February 6, 2026 – Mariam Parker has been named the new executive director of the Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network (CFBN). This follows the retirement of founding leader Alan Reed, who served for nearly a decade. Lisa Johnson, managing director at Kincannon & Reed, expressed confidence in Parker’s ability to guide CFBN. “She combines strategic vision with strong relationship-building skills,” Johnson said.
Janet Garetto, board chair of CFBN, praised Parker’s approach to collaboration. “Her understanding of industry relationships will help us bring more value to our members and the community,” she added.
Parker’s background includes her role as the first executive director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance. There, she created partnerships among chefs, producers, and industry leaders while administering grant programs that fostered innovation in the food sector.
The CFBN, established in 2017, connects hundreds of food and beverage companies in Chicagoland. Under Reed, they launched Bigger Table, a non-profit focused on tackling food insecurity through innovative solutions.
Parker is set to lead both CFBN and Bigger Table into a new phase, enhancing member engagement and fostering collaboration. “Bigger Table aims to convert the strengths of Chicago’s food industry into real help for those facing food insecurity,” said Andy Dratt, board chair of Bigger Table. “Mariam’s expertise will help us reach more people.”
Parker is excited about her new role. “Chicago is a key hub for the food industry, and I can’t wait to work with our members to drive innovation and strengthen community ties,” she said.
According to a recent report from Feeding America, 1 in 8 people in the U.S. faces food insecurity. Initiatives like Bigger Table are critical for addressing this issue. By leveraging industry resources, organizations can make a real difference.
The Chicagoland Food & Beverage Network is dedicated to fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in the region’s food and beverage sector. Bigger Table plays a vital role in this mission, offering nutritious food solutions to communities in need.
Kincannon & Reed, founded in 1981, assists organizations globally in the food sector. Their mission is to recruit leaders who contribute to global food security and health.
On a different note, Kincannon & Reed recently appointed Justin Brown as the CEO of Låkril Technologies. His leadership will help the company shift from petroleum-based materials to sustainable alternatives, contributing to global chemical production. With a strong background in energy transition, Brown aims to drive eco-friendly innovations.
The importance of sustainability in the food and chemical industries continues to grow, and organizations like CFBN and Låkril Technologies are vital in leading this change.
