Jeff Altheide
Principal
Jeff has a breadth of experience in the food supply chain, fostered by his Illinois farm roots and more than 30 years in the communications agency business. He has supported public affairs, marketing and corporate communications programs in crop and livestock production, processing, packaging, and other aspects of the global food industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture (journalism) from the University of Illinois, and a master’s of business administration from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

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Christine Barney
Principal
Christine Barney is the author of “The Breakout Brand Strategy: An Evolutionary Approach to Creating Customer Passion.” Christine’s expertise lies in developing multifaceted marketing communications campaigns that drive consumer action and loyalty. Christine has led award-winning campaigns for M&M’s, Burger King and DHL Express among others. Christine is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

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Tina Elmowitz
Principal
Tina has focused on consumer promotions and driving product trial for more than 20 years. Tina brings a breadth of award-winning food, beverage and CPG experience, including Starbucks Coffee Company, Duncan Hines, Vlasic and Mrs. Butterworth’s. Tina is a graduate of the University of Florida’s School of Journalism and Communications.

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Ron Loch
Principal
Ron has more than 25 years of experience serving clients in various market segments along the food value chain, including agriculture, packaging, transportation logistics and retail marketing. A leading voice in the CSR movement, Ron collaborates with global Fortune 500 companies and international trade organizations to develop strategic, integrated communications programs that help commercialize responsible products and implement sustainable principles that drive business value. Ron graduated with a B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communications from Iowa State University and received a Master’s Certificate in Managing the Sustainable Enterprise from the Illinois Institute of Technology Stuart School of Business. He has also completed the certified GRI sustainability reporting curriculum.

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Denise O’Handley
Managing Director
Denise has more than 20 years of consumer public relations and marketing experience creating and producing award-winning campaigns for top names in the food, restaurant and CPG industries, including Quaker Oatmeal , Near East, Aunt Jemima, Werther’s Original, Pizza Hut, Native Foods Café, and PetAg, among others. Denise has served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Chicago Graham School of General Studies and is a current member of WISE (Women Impacting Store Brand Excellence). Denise is a graduate of Marquette University with a B.A. in Journalism.

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