afpc team updates, partner spotlight & events

Board Changes: Greetings and Farewells

By Leah Moss, Communications and Outreach Director, AFPC

As the Alaska Food Policy Council (AFPC) continues to grow and evolve, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members and warmly welcome new voices to our team. Over the past few years, AFPC has transitioned from a volunteer-driven working board to a governance-focused model with dedicated staff, allowing board members to focus on strategic oversight and long-term initiatives.

We are incredibly grateful to Melissa Chlupach, Melissa Sikes, and Rachael Miller for their dedication and service.

Melissa Chlupach has been a cornerstone of AFPC, serving as Secretary and leading Board Development efforts. Her work in strengthening recruitment, training, and transition processes has left a lasting legacy. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her PhD journey!

Melissa Sikes steps away after three full terms and nearly a decade of service. From her invaluable leadership as Treasurer to her creative contributions—like handcrafted quilts for fundraisers—her impact has been deeply felt.
Rachael Miller, with over seven years of service, including time as Board Chair, has played a pivotal role in advancing AFPC’s mission. Her business acumen, advocacy, and unwavering commitment have strengthened our work in countless ways.

Their contributions have shaped AFPC into what it is today, laying a foundation for continued growth and success.

Now, we’re excited to introduce our newest board members!

Dr. Zeynep Kiliç, a Fulbright scholar and former sociology professor, is a documentary filmmaker and owner of  Turkish Delight in Anchorage. Her academic and entrepreneurial experience brings a unique perspective to food systems.

Chef Amy Foote, Director of Indigenous Cuisine and Executive Chef at Nana Management Services, is a champion of Indigenous food systems, blending traditional knowledge with modern practices to foster sustainability and food sovereignty.

Marisa McKasson, Assistant Professor of Extension at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, partners with the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands Association to promote food sovereignty and provide technical assistance to Unangax̂ communities.

Our board members—past and present—are invaluable to our work. Their collaboration with staff strengthens our ability to advocate for food security, support small businesses, and build thriving food systems. We are excited for the journey ahead and deeply appreciative of everyone who contributes to AFPC’s mission.