Our Team

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Tom Phillips

Executive Director

Since coming from an executive background in the for-profit workplace and joining StarkFresh as an AmeriCorps VISTA in 2014, Tom has been dedicated to improving the lives of ALL who live in Stark County, regardless of their background, circumstances, or status, and this dedication is matched by the creative enthusiasm he brings to the StarkFresh team.

Originally from Connecticut, this New England transplant has called Canton, OH, his home for over a decade.  

Tom spends his spare time going on adventures with his family, playing board games, and learning more about subjects he is passionate about.


Board of Directors

StarkFresh is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, and our Board of Directors includes community leaders and strong supporters who guide us in all that we do.


  • Cathy Brown

    Cathy’s background is in accounting, and she brings valuable skills and financial expertise to the StarkFresh board.

    She also serves her community by volunteering in programs such as Canton’s Blessings in a Backpack, which feeds kids on the weekend, when they are not in school.

    A loving mother who raised a household of children, Cathy is committed to StarkFresh because she wants to see her community improve.

  • Tyler Immel - Treasurer

    Tyler is the current executive director of Aultman Orrville Hospital. He is a CPA who earned his bachelor’s degree and MBA from North Canton’s Walsh University, and he brings considerable financial expertise to his post as treasurer of our board.

    An outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time with family and friends, he lives in Uniontown with his wife and two cats.

    He is passionate about helping SparkFresh tackle hunger in Stark County.

  • Stephanie Helline - Secretary

    An engineer at TimkenSteel, Stephanie brings her passion for helping others to the board.

    Stephanie loves traveling with her husband, photography, jogging, and exploring Stark Parks.

    She is excited about helping StarkFresh continue to provide not only food access but educational services as well.

  • Joshua Coon

    A long-time general manager at Regal Cinemas, Joshua earned his bachelor’s degree in public relations from Kent State University before entering the world of film exhibition. Along the way, he also developed a lasting reputation in the ‘underground’ music scene.

    Joshua brings his managerial skills to our board, and is a champion of teaching families how to prepare healthy, delicious meals on a budget.

    Joshua also enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, often entertaining them while cooking by impersonating various celebrity chefs. He roots for Cleveland’s Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, while not participating in his family’s sewing and arts and crafts projects.

  • Annie Yoder

    Annie’s 18 years of experience and background as a CPA and CPE have helped her build the necessary skills needed to help organizations find success.

    She spends her time traveling and being outdoors with her husband and two sons. You may frequently find her exploring another passion of hers, cooking!

    She enjoys being part of a nonprofit organization focused on using food as a catalyst for change.

  • Travis Kelley-President

    Travis brings to StarkFresh 7-plus years of nonprofit board experience and a passion for advocating for the disadvantaged.

    In his professional career and past board roles, he has worked to help create a sustainable future within his community.

    When he has free time, Travis enjoys traveling, writing, and reading.

    He is excited about helping StarkFresh fulfill its mission and do his part to bring about a more just world.

  • Marcia Casey

    Marcia works in Downtown Canton as the Payment Operations Officer at Dollar Bank Servicing Center. A Canton native, in 2020 she earned her BA in Organizational Communication degree at Kent State Stark, followed by a Master’s in Organizational Leadership.

    She is leading a partnership between Dollar Bank and Crossroads UMC to lead Operation G-love, to provide hats, gloves, and other cold weather care items to those in need in the Downtown Community.

    In her spare time, she enjoys music, reading, and spending time with her family.

  • Madisyn Hillyard - Vice President

    Maddie is a 2021 graduate of Baldwin Wallace University. After getting her degree in Public and Nonprofit Management she decided to participate in a year of service as an AmeriCorps VISTA at StarkFresh and is now the Activities Director at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park and Camp-Resort: Akron-Canton.

    She is excited to continue serving StarkFresh and continue to guide the organization. Maddie is passionate about the inclusive work being done at StarkFresh and is incredibly honored to stay involved.

    She is a mother to three cats; enjoys camping with her friends, playing outdoors, and selling her crochet items that she makes!

  • Lindsey Wyckoff

    Lindsey’s 15+ years of experience helping individuals & brands in the professional sports, entertainment, & non-profit industries, with strategic marketing & communications needs.

    A North Canton native, she is inspired to build a better present and future for her community through her position with StarkFresh, as well as Moms Demand Action, Queer In Canton, and SheJumps.

    Lindsey is passionate about spending time outside and serves as a City Project leader for the Outbound Collective.

    Lindsey is passionate about creating positive change through StarkFresh in her community.

  • Amber Pennington

    Amber unique background as a Certified Legal Assistant, Suicide Prevention Specialist, small business owner and a mentor for several public schools, allows her to change the world for the better while in her role at Hall, Kisler, & Co, LLP.

    She is an avid cook and landscape designer and is happiest when she can be outside.

    Being a social justice advocate is what makes her hear full. Amber is excited about being able to utilize the resources available to her and help StarkFresh in it’s mission, one that she truly admires.


Americorps VISTA Volunteers

The AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer Service Program has been invaluable to our organization and community. 

Each year, StarkFresh is fortunate to have several VISTAs serving alongside our staff, helping expand our capacity to fulfill our mission to tackle the root causes of hunger by creating pathways out of poverty.


  • Maya Scimeca

    Workforce Development Coordinator

    Americorp Vista Volunteer

    2023-2024

  • Lex Phillips

    Food Incubation Center Coordinator

    Americorp Vista Volunteer 2023-2024

    StarkFresh Volunteer since 2021.

  • Dannika Stevenson

    Suppertime Meals Development Coordinator

    Americorp Vista Volunteer 2023-2024

  • Logan Rose Bennett

    Fundraising Coordinator

    Americorp Vista Volunteer

    2023-2024


Grocery Employees


  • Donovan Pinder

    Grocery Clerk

    Since 2020

  • Pamela Neff

    Grocery Store Manager

    Since 2023

  • Stefanie James

    Grocery Store Manager

    Since 2023

  • Melissa Applegate

    Grocery Clerk

    Since 2023

  • Tina Harper

    Grocery Clerk

    Since 2023

  • Treyton Harkins

    Grocery Kitchen Help

    Since 2024

  • Camelia Pritchett

    Grocery Clerk

    Since 2024

  • Christine Benner

    Grocery Clerk

    Since 2024


Other Employees


  • Douglas Colmery

    Development Coordinator

    Since 2019