Leaders around the world
Fairtrade America is the US branch of the Fairtrade International system. We are an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization, and we are proud to be part of this global network that includes about 2 million farmers and workers.
We believe that it is critical to have a wide variety of people at the governing table – most important the farmers themselves. Fairtrade International’s General Assembly – an annual gathering of representatives from across the system – is made up of half producers and half representatives from the different marketing and advocacy arms of the organization (like ours).
US Board of Directors
Chair: Dan Arnett is the General Manager of the Chicago Market Cooperative. He is also a Graduate Program Adjunct Professor at the Presidio Graduate School. Dan has served on the board of the National Co+op Grocers Association, bringing a wealth of experience in co-op management. Dan holds a Master of Management in Cooperatives and Credit Unions from Saint Mary’s University.
Treasurer: Charis Smith is a sustainability and collaboration professional, providing consulting services and coaching for people and organizations that seek to make the world a more sustainable and equitable place. Charis brings nearly 15 years of experience serving in a variety of roles within organic retail and innovation networks, regularly engaging with leaders across the agricultural supply chain. She is currently working on a project for Regenerative Farms, a global non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting women and indigenous farming communities through regenerative agriculture and value-added, on-site processing hubs designed to meet a number of economic, social and environmental goals.
Secretary: Troy Pearley is the EVP and General Manager, USA of Divine Chocolate and has served on their Board of Directors. He previously worked at Godiva, Ghirardelli, Odwalla, Pepperidge Farm, and Ralston Purina. He received Sales Person of the Year award at Ghirardelli and is currently a Chocolate Council member of the National Confectioners Association (NCA).
Dean DeCrease is a food & agriculture specialist with leadership and entrepreneurial experience in food & beverage products, restaurants, grocery retail and food packaging. His sustainability journey began when he founded and led Weyerhaeuser’s first global sustainability office in Geneva in 1993 and helped develop the Forest Stewardship Council’s implementation process for certifying sustainable forest products. Dean has lived and worked in Europe, Asia and Latin America.
Carlos Reynoso is the General Manager of Manos Campesinas, a coffee cooperative in Guatemala. He has held various positions representing producers.
Sophie Waskow Rifkin has worked in the corporate sustainability field for over 17 years. Currently she is the Director of Impact Innovation & Analytics at Chobani where she focuses on building programs to address hunger and food insecurity. Previously she led sustainability at the food company Banza, and held senior-level positions at the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business where she helped to launch the center, built thought leadership and engagement programs. She holds an MPA in sustainability management from George Washington University, and an A.B. in English from Brown University.
As a labor union organizer, I know Fairtrade's labor rights standards were developed in consultation with food and agricultural unions. Our partnership with small grower cooperatives and workers builds sustainable development including stronger community democracy. Strong unions and cooperatives are essential building blocks for social justice.
Tim Beaty, Former Board Chair
