SFA's New Board: Veterans and Innovators to Steer Specialty Food's Future

NEW YORK, NY – June 25, 2026 – The Specialty Food Association (SFA) has unveiled the new architects of its strategic direction, announcing a slate of Board Officers and Directors for the 2026-2027 term. While leadership transitions are a regular feature of any major trade organization, this year’s appointments signal a deliberate and forward-looking calibration. The new board is a meticulously assembled blend of seasoned veterans from legacy brands and dynamic leaders from the industry's disruptive edge, tasked with steering the $219-billion specialty food sector through its next phase of evolution.

At the helm is the newly appointed Board Chair, Scott Jensen of Kosmos Q, who inherits the leadership from Immediate Past Chair Pierre Abushacra of Firehook. The announcement, made at the SFA's Annual Member Meeting, marks a pivotal moment for the association's 4,200+ members, who look to the organization for guidance on everything from market access to navigating complex supply chains.

A New Era of Leadership Takes the Helm

The new leadership team brings a wealth of experience in brand scaling, retail, and financial stewardship. Scott Jensen, stepping into the role of Board Chair, is a testament to the power of building a niche brand into a household name. As the CEO of Kosmos Q, a premium barbecue brand, and co-founder of the iconic Stubb's BBQ, Jensen’s career is a masterclass in multi-channel growth, spanning direct-to-consumer (D2C) engagement and broad retail expansion. His leadership suggests a sharpened focus on helping SFA members, both large and small, master the art of brand building in a competitive landscape.

"I'm proud to step into the role of Board Chair and help steer an organization that does so much for its members," said Jensen. "New makers and established brands alike look to SFA for education, resources for growth, and opportunities for connection, and I'm honored to continue the Association's important work in service of those members."

Supporting Jensen is a roster of industry heavyweights. Dwight Richmond of Town & Country Markets moves into the Vice Chair position, bringing deep insights from the retail side of the equation. His continued presence on the board, alongside Treasurer Harrison Kahn of the celebrated Vermont Creamery and Secretary Victoria Ho of Sherpa CPG, ensures a steady hand on the association's governance. Ho, in particular, represents a crucial voice for emerging brands. As the founder of a consultancy that guides new food and beverage companies from concept to retail-ready product, her expertise in clean-label formulation and brand strategy will be invaluable to the SFA’s educational mission.

This core group, complemented by the institutional knowledge of Immediate Past Chair Pierre Abushacra, forms a leadership nucleus designed not just to govern, but to actively cultivate growth and opportunity across the entire specialty food ecosystem.

Fresh Perspectives from the Industry's Edge

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the SFA's new direction is the cohort of five new directors joining the board. These individuals hail from companies that are not just participating in the market but actively redefining it. Their inclusion signals the SFA's commitment to embracing sustainability, e-commerce, and innovative supply chain models as core tenets of the industry's future.

Among the new voices is Jessie Kimsey of Misfits Market, the online grocer that turned the fight against food waste into a high-growth business model. The inclusion of a leader from a digital-native, subscription-based platform that has successfully acquired competitors like Imperfect Foods is a clear acknowledgment of the tectonic shifts in consumer purchasing habits. Kimsey's perspective will be critical as SFA members navigate the complexities of e-commerce and D2C strategies.

Similarly, the appointment of Alejandro Piasecki, co-founder of Seal the Seasons, brings a powerful focus on localized food systems and ethical sourcing. As a Certified B Corporation, Seal the Seasons partners with local farms to freeze and distribute produce year-round, directly addressing consumer demand for transparency and a smaller carbon footprint. Piasecki’s experience in building a mission-driven supply chain provides a blueprint for a more resilient and sustainable food future.

Carolyn Hardy, CEO of Hardy Beverages LLC, adds another vital dimension: manufacturing prowess and trailblazing entrepreneurship. A veteran of giants like Coors and J.M. Smucker, Hardy now leads a Black-owned, women-powered company at the forefront of the "better for you" beverage trend. Her expertise in innovative production, coupled with her perspective as a diverse founder, will strengthen the SFA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking community.

The board's holistic view is rounded out by leaders from the industry’s essential connective tissue: import and distribution. Paul Abbott of Millpress Imports, a specialist in high-quality oils and vinegars, represents the craft of global sourcing and quality control. Meanwhile, Bill Zappas of European Imports, a major distributor now part of Sysco, brings an understanding of the large-scale logistics required to move specialty products from maker to market. Together, they ensure the board remains grounded in the operational realities that its members face daily.

Empowering Members Beyond the Boardroom

While the board sets the high-level strategy, the SFA’s strength lies in its ability to translate that vision into tangible benefits for its members. The announcement also included the appointment of 35 SFA members to various councils and committees, a move that decentralizes expertise and amplifies the association's impact. These groups are the engine room of the SFA, guiding programs in crucial areas like trade shows, education, buyer engagement, and community building.

The synergy between the board and these committees is where the real work gets done. The expertise of the new directors will directly inform the work of these committees, creating a powerful feedback loop. For instance, insights from Misfits Market and Seal the Seasons can fuel new initiatives around sustainability and e-commerce education, while the distribution knowledge from European Imports can help shape more effective buyer engagement programs at the Fancy Food Shows.

SFA President Bill Lynch captured this collaborative spirit, stating, "We're thrilled to welcome our new Board of Directors and Board Officers... bringing together deep industry expertise and fresh perspectives to help us shape the future of specialty food." He emphasized his gratitude for the dedication of these volunteer leaders, noting that a strong, engaged member base is the foundation of the association's bright future.

As a 501(c)(6) organization, the SFA's mandate is to promote the common business interests of its members. This new board, with its strategic blend of established wisdom and disruptive innovation, appears uniquely equipped for that mission. It reflects an industry in transition—one that honors its artisan roots while embracing the digital, sustainable, and inclusive future of food. For the thousands of makers, buyers, and distributors who form the backbone of this vibrant community, this new leadership signals that the SFA is not just keeping pace with change, but is ready to lead it.