The Meals That Connect Team
People are the most valuable asset of any organization, and our team(s) are no exception
Terry Greene
Board Secretary
As 1 of 6 children, founding principal of the Grizzly Youth Academy, KCBX Live Oak Music Fest volunteer coordinator, service dog trainer, and Marine Mammal Center crew supervisor.
Justin Vanderlinden
Treasurer
Member Since Jan 2023
As Vice President/Relationship Manager at Banc of California, Justin provides excellent financial oversight for the company.
David E. Grim
Development Services Manager
David E. Grim is a Development Services Manager for SLO County, managing engineers and surveyors for local land development projects.
Alissa Maddren
Board President
Member since Jan. 2020
A California native, Alissa received her bachelor’s degree in fine art from UCSB in 1986 and continues to practice art in a variety of forms.
Kristian Emrich
Member since Jan. 2020
Kristian, a native of SLO County, is the owner of Solarponics Inc., a successful solar company that recently marked its 36th anniversary.
James Jackson
Vice President
Member Since May 2023
A SLO County native & Cal Poly graduate, James has worked locally as a Financial Advisor since 2007.
Eric Blanco
Member Since May 2024
With 20 years of professional food service, Eric has supported many local organizations such as the Good Samaritan Homeless Shelter.
Marla Kraft
Member
A central coast native, Marla began her local professional life in food service. Her time in the hospitality business connected her to people.
Candace Splivalo
HR Professional
As an Office Administrator and HR professional for the SF office of a large international law
firm, Candace has made it her mission to bring the human element back to the workplace
Brian McAdam
Digital Systems Admin
brian@mealsthatconnect.org
Brian McAdam brings a unique set of skills to his job as Digital Systems Administrator, a position he describes as marrying two of his passions—tech and culinary arts.
Laura Edwards
Executive Director
laura@mealsthatconnect.org
Laura joined Meals That Connect in September 2022 as Resource Manager. Within 8 months she was promoted to Executive Director, after the retirement and 17-year tenure of Elias Nimeh.
Rene Johnson
Data Admin Coordinator
dataadmin@mealsthatconnect.org
Rene has been involved with Meals That Connect for several years. She started her journey as a volunteer in Santa Margarita,
Ashley Murphy
Data Admin Manager
ashley@mealsthatconnect.org
Ashley Murphy has been a dedicated team member since March 2024. A Central Coast native and proud Cal Poly graduate with a degree in Graphic Communication,
Cathy Giardina
Staff Accountant
accounting@mealsthatconnect.org
A graduate of CSU Sacramento’s School of Business Administration, Cathy has focused much of her accounting career on supporting Small Businesses.
Barbara Horne
Program Nutritionist
barbara@mealsthatconnect.org
Barbara grew up in SLO County. She graduated from Cal Poly of SLO with a degree in Nutritional Science and completed the first dietetic internship there.
Scott Bullock
Talent and Culture Manager
scott@mealsthatconnect.org
Scott Bullock is a seasoned HR and leadership professional with a passion for fostering positive workplace cultures and empowering teams.
Josh Howell
Kitchen Director
josh@mealsthatconnect.org
