Board of Directors

As a 501(C3) non-profit, Chow Chow Asheville is founded by a group of community-committed volunteers who believe in the unique connections between makers of all kinds—particularly as they gather in celebration of our creative food culture in Southern Appalachia. Learn more about the vision behind Chow Chow. 

President: Katie Button, Chef and Owner, Cúrate and Button & Co. Bagels

Vice President: Jael Rattigan, Co-Founder, CEO, French Broad Chocolate

Treasurer: Kevin Barnes, Owner, Ultimate Ice Cream

Secretary: Jessica Reiser, Co-Founder, Burial Beer

Jane Anderson, Executive Director, AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurant Association)

Brandy Bourne, Co-founder and Owner, The Big Crafty and Horse + Hero 

John Fleer, Chef/Owner, Rhubarb and The Rhu

Aaron Grier, Owner, Gaining Ground Farm

Charles Hodge, Owner and Operator, Sovereign Remedies

Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani Chef & Chief Chaiwalla, Chai Pani Restaurant Group

Meredith Leigh, Author and Consultant, Mereleigh Food

Peter Pollay, Executive Chef/Co-Founder, Mandara Hospitality Group

Vanessa Salomo, Co-Owner/Business Development Director, Corner Kitchen & Chestnut 

Elizabeth Sims, Owner, Elizabeth Sims Consulting

Dodie Stephens, Director of Communications, Explore Asheville, CVB

Mike Tiano, Co-Owner, Haw River Wine Man

Marilyn Zapf, Assistant Director and Curator, Center for Craft

Festival Staff

Rebecca Lynch, Executive Director, rlynch@chowchowasheville.com
Shay Brown (Shay Brown Events Management), Festival Director, shay@chowchowasheville.com

2020 Team 

Culinary Manager

Beverage Manager

Pickled in the Park Manager

Market Manager

Seminar Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Media/Marketing Intern

Event Intern