Karen has been in food for most of her career working to expand brands within Canada and internationally. She has a keen sense for good food which helps but her daily staple includes overeating hummus. She is currently the Director of Business Development at Medallion Milk Co.

Born in Portage la Prairie, Brent has both a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and a Diploma of Horticulture from Guelph. He has supported Food & Beverage Manitoba since the 90s as an Associate Member, working as a Business Development Manager with Thermo Design Insulation. He is currently serving as Treasurer on the Board. His favorite breakfast restaurant (with a view of course) is Parry’s at Larters Golf Course at St. Andrews. 

Robert grew up in Toronto but has called Winnipeg home since 1987 when he came here to study sociology and psychology at the University of Winnipeg. He spent his early career with established Manitoba businesses such as Piston Ring Service and Pritchard Engineering before joining the senior management team at Pal Distributors in 2010. With his wife Cindy, he has three children ranging in age from 13 to 26. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, golf, home renovation and coaching youth sports. The local food scene in Winnipeg makes it impossible for him to pick one spot as his favorite but among his favorites are the Cioppino Soup at Bonfire Bistro and the Osso Bucco at Carne Italian Chophouse.

Melissa is a partner at Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP who practices in the areas of labour & employment law including: employment contract drafting and review, severance package drafting and review, wrongful termination litigation, employment policy design and review, advice and litigation related to non-solicitation/non-competition agreements, labour board hearings, grievance arbitration and collective bargaining.

Her favourite dining experience abroad was attending Chef Michael Smith’s restaurant Fireworks in PEI! But she also has a love of the local food scene – you don’t have to travel outside of Manitoba to experience a world class meal!

Pamela Kolochuk was named CEO of Peak of the Market in July 2021. A CPA, MBA and Certified Change Leader with over fifteen years of experience in senior financial leadership, Pamela is renowned for her innovative growth strategies and for creating engaged, productive employee teams. Born and raised on a dairy farm south of St. Claude, Manitoba, Pam is grateful for her grower and industry connections that have served her well throughout her education and work-life. Pam is steadfast in her belief that agriculture is the foundation of the economy emphasized by the daily commitment to excellence shown by Peak of the Market’s grower-partners and her team of 70 employees in Winnipeg and Calgary. While veggies are at the top of the list for food favourites, Pam’s favourite restaurants are Cora’s & Maxime’s.

Ashley Linden (M.Sc., B.Sc. Agriculture) has a passion for agriculture and food and is the Director of Quality & Regulatory Affairs at Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods.  With over 15-years of experience working in quality from seed to shelf, he has a track record of creating operational efficiencies, improving quality, and promoting sustainability throughout the industry.

Among the many great food options in Manitoba, you will often find him and his family enjoying a fresh cinnamon bun at Tall Grass Prairie Bakery.

Carly is a Red Seal Chef turned entrepreneur, who started Smak Dab in 2014. The company manufactures and wholesales their specialty mustards to grocery stores, specialty shops, and restaurants and over 300 locations across Canada. Her favourite restaurant dish is the Margherita Pizza and Buttermilk Panda Cotta from Vera Pizza.

Diego has been in the industry for over 30 years. He is a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant Administration with Red River Polytech College. Currently, he is part of Winnipeg’s oldest chain restaurant, Salisbury House Restaurant of Canada Ltd as a Director of Operations/VP and Partner. Aside from his career, he enjoys being a father and husband. He’s coached hockey and soccer and still enjoys playing soccer as well. Diego and his wife enjoy their down time; when they go out, they love to support local and often dine at Prairies Edge in Kildonan Park.