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Our TEam

Alan Reed Executive Director at CFBN

ALAN REED, Executive Director

Alan Reed is the Executive Director of Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network. Prior to this role, Alan was Executive Vice President, Strategy & Innovation at Dairy Management, Inc., and was responsible for creating and driving innovative strategies to grow dairy demand. Alan has a degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University and an MBA in Management & Strategy from Northwestern University.

MAYRA CRUZ, Administrative Assistant

Mayra Cruz is the Administrative Assistant for Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network. Mayra comes to CFBN with over 20 years of administrative experience. Prior to joining CFBN, Mayra worked as an Executive Assistant at Dairy Management, Inc. She attended Northwestern Business College in Chicago.

Mayra Cruz Administrative Assistant at CFBN

Johanna Seidel Communications at CFBN


JOHANNA SEIDEL, Communications Lead I Project Logistics 

Johanna works to amplify Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network and Bigger Table as their Communications Lead through industry newsletters, social media content, network emails, graphics, and close discussions with the member network. She also works with CFBN’s sister company, Bigger Table, assisting in Project Logistics, ensuring donated ingredients and expertise combine to create food products donated to participating Chicagoland food banks and programs. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and more than 8 years experience in the food and beverage industry, she brings a creative approach and knowledge to her roles.

PATRICK SCHAFFLER, Finance & Planning

Patrick has been with Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network soon after its inception, initially serving as interim COO, and now primarily as a consultant for varying financial control needs and special projects. Prior to this role, Patrick served as the Executive Director at the Northern Michigan Catholic Foundation, leading the organization through an operational stabilization. He spent much of his career in Chicago in the banking and fund services sector, then serving as a Director in Dairy Management Inc.’s Strategy, Insights and Planning department. Patrick has a degree in Finance and Business Economics from The University of Notre Dame.

Patrick Schaffler, Finance and Planning at CFBN


Paul Cusimano, Development and Operations at CFBN

PAUL CUSIMANO, Development & Operations

Paul Cusimano is focused upon building Bigger Table, playing operational and development roles in the 501(c)3 nonprofit. Prior to Bigger Table, Paul served similar roles at numerous Chicago-area organizations, including community-based groups, social justice organizations, and most recently the Center for Neighborhood Technology, an urban sustainability center. Paul has a degree in History from Middlebury College (VT) and an MA in East Asian Studies from Columbia University (NYC).


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