Bold Vision

Fair Food Network's Next Chapter

A Message from Fair Food Network

Fair Food Network is entering a new chapter.

On May 1, 2026, Fair Food Network’s Chief Executive Officer Kate Krauss will assume a new role of President Emeritus, and Holly Parker, formerly Chief Strategy & Program Officer, will become the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.

Over the past 17 years, Fair Food Network has been guided by a simple belief: food has the power to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and drive lasting change. That belief continues to shape our work as we look ahead.

Today, we’re building on that foundation with new leadership and a bold vision for the future.

Expanding Michigan’s local food economy
Fair Food Network is advancing a long-term vision to dramatically increase the reach and impact of local food as part of Michigan’s broader food economy.

Today, most food dollars leave the state. By strengthening connections between farmers, food businesses, retailers, and families, we can keep more of those dollars circulating locally—supporting farmers, growing small businesses, and nourishing Michigan families with more of Michigan’s regional harvest.

This vision will guide our work in the years ahead.

Welcoming Holly Parker as CEO
Holly Parker brings more than 25 years of experience advancing opportunity across food systems, workforce development, and community health. Raised in Flint, Michigan, she began her mission-driven career in the Peace Corps and later earned a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Since joining Fair Food Network in 2017, Holly has led the organization’s statewide strategy and national impact, guiding its policy and programs, including nutrition incentives and impact investing.

Most recently serving as Chief Strategy & Program Officer, Holly led Fair Food Network through some of the most challenging years in recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in the national policy landscape.

As CEO, Holly brings deep field expertise and an ambitious vision for the future. She is focused on growing Michigan’s local food economy and building the systems that connect farms to families, demonstrating how keeping local food dollars in local communities strengthens health, wealth, and resilience in Michigan and beyond.

Continuing collaboration with Kate Krauss
During her decade as Executive Director and CEO, Kate Krauss helped grow Fair Food Network into a nationally recognized leader in food systems innovation.

As President Emeritus, Kate will continue to support the organization’s mission in an advisory capacity—working alongside staff, partners, and supporters to advance thriving local food economies.

A continued commitment to community-centered solutions
Fair Food Network works alongside farmers, food entrepreneurs, retailers, and families to design solutions that expand access to healthy food and strengthen local economies.

As we move forward under Holly’s leadership, we remain focused on practical solutions that meet immediate needs while driving long-term systems change.

Together, we’re building a future where healthy food, economic opportunity, and resilient local food systems are within reach for every community.

SEE THE PRESS RELEASE

Meet Kate

As Fair Food Network enters our next chapter, Kate Krauss will continue to work alongside our team in her new role as President Emeritus.

READ HER BIO

“Fair Food Network has always believed that food can be a starting point for solutions that strengthen communities. Holly has helped shape our strategy for years and is consummately prepared to lead the organization forward.”

- Kate Krauss, Chief Executive Officer
Soon-to-be President Emeritus

Meet Holly

For more than two decades, Holly has dedicated her career to advancing practical, lasting solutions to deeply rooted challenges. As she steps into the role of CEO, she will guide Fair Food Network with bold vision and deep experience, advancing the organization’s mission to grow community health, wealth, and resilience through food.

READ HER BIO

17 Years and Counting

We launched Fair Food Network in 2009 with an entrepreneurial spirit and an unwavering commitment to our mission: to grow community health, wealth, and resilience through food. 17 years in, we're just beginning. Explore our milestones along the way.