Message from Jim Slama, Founder & CEO

I am pleased to announce that Shelby Parchman has assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer of FamilyFarmed, effective January 4, 2021. In this role, Shelby is responsible for day-to-day operations of all activities within the organization. He will also continue to direct the Good Food Accelerator.

We’re excited that Shelby is bringing his proven track record with building and expanding entrepreneurial programs to the broader organization after having seen the dramatic impact he has had on the Good Food Accelerator in 2020. During his tenure, he and his team have improved our cohort programs, introduced new activities, launched a new Membership model, and have developed processes and tools that position GFA for continued success. Beyond that, the GFA has reinvigorated its commitment to working with food-based entrepreneurs in underserved and underrepresented communities with the first Go to Market cohort and co-sponsored workshops with non-profit community organizations.

Shelby’s experience working with entrepreneurs reaches well beyond his GFA experience. Over the last 10 years, Shelby has partnered with a wide range of organizations to bring small business-focused services and support to entrepreneurs in Chicago. This experience makes him an ideal senior leader for FamilyFarmed as we focus on providing increased value to local food-focused businesses, particularly those on the south and west sides of the city where access to this kind of program-driven support can be difficult.

Shelby’s appointment will allow me to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives to create valuable new regional and national partnerships and generate the financial resources necessary to advance our work. I am excited about the growth of FamilyFarmed and the opportunities that lie ahead for us in achieving our vision of “good food on every table”.

Please join me and our Board of Directors in congratulating Shelby on this critical assignment. We’re confident that he and the FamilyFarmed team will deliver great results for us as we grow our impact in 2021 and beyond.