Meet our Team

A line cook at heart with a background in photography and writing, working at FoodChain is the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done (besides being Kara’s partner and mom-ing our eight kids!) The passion here, for not just feeding people, but nourishing and educating them while advocating for justice in every way possible makes all the hard work more than worth it.

As mentioned above, my wife Kara and I have eight whole entire kids. We spend most of our free time attempting to keep up with them, and traveling to beaches every chance we get.

Annika returned to her hometown of Lexington after earning bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science and Sustainability from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her academic work focused on environmental policy and where she studied the relationship between people, food, and the environment. At FoodChain, she brings experiential education to the classroom, combining her passions for sustainability, community engagement, and equitable food systems. Outside of work, Annika spends her time training for triathlons, solving crossword puzzles, and making music.

Ashley N. Browning is originally from Dayton, Ohio, but has deep Kentucky roots through her educational journey at Kentucky State University, the University of Kentucky, and Union Commonwealth University. With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and community programs, she is passionate about bringing people together through meaningful initiatives and events. Ashley cares deeply about food access, eliminating food deserts, and connecting people to fresh, healthy food. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, reading, prioritizing self-care, and creating brave spaces where BIPOC women feel empowered to rest, heal, and put themselves first.

Charles joined in 2026 and is eager to help empower his hometown with food. He follows in his parents’ footsteps in community action. He is also pleased to be the eldest member of the greatest work team ever assembled; the diversity and work ethic make it so. Charles is a regular customer of the neighborhood grocery store and looks forward to his free daily slushie and bag of popcorn available to all.

Dorcas grew up in a farming community in Zambia, where her passion for agriculture first took root. She earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University in Alabama, specializing in aquaponics farming systems. Dorcas believes that agricultural research is key to advancing resilient and efficient food systems like aquaponics. This passion led her to join FoodChain. As an Aquaponics Researcher, she is dedicated to empowering future leaders in STEM and values how aquaponics blends science, sustainability, and offers hands-on learning opportunities. Outside of work, Dorcas enjoys hiking, walking trails, fishing, bonfire camping, cooking, and food tours. Her favorite season is fall—especially for its vibrant colors, with yellowish-orange being her favorite—and Lexington happens to be the perfect place for her fall adventures.

Gracie is a native of Lexington, Kentucky. She graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master’s in Public Administration with a graduate certificate in Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience. She also has an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Eastern Kentucky University. In her free time she collects Nancy Drew books and loves reading.

James was raised here, there, and everywhere, from California to Minnesota to Florida to Kentucky.  A Lexington resident of the past 25 years, James worked in hospitality for most of his life, and has an enduring belief in the power of feeding to build and nourish community.  An alumnus of the University of Kentucky, James earned his Bachelor’s degree in linguistics, with minors in international relations and Chinese language and culture. In his leisure time, James likes reading, gardening, rearing fish babies, and is an avid traveller. He loves experiencing the many cultures, cuisines, and scenes the world has to offer.

Laz has worked at FoodChain since 2021 in the kitchen. He enjoys coming up with new recipes for dinner and learning from others. He is an avid bike rider and experiments with different ferments. His motto is “I will survive”.

Maxx hails from the suburbs of Chicago and came to Lexington for college in 2013 and hasn’t left since! He received his undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from the University of Kentucky and is currently pursuing a master’s in Nutriton and Food Systems there as well. He has been working in the restaurant insdustry for over 10 years and wants to use that knowledge to help show people that foood isn’t as complicated as it seems. Any chance to get outside with his family to camp, run, or hike- if it’s outside, he’s in!

Monet Bio

Paris grew up in Central Florida and moved to Kentucky in 2001, where she has lived ever since. She brings a unique skill set to FoodChain, with 11 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist, restaurant experience, work as a dental assistant for an oral surgeon, and experience in Integrated Pest Management at a greenhouse.Her favorite part about working at FoodChain is the fun, chill atmosphere where everyone is always smiling. In her free time, Paris enjoys crafting, cooking, making music, playing piano, gardening, collecting mini items, and playing chess. She’s a proud mom to three teenage boys, as well as her dogs, cats, kittens, and Egg “The Chicken”, and Alphie the FoodChain Beta. Paris describes herself as a flibbertigibbet who speaks gobbledygook.