Board of Directors

Senior Brand Marketing Leader, T-Mobile

Jodi has 20+ years of marketing experience. She currently leads T-Mobile for Business Brand Marketing Messaging, Partnerships and Programs.  She has served on the Goodwill MoKan board and the United Way Women's Leadership Council Advisory Board (now Women United). She is a volunteer and board advisor to the Pure Pitch Rally, a KC start-up incubator, and alumni of the Executive Ascent, a Kansas City leadership organization. 

Director of Marketing & Sales Operations, Optimatics  Prinicpal, Ali Tuttle Coaching & Strategy

With a focus on optimizing performance & planning (in individuals, businesses, and water utilities), Ali is an Operations & Coaching professional with over two decades of successfully leading and developing teams, creating connection and community, and influencing the strategic direction and financial performance of rapid-growth software solution companies. 

Client Relations Manager, Harvest Productions

With a background in both culinary and event planning and fundraising, Christa supports many Kansas City nonprofits by creating impactful and memorable experiences for sponsors and constituents.

COO, Union Station (retired) 

Jerry is an experienced nonprofit and corporate executive with more than three decades of leadership in finance, operations, and organizational management. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Union Station Kansas City for over a decade, he oversaw financial strategy, daily operations, and the growth of Science City as a premier regional science center. Jerry brings deep expertise in fiscal stewardship, long-range planning, and mission-driven leadership to every organization he serves. 

 Retired; formerly CEO Michael Reese Health Trust

As CEO of the Michael Reese Health Trust, Gayla turned a quiet, private foundation into a public, caring institution dedicated to put everyday health within everyone’s reach. Previously, she served as the Executive Director of the Menorah Legacy Foundation in Kansas City. Gayla is a co-founder of the Kansas City Beans & Greens Program, now called Double Up Food Bucks Kansas City, which makes fresh, locally grown food accessible and affordable to lowincome residents.  

Managing Director, Open Road Drivers Plan (ORDP)  

Bryan is a proven sales executive and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience driving revenue growth, building high-performing teams, and launching scalable technology solutions. As Managing Director of Open Road Drivers Plan and founder of TicketRX, Bryan has led organizations from concept through acquisition while delivering measurable results through strategic sales leadership and cross-functional collaboration. He brings a strong focus on ROI, customer impact, and sustainable growth to the Pete's Garden Board. 

Attorney, McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan 

Jason represents clients in construction litigation and other complex civil litigation.   He is active in the community, having served as inaugural Board President for EPEC (Empowering the Parent to Empower the Child), the organization that has since evolved to become Pawsperity.

CEO, Ronald McDonald House Kansas City

About 5,000 families with sick children are served each year by Ronald McDonald House Kansas City, and Pete’s Garden is an essential partner to help sustain RMH families with healthy meals.  Tami has been in this role since 2015; she has participated in multiple leadership programs, volunteered in various capacities (in hands-on as well as leadership roles), and been honored with various awards/distinctions. Tami and her wife have been together for 30 years and are the moms of two young adult sons.

Founder, Inspired Occasions Catering 

In addition to launching and operating his award-winning catering and event management firm, Lon has served as chairman of the International Caterers Association Educational Foundation.  He received the Gillis Center Kansas City Spirit Award in 2012 and 2014.

Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Villegas Marketing

Yolanda is a highly accomplished marketing and brand strategist with success across a wide range of fields in strategic planning, brand development, digital marketing and project management. She’s worked for global brands like Hallmark Cards, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and GE. 

Executive Chef, Aramark/Kansas City Chiefs  

After graduating from both Northwest Missouri State and Johnson & Wales Universities, Erin became a chef in the Kansas City area. She has spent the last 20 years gaining experience in multiple venues including restaurants, hotels, convention centers, casinos, and stadiums. She is passionate about connecting operators with Pete's Garden so their delicious food will go onto families' tables instead of into landfills.