Phil Meldrum
CEO, FoodMatch
New York, NY

Phil Meldrum founded FoodMatch in 1996 with a vision to bring all-natural, artisanal Mediterranean specialty foods to the American market. His mission was to deliver the original taste of olives and antipasti to the American consumer, so that they could experience these foods, as though they were actually in the Mediterranean. FoodMatch became a vertically integrated partner with growers and now supports communities throughout the Mediterranean, preserving the way of life of generations past for generations to come, as well as protecting the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the environment in these regions. From retail supermarkets to foodservice, FoodMatch is a trusted source for authentic Mediterranean foods in all channels of the industry.

Phil has been a collaborator and participant in Oldways events since 1999 when he joined Oldways at an International Symposium for food writers, specialty food retailers and chefs in Lesbos and Chios, Greece. After only a few days in Greece we saw the breadth and depth of Phil's knowledge about Mediterranean products, and asked him to give an hour-long introduction to olives ("Olives 101") for the group of 80+ food experts attending the Symposium.  He did this eloquently, with all of us gathered around him in the main town square of the ancient mastic village of Pirgi in Chios. Since then, as FoodMatch has grown, his involvement with Oldways has also continued to grow, including membership in the Whole Grains Council and Mediterranean Foods Alliance, and now as a member of the Oldways Board of Directors.   He brings both passion and interest in food, plus business expertise to the Board, a wonderful winning combination. 

Jesse Ziff Cool
Owner and Founder, Cooleatz
Palo Alto, CA

Dedicated to sustainable agriculture and cuisine for over 35 years, Jesse is an advocate for local, sustainable, organic food production and for farmers, whom she warmly refers to as her heroes and considers to be the first real environmental pioneers.

Jesse's work in the food business supports her politics and philosophy and has now expanded from her local community to a national and international audience. She has traveled the world meeting farmers, shopkeepers and families, embracing what is local, sustainable, and discovering traditions that connects us.

The creative force behind five unique restaurants, including Flea Street Café in Menlo Park and The Cool Café at Stanford University’s Cantor Art Center, Jesse has also authored seven cookbooks as well as numerous articles. She is a much sought after spokesperson, speaker, teacher and presenter. Jesse spends her free time with her family, children and grandchildren.

Jesse has been involved with Oldways since first writing about Oldways' 1994 International Conference on the Mediterranean Diet for the San Jose Mercury News. She was one of the original Overseers of the Chefs Collaborative, an organization founded by Oldways in 1993. Jesse has been a speaker, journalist, and chef at a number of Oldways events around the world (Beijing, Barcelona, Puglia, Morocco, Puerto Rico as well as many US cities). Now, as a member of the Board of Directors, Jesse brings her passion for real foods, sustainability, and commonsense healthy eating to support Oldways in reaching an ever-broader audience.

Sara Baer-Sinnott
President, Oldways
Boston, MA

Sara has been with Oldways since its early days, joining the staff in 1992 to work on one of the first overseas Symposiums (Food, Culture and Discovery in Spain) and the first Mediterranean Diet Conference in 1993.  

Sara assumed the presidency of Oldways in May 2010, on the untimely death of founder K. Dun Gifford.  She now develops company strategy, oversees all Oldways projects and programs, and works closely with all members of the Oldways staff.  Throughout her years at Oldways, Sara has been an integral part of Oldways’ growth and success. She has helped develop ground-breaking programs including its Traditional Diet Pyramids; the Whole Grains Council; Healthy Pasta Meals; Managing Sweetness; High Five Children's Cooking Curriculum; Oldways Traditional Table; and many others.  Her current priorities include the growth of the Mediterranean Foods Alliance, as well as overseas Symposiums and Culinarias about traditional foods and culture. Sara is also co-author of the The Oldways Table with Oldways’ founder, K. Dun Gifford.