Meet Our Board
Get to know our excellent team of board members!
Russ Webster
Russ has a long career promoting the private sector as a key driver for food security and economic growth. His work ranges from designing and managing agriculture research, extension and rural finance programs overseas, to evaluating project impact, to advising international donor agencies and foreign governments on how to structure policy priorities, regulatory frameworks, and programs that mobilize private capital and incentivize economic growth. Russ is passionate about the role of small- and medium-sized enterprises in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and private investment that will feed the world's population and create wealth for those living in poverty. A solid team player and effective leader, Russ has a proven track record in portfolio management, staff development, client relationship management, public communications, market analysis, and business development.
Roberta began her career serving in the Peace Corps as a livestock extension agent for the Ministry of Agriculture in Guatemala. This experience fueled her passion for helping farmers and agribusiness entrepreneurs—particularly women and youth— to improve their business operations, financial viability, and access to markets. With core competencies in production planning and supply chain management in livestock, poultry, vegetables, coffee, and cacao, and other value chains. Roberta has designed, managed, and implemented agriculture programs that promote rural income and livelihoods, while contributing to sustainable, safe, and nutritious food systems. She is a certified Veterinary Technician, a fluent Spanish speaker, and has extensive program management expertise with multiple donor organizations, companies, and foundations across 39 countries.
Roberta Lauretti-Bernhard
Karen Cebreros
Karen is a pioneer in the global certified organic coffee and sustainability movements. She was the founder and CEO of Élan Organic Coffees which was the first organic coffee company in the US -ever. Karen has been a coffee buyer, roaster, coffee house owner and has visited and worked in many origin countries including China, Kenya, Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Colombia, Nicaragua and many others. Karen was an early supporter of “Coffee Kids” and served two terms on their board of directors. She has contributed to multiple issues like “Grounds for Health,” “Cup for Education,” and Élan was among the first participants in the “Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center Coffee” program. Karen also co-founded the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) of America’s Sustainability Committee and is a longtime member of the Organic Coffee Coalition, a division of the Organic Trade Association. She is a founding member of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA). She currently sits on the board of Via International, a non-profit organization that provides microfinancing and technical assistance across Mexico and Central America. Karen has worked tirelessly in raising funds for Women in Coffee Microfinance and the Learning Loan Program.
Katie Sell Garcia
Katie Sell Garcia is a collaborative and mission-driven executive with over twenty years of experience advancing inclusive economic growth, sustainable food systems, and social impact through cross-sector partnerships. She has built and led high-performing teams, developed strategic alliances with Fortune 500 companies, and designed global initiatives that expand opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Katie brings to Grow to Market a strategic mindset, deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, and a relationship-driven approach grounded in equity and systems change. Her career spans public policy, corporate engagement, and rural economic development—working across government, philanthropy, and the private sector to align market incentives with social and environmental goals.
She served in the Peace Corps in El Salvador and holds a Master’s in International Affairs from American University and a BA in Anthropology from William & Mary. Katie is proud to support Grow to Market’s mission to build safer, more sustainable food systems and transform the lives of those affected by hunger and malnutrition.
Shola Ajibola
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Shola Ajibola has vast experience serving on US government contracts and cooperative agreements. Most recently the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Food Enterprise Solutions, LLC, Shola worked at headquarters, supervising finance, administration and operations for 3 different foreign countries, to ensure the successful implementation and completion of the BD4FS, funded by USAID. Prior to that, Shola managed finance, accounting and operations on several USG funded projects in the US and overseas. In his wide and varied career, Shola Ajibola has managed accounting and finance for both nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurial organizations. Shola is a polyglot with near-native fluency in French, along with several other native and international African languages. Shola’s experience, technical knowledge, versatility, and willingness to serve in challenging locations have contributed immensely to the successful implementation of US government projects and contracts in which he has served. A student of US public affairs and public affairs worldwide, Shola Ajibola is passionate about reading up on US politics and how these affect the rest of the world outside.
Haley McKey
Haley McKey is a communications professional specializing in supporting climate solutions, with a focus on carbon dioxide removal and community engagement. In her most recent previous role as a domestic engagement program analyst for the Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, she engaged directly with communities local to DOE-funded carbon management projects, developed informational materials responsive to community concerns, and guided communications and outreach strategy. She currently serves as Associate Director of Partnerships for the Carbon Business Council. As senior corporate communications manager at CarbonCure Technologies, she led the announcement of their historic, first-ever injection of atmospheric CO2 into concrete in partnership with carbon removal startup Heirloom Carbon. Prior to CarbonCure, she was the program manager of communications for the American Geophysical Union's Thriving Earth Exchange program, where she provided communications strategy and storytelling support for community-led scientific project teams working on myriad issues, from wildfire safety to water quality. Haley lives and works in Washington, DC, and is also a professional artist, mom, and equestrian.
Candy Schibli - Technical Advisor
Candy is an innovative leader bringing intentional, lucid, tactile ideas into fruition. She believes in holistic and inclusive approaches to problem solving. Candy is an agriculture-based entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in systems thinking, logistics, natural resources and sustainable development, and business management. She is a speaker in the areas of beverage development and innovation and environmental implications of trade based agriculture. She is conducting research and published in the exploration of alternative methods for sensory exploration - focusing on finding better ways to make food and beverage enjoyment more inclusive. Candy is also creating space for thought sharing around entrepreneurship in the geo-political ecology. Candy attended Florida A&M University, graduating with a BSc in Chemical Engineering; American University, graduating with an MA in International Affairs/ Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, and holds an MBA professional certificate from Georgetown University.