Subject Experts
Kelly Amoroso
Senior Coffee and Tea Buyer, Allegro Coffee Company
Kelly Amoroso, senior coffee and tea buyer at Allegro Coffee Company, has been involved in the coffee industry for more than 20 years in various capacities as a coffee buyer, quality control manager, Q Instructor, coffee promoter, coffee coordinator and is a certified Q Grader who oversees cupping competitions. In her time at Allegro Coffee … Continued
Erik Brown
Executive Leader, Produce
Erik Brown began his three-decade long career with Whole Foods Market in 1990. Erik has held various roles, including serving as a Produce Coordinator across regions, such as the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, and overseeing operations in the UK. Since 2015, he has served as the Executive Leader for Produce within the Perishable Purchasing Team. In … Continued
Carrie Brownstein
Principal Quality Standards Advisor, Seafood
In the big picture, Carrie’s work focuses on creating a model for the seafood industry that supports healthier oceans and communities. Working together with stakeholders and partners—fish farmers, fishermen, environmental groups, scientists and skilled seafood buyers—she aims to create a seafood market that supports responsible aquaculture production, reverses trends in overfishing and bycatch, and puts us … Continued
Rachel Bukowski
Executive Leader, Research and Development, Private Brands
Rachel Bukowski oversees the Product Development, Sensory, and Packaging Engineering Teams on the Whole Foods Market’s Exclusive Brands Team. These highly talented and creative team members work to ensure Whole Foods Market and 365 Everyday Value branded products not only taste delicious, but also are on the cutting edge of culinary, flavor, ingredient and sustainability … Continued
Jen Coccaro
Vice President, Whole Body
Jen leads merchandising for Wellness and Beauty, Local and Emerging Brands, Strategic Partnerships and Canada for our Center Store team. In leading these diverse and distinctly different teams, Jen has been able to build and execute vision and strategy, mentor and grow future Whole Foods Market leaders, deliver on our core value of practicing win-win … Continued
Carla Conrad
Senior Team Leader of Product Development
Carla is a Senior Team Leader of Product Development for Whole Foods Market. She manages all aspects of product development and drives innovation and differentiation in support of Whole Foods Market’s Exclusive Brands products. She also started the sensory program at Whole Foods Market 11 years ago. During her time at Whole Foods Market, she’s … Continued
Stephanie Curley
Sr. Principal Program Manager, Growth & Innovation
Stephanie Curley is the Senior Principal Program Manager, Growth & Innovation at Whole Foods Market. Originally from St. Louis, MO, Stephanie graduated from the University of Missouri – Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, focusing on strategic communications. Stephanie’s career began in New York City, where she worked at various PR and Marketing agencies, … Continued
Dan Epley
Vice President of Dry Grocery
Dan Epley is Vice President of Dry Grocery at Whole Foods Market leading the Baking, Meals, Snacks, Beverages, Breakfast, and Candy businesses. He’s played an integral role in the evolution of merchandising organization at Whole Foods Market. He was recently recognized by NOSH on its inaugural NOSH Notables List, a compilation of the top 50 … Continued
Amy Eubanks
Senior Team Leader, Culinary Development
Amy Eubanks leads the growth of new ideas and recipes for our Prepared Foods and Bakery departments. Amy is a classically-trained French chef with two decades of experience working in fine dining restaurants in New York City, including Lespinasse, Cello and Café Boulud. During her time in the restaurant world, Amy served as the executive … Continued
Kylie Felty, RDN, LDN, CLT
Team Leader of Nutrition and Labeling Compliance
At Whole Foods Market, Kylie directs and supports a team of nutrition, certification, and labeling compliance experts for the company’s exclusive brands, including Whole Foods Market and 365 by Whole Foods Market. The Nutrition and Labeling Compliance Team collaborates with product developers and the design team to ensure the Exclusive Brands products are formulated in … Continued
AnaMaria Friede
Executive Leader & Director, Grocery
AnaMaria Friede, originally from Bogota, Colombia, brings a rich cultural background to her dynamic career in the retail industry. Raised in Colombia, she developed a deep appreciation for diverse cuisines, landscapes, and traditions, often sharing meals and stories with family and friends. AnaMaria’s retail career began at Tops Markets and Giant Foods where she actively … Continued
Casey Gaston
Executive Leader of Local & Emerging Brands - Center Store
Casey Gaston, based in Austin, Texas, is the Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market. Beginning her career as a store team member in St. Louis, MO, Casey’s almost 20-year journey with the company has encompassed roles in department, store, and regional leadership, highlighting her passion for retail and brand development. … Continued
Brooke Gil
Principal Category Merchant and Olive Oil Sommelier
Brooke Gil, originally from Spokane, Washington, currently serves as Principal Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, overseeing pastas, pasta sauces, oils, and vinegars. With a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, she joined Whole Foods Market in 2016, starting on the Southwest Grocery team and transitioning to the national Grocery team in 2020. In … Continued
Katy Green
Produce Field Inspector
Katy Green is a Produce Field Inspector for Whole Foods Market, based out of Southern California. She joined Whole Foods Market almost a decade ago as a cut fruit team member at the Mason, Ohio store. Katy has been the Produce Field Inspector since 2014 and oversees the quality of the company’s Whole Trade program. … Continued
Mary Guiver
Principal Category Merchant for Beer
Mary Guiver has had a long career with Whole Foods Market, beginning in the Whole Foods Market Produce Office in California over seventeen years ago. In 2008 she joined the Specialty Team in Oakland, CA and moved into the Beer Buyer role within a year. She eventually moved on to Regional Beer, Wine and Spirits … Continued
Jason Hedlund
Principal Category Merchant of Seafood Procurement
Jason Hedlund is a Principal Category Merchant of Seafood Procurement for Whole Foods Market. The New England native joined the Whole Foods Market seafood team in 2007 and has been in the retail seafood industry for 26 years. From 2001 to 2015, Jason also spent nearly every summer working salmon boats in Bristol Bay, Alaska. … Continued
Whitney Herrera
Principal Category Merchant, Functional Snacks
Whitney Herrera is a Principal Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, overseeing the Functional Snacks category, which includes dried nuts, trail mix, dried fruits, jerky, and plant-based snacks. Whitney has been instrumental in elevating suppliers contributing to a more regenerative world. With nearly five years on the Center Store Grocery Team and over three years … Continued
Jamie Katz
Senior Advisor, Quality Standards
With over 15 years of experience at Whole Foods Market, Jamie Katz, serves as a voice for the company’s Quality Standards, providing the big picture on Whole Foods Market’s 40 plus years of work in the natural and organic food industry. Jamie advises, strategizes, and communicates with multiple stakeholders on the ins and outs of … Continued
Kelly Landrieu
Principal Planner, Local & Emerging Brands
As Principal Planner, Local & Emerging Brands on Whole Foods Market’s Product Innovation and Development team, Kelly Landrieu works closely with the company’s regional foragers and buyers to ensure strong, win-win partnerships with local producers across all product categories. She creates tools for continued education and mentorship of current and future local suppliers, while supporting … Continued
Caitlin Leibert
Vice President of Sustainability
As Vice President of Sustainability at Whole Foods Market, Caitlin is driven by her passion for sustainability and its role in shaping communities, both locally and globally. From fields to plates, she is committed to improving Whole Foods Market’s impact on our environment. She is responsible for implementing the company’s sustainability vision and strategy across … Continued
Elliott Meyers
Vice President, Seafood
Elliott joined Whole Foods Market in 2003 as a Part-time Seafood Team Member and has since been in a variety of roles such as Associate Store Team Leader, Seafood Coordinator, and Seafood Executive Leader. Elliott is passionate about developing successful leaders, offering a best-in-class customer experience, and seafood sustainability.
Wesley Rose
Vice President, Perishables
Wes started his professional seafood journey in 1998 when he joined Whole Foods Market working the Seafood counter in his home state of Massachusetts. Now as the Vice President of Meat & Seafood, Wes leads the Seafood purchasing and merchandising programs ensuring all Whole Foods Market seafood is sourced according to company stands, and that … Continued
Michael Sabrin
Principal Product Developer
Michael Sabrin, a culinary expert and the Principal Product Developer at Whole Foods Market, manages diverse categories, including Meat, Prepared Foods, Bakery, and Salty Snacks. With 27 years in the food industry, he transitioned from a chef in renowned restaurants and resorts to food research and product development, driven by a desire to influence eating … Continued
Erica Skolnik
Senior Culinary Program Manager
Since 2017, Erica has served as a Senior Culinary Program Manager on the Culinary Development team for Whole Foods Market. The Bakery Culinary Development Team oversees bakery innovation for seasonal items and everyday programming. With more than 20 years of experience in the food industry, Erica has a deep passion for the craft of baking … Continued
Cathy Strange
Ambassador of Food Culture
Since 1990, Cathy Strange has been instrumental in Whole Foods Market’s success. As a world-renowned cheese expert, she played a pivotal role as WFM’s Vice President of Specialty and Global Cheese Expert, identifying food trends and fostering relationships with suppliers adhering to WFM’s Quality Standards. In August 2023, Cathy transitioned into her current role … Continued
Jody Villecco
Principal Quality Standards Advisor, Research
Jody Villecco has been passionate about Whole Foods Market’s industry-leading Quality Standards ever since she started working with the company in 1997. During her time at Whole Foods Market, she has supported standards development for all ingredient categories, including food, dietary supplements, body care, and household cleaning, continually striving to enhance the company’s Quality Standards. … Continued
Joey Wells
Senior Principal Product Development & Innovation Expert
As the Senior Principal Product Development & Innovation Expert, Joey Wells seeks out innovative cheesemongers and specialty producers around the world, bringing their products to market and supporting their growth and development within Whole Foods Market stores across the country. In 2012, he became an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional (CCP) and was inducted … Continued
Paul Young
Innovation Kitchen Manager
Paul Young, currently serving as the Innovation Kitchen Manager at Whole Foods Market, is a culinary enthusiast with a lifelong passion for food. Originating from Springfield, NJ, Paul’s culinary journey began at a young age, influenced by hands-on kitchen experiences and a deep admiration for 90’s Food Network shows. Before joining Whole Foods Market three … Continued
Nijia Zhou
Principal Climate Advisor
Nijia Zhou is the Principal Climate Advisor at Whole Foods Market. With a strong background in sustainability and environmental policy, Nijia has committed her career to advancing climate action and sustainable practices. At Whole Foods Market, Nijia is instrumental in developing and executing the company’s comprehensive climate strategy, which includes carbon management, water conservation, and … Continued
Lisa Zografos
Principal Category Merchant for Specialty Cheese
Lisa Zografos serves as the Principal Category Merchant for Specialty Cheese at Whole Foods Market and lives in Toronto, CA. She collaborates closely with Cheese Producers, Affineurs, Distributors and Importers to curate the finest cheeses from around the world for Whole Foods Market. Lisa holds a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering with a focus in Food … Continued
