BOARD
OF DIRECTORS

Damien Appel - President, Treasurer, & Founder

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Damien jumped into local food in his mid-20s when he started his organic veggie farm.  His desire to get closer to the soil and the land led him not only into growing, but also to develop the local food system first through education and later with the establishment of Coffee Creek Farmers Market.  10 years into CCFM he can see the rewards of his labor.  Each year CCFM grows and matures into the model Producer Only Farmers Market it rightly is in NWI. 

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When he's not running CCFM or his small farm he's nurturing life with his son through time in nature, building relationship, and enjoying the simple pleasures of being a dad.

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Matt Sentoro - Vice President

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Matt fell in love with plants well before it was cool.  He spent his early years as a professional landscaper and continues to make growing things look easy.  He's been a local food supporter for the past decade as part of his largely vegetarian diet.  When he's not spending time with his partner on weekend trips to SW Michigan, he's most likely out hiking a beautiful NWI trail.  Keep your eye out for the guy with the big red beard speeding past you.  His love for the outdoors goes unmatched and friendly demeanor will for sure make him noticeable.

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David Appel - Secretary 

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David is a weekly market customer, gardener at heart, and a lawyer by profession.  His prized Spring asparagus is among the most coveted of his garden crops, followed closely by Italian peppers and sweet potatoes.  David has served NWI's small business community for the past 40 years with his legal counsel, helping to make sure that the small guys/gals are treated fairly.  His expertise on contracts and the law has been instrumental in the evolution of the nonprofit.  He plans to ease into retirement soon and spend more time with his grandchildren.