Partners in Purpose & Progress
Our Board of Governors work to actively cultivate a diverse, sustainable and engaged organic trade from farm to marketplace. As passionate partners driving change within the industry and beyond, they bring decades of experience to the table, helping us make a real impact on our mission and goals.
meet The board
Bianca Kaprielian
Bianca joined OGC’s Board in 2024. She grew up within eyesight of the Sierra foothills, where her family has been farming for four generations. After attending Smith College in Massachusetts, she returned to California to complete the UC Santa Cruz Apprenticeship in Ecological Horticulture. Bianca began her career as a produce buyer, first at Veritable Vegetable then Whole Foods Market. In 2017, she co-founded Fruit World - an organic-first fresh and creative grower/shipper of the most flavorful fruit in California. Fruit World is all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage and keeping family farming thriving for future generations.
Brian Rohter
Brian rejoined OGC’s Board in 2016 (he was previously a member in the 1980s). He was the CEO, co-founder, president and Board of Director’s chair at New Seasons Market. He has held various positions in the food industry (including on community boards) since 1976.
Cathryn Calfo
Cathy joined OGC’s Board in 2019. She served as an executive director and CEO at various organizations since 1987, most recently leading the trade association, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Cathy also served as deputy treasurer for the state of California for seven years and as an analyst for the County Board of Supervisors in Santa Cruz for three years. In addition, she has served as a board member for various mission-driven entities since the 1980s. She has a B.A. in American Studies from the University of Santa Cruz.
Darren Nakata
Darren was born and raised in Oregon, and currently wears several professional hats, including as general counsel leading investment, development and operations for renewable energy projects at NW Natural Renewables and water projects at NW Natural Water. Darren serves in leadership roles for several mission-driven and nonprofit organizations in our local community. His family formerly owned a cherry orchard in Hillsboro, Oregon, and his grandparents’ first business was a fresh fruit and vegetable market in North Portland.
Edmund LaMacchia
Edmund joined OGC’s board in 2023. He is a 40+ year veteran of the organic and natural food trade. He has worked in all aspects of the organic trade from being a gardener for Glorious Grass in the 1970s to 28 years with Whole Foods Market (12 of those years as a Global Vice President of Perishable). In addition to the OGC board, Edmund advises other mission-driven companies, such as the Organic Plus Trust. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s inaugural Environmental Studies Program.
Maia Larson
Maia joined OGC’s Board in 2020. She currently works at the nonprofit, Ecotrust, as a Director of Community Capital. Maia enjoys working at the intersection of community and economic development, agriculture and finance. She spent several years running a farming business focused on ecological resilience and integrating livestock into perennial cropping/ tree systems. She currently lives in Eugene– the birthplace of OGC– with her family and furry friends.
Mike Bedessem
Mike has been an OGC Board Member since 2019. He worked at CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley for 29 years in various positions, primarily as the Chief Financial Officer from 1994 to 2016 (other roles included an organic apple grower, board member, and business advisor). Prior to Organic Valley, Mike held ownership and management roles in the insurance and garbage and recycling industries.
