Dru Montri, Director
Dru has been the director of MIFMA since the association started in 2006.  Her background is in horticulture receiving her B.S. from Michigan State University (MSU), her M.S. from Penn State and her Ph.D. from MSU.  In addition to her work with MIFMA, she and her family also own and operate Ten Hens Farm in Bath, Michigan where they are involved with and vend at their local farmers market.  Dru believes that the overlapping nature of these roles provides an opportunity to enhance her work with MIFMA.  She is committed to building an organization that supports and promotes farmers and farmers markets across the state.

Amanda Shreve, Manager of Programs and Partnerships
Amanda’s work with MIFMA has focused on improving food access for all Michigan residents by helping farmers markets participate in food assistance programs. Since MIFMA began in 2006, the number of farmers markets accepting SNAP benefits in Michigan has increased from 3 to over 100 in 2012. Amanda now also plans and facilitates MIFMA programs and events including the Market Manager Certificate Program, annual Farmers Market Conference, and Farmers Market at the Capitol events. Amanda earned a B.S. in Horticulture from Michigan State University in 2009 and lives with her husband in Marshall, Michigan.

Sonia Viridiana Viera, Administrative Assistant
Sonia is a senior at Michigan State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Industry Management. Sonia comes from an agriculture background picking asparagus for John Shafer’s Farm in Scottville, Michigan. She values her family, her education and most importantly helping out the community. She values the vision and goals of MIFMA and is a strong believer that farmers markets should always be the forefront of the local food movement. After graduation she plans on pursuing a career within her field to help bring awareness to farmers and communities of associations like MIFMA.

Emily Beutel, Communications Manager
Emily is the Communications Manager for MIFFS and MIFMA. She graduated from MSU in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Natural Resources Communications and has been working in local food systems ever since. Growing up on a family farm in Kalamazoo raising sheep and cattle, her passions are for her family, agriculture and writing, so her work with MIFFS and MIFMA is a perfect fit! In addition to her work with these organizations, Emily still works on her family farm, helps sell lamb and beef at the farmers market, manages the Texas Township Farmers Market and has a big garden at home.

Gillian Cobb, Intern, Hoophouses for Health
Gillian will begin her senior year of college in the fall of 2013, at Michigan State University, pursuing a B.A. in Professional Writing with an emphasis in Writing in Communities and Cultures. Previously Gillian has worked at local, mid-Michigan farmers markets and completed an internship at the Michigan State House of Representatives. In addition to her internship with MIFMA Gillian is a member of Michigan State University Model United Nations where she works primarily with organizational communication as well as the Michigan State University Women’s Chamber Ensemble. Gillian believes her strong interests in education and community development are her greatest assets as she works to strengthen and expand the Hoophouses for Health program.