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: Jessica Reiser, Co-Founder, CEO, Burial Beer Co., Forestry Camp Bar and Restaurant

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

Treasurer: Jean-Paul Lausell, Founder, Zenbellum

Secretary: Vanessa Salomo, Co-Owner, Business Development, Corner Kitchen, Chestnut 

Past President: Katie Button, Co-Founder, CEO, Katie Button Restaurants

Gene Ettison, Chief Visionary Officer, The Ettison Investment Group

John Fleer, Chef, Owner, Rhubarb, The Rhu, Benne on Eagle

Murphy Horne Fletcher, Attorney, McGuire, Wood & Bissette Law Firm

Aaron Grier, Owner, Gaining Ground Farm

Meredith Leigh, Author and Consultant

Kyle Pedersen, Marketing Director, Wicked Weed Brewing

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

Dodie Stephens, Director of Communications, Explore Asheville

Jen Swanson, Communications Consultant

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