From the Ground Farmers Market Collective Staff

  • Executive Director

    Rebecca Matuszak

    Rebecca Matuszak serves as Executive Director of From the Ground Farmers Market Collective, bringing experience in local food systems, nonprofit leadership, and community development. A longtime advocate for local agriculture, she currently serves on the board of the and previously served as Board President, helping guide the organization through significant growth initiatives, including its major relocation project.

    As a former farmers market vendor, Rebecca understands the importance of supporting local producers and expanding food access while building strong community connections. She lives in Hancock with her family and enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time along the shores of Lake Superior.

  • Food Access Coordinator

    Liz Brotherton

  • Food Access Coordinator

    Maija Markkanen

From the Ground Farmers Market Collective began as a grassroots effort in Winter 2022 to expand food access in Houghton County through the management of three local farmers markets. A year later, we formed a Board of Directors to guide and grow our mission, and in November 2023, we officially received 501(c)(3) non-profit status. For inquiries directed to the board, please email fromthegroundfmc@gmail.com with “Board” in the subject line.

From the Ground Board of Directors

  • Jake Tenharmsel

    Co-Founder + Board Chair (since 2023)

    Co-owner of North Harvest CSA, musician, and educator for the Dan Schmitt Gift of Music and Outdoor Education Fund

  • Leah Polzien

    Co-Founder + Board Vice Chair (since 2023)

    Main Street Calumet Executive Director and supporter for the Calumet Farmers Market since 2017. Co-founder and coordinator of the Calumet Community Garden.

  • Patrice Cobin

    Board Treasurer (since 2024)

    Associate Director of the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum

  • Rachael Pressley

    Co-Founder + Board Secretary (since 2023)

    Planning Director for the Western U.P. Planning and Development Region / co-founder of the Portage Lake Seed Library and the Western U.P. Food Systems Collaborative

  • Margaret Hanson

    Co-Founder + Board Director (since 2023)

    Food system educator with Copper Island Academy, cookbook author, and founder of Teach to Taste.

  • Matt Boersma

    Co-Founder + Board Director (since 2023)

    Co-owner of Boersma Family Roots; Lifelong farmers marketer and grower, local food and community advocate

  • Amanda Makela

    Board Director (since 2023)

    FTG Farmers Market Co-manager for 2024 Season, Content Manager for Visit Keweenaw, and Filmmaker for 2nd Sandbar Productions

  • Cassandra Reed-VanDam

    Board Director (since 2024)

    FTG Farmers Market Co-manager for 2024 Season and Essential Education Experience Manager for Michigan Tech University

  • Madelina DiLisi

    Board Director (since 2024)

    Michigan Food and Farm Network Specialist for the Great Lakes Midwest Regional Food Business Center (through Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems)

Past Board Members

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