Mitch Gruber, Ph.D., has worked in a variety of roles for the organization since 2008. After graduating from Binghamton University, Mitch worked as a Head Start teacher for Action for a Better Community. He met Tom Ferraro while volunteering in the community and eventually came to work for Foodlink. He has filled a number of positions at Foodlink, with the common thread being expanding Foodlink’s partnerships in the communities we serve. Mitch holds a PhD in History from the University of Rochester, and has served as a member of the Rochester City Council since 2018. He lives in the city of Rochester with his wife and two sons.

Contact: 585-413-4060
mgruber@foodlinkny.org

Terra Keller was born and raised in Rochester and Finger Lakes region. She started as an intern at Foodlink in 2009, shortly after completing her bachelor’s degree at SUNY Geneseo. In 2017, she completed her MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School and actively participates on the school’s alumni committees. Terra oversees Foodlink’s distribution center, community kitchen, facilities, and finance departments. Previously, she has served in a number of other capacities for Foodlink, including project management, event planning, and fundraising. She lives in Rochester with her husband and three young kids. 

Contact: 585-413-4070
tkeller@foodlinkny.org

Tashanda Thomas, PHR, SHRM-CP, joined Foodlink in August 2024, bringing several years of Human Resources experience from both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She is mission-driven and serves the Rochester community through diverse roles, sitting on several boards and committees, including Willow Domestic Violence Center, The Urban League of Rochester, St. John Fisher University Alumni Board and YMCA,. She is also Commissioner for the City of Rochester Civil Service Commission, and a WXXI Community Advisory Board Member.

Tashanda was born and raised in Rochester. She is a graduate of St. John Fisher University and Monroe Community College and is also a devoted mother.

Contact: 585-413-4095
tthomas@foodlinkny.org

Beth Hershel joined Foodlink in 2023 and oversees marketing and fundraising. She has a Masters in Public Administration and has worked for organizations focused on homelessness, anti-poverty, mental health and nonprofit capacity building. She volunteers as a board member for Girls on the Run Greater Rochester. Beth grew up in Rochester and boomeranged back after living in Boston and Vermont. She lives in Irondequoit with her husband and two daughters.

Contact: 585-413-4053
bhershel@foodlinkny.org