 

New Hires 

Christopher Foust, Category Manager 

Hello all! I am very excited to join the esteemed INFRA team as a Category Manager on the Purchasing team. Having spent the last eight years working in the natural products industry, both in the aisles and in a store support position, and the previous five years in clean beauty, I look forward to applying my passion for clean products and supporting independent grocers to my work here at INFRA. Empowering customers to have access to clean and nutritious food options for themselves and their families is what drives me every day.  

 

I grew up living all over the states having a parent in the military, so I have deep connections to many areas of the country from coast to coast. Moving every three to four years growing up provided unique opportunities to discover new local cultures, culinary delights, and strengthened my skills to make connections with new people. Most recently I spent the past 20 years in the DMV area (DC, Maryland, Virginia) and moved to Minnesota to be closer to family.   

 

In my free time you can find me exploring new hiking spots around the state, sipping a latte at a quirky cafe, attending art festivals and museums, and spending time with family. I also love seeing live music and will travel to see an epic show. Fun fact: I have seen my favorite band live 27 times! I am also an ordained minister and have officiated three weddings for friends/family. I just love love! 

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Morgan Blake, Supply Agreement Lead 

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Hello! I am thrilled to join INFRA as the new Supply Agreement Lead! INFRA’s focus on sustainability, independent retail, and mission-driven business really caught my attention. With a decade of experience in independent grocery retail and my time working with INFRA as a retailer, I’m excited to help more independent stores grow and carve out their unique identity within their communities.   
 
As someone who grew up in a community that taught the value of supporting local producers and prioritizing a sustainable future, I always knew that I would bring that into all aspects of my life. From picking and selling organic corn as a kid, studying the food system in college, volunteering at a farm sanctuary, and working closely with local diverse suppliers.   

When I’m not at my desk, you can find me antiquing, exploring small midwestern towns, trying new restaurants, reading, and expanding my immense love for produce by trying new veggie heavy recipes.   

Celebrations  

Meggie Smith Welcomes a New Addition to her Family! 

A huge congratulations to Director of Marketing & Communications Meggie Smith for welcoming a new baby boy into her family. This Thanksgiving baby is already surrounded by so much love! 

 

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