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Our Team

Karen Petersen
Executive Director

Karen has a professional background in human resources and business/financial operations and is also a beginning farmer. She and her husband Dustin started Pequash Farms in 2022. Karen joined the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network board of directors in early 2024, taking on roles within the strategic planning and finance committees. 

Karen has a passion for helping others and a strong community service mindset. She serves as Township Trustee in Eel River, Allen County and looks out for the best interests of children who have been victims of child abuse and/or neglect in our community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Karen and Dustin have 2 adult children and are recently empty nesters. They enjoy spending time working on projects together around the farm and spoiling their animals which include their 2 rescues - a tripawd pittie mix and deaf cattle dog, barn cats, goats & chickens.

You can reach Karen at Karen@NEIfood.org

Ellen Bauman
Local Food Outreach Coordinator

Ellen Bauman has been a valuable part of the Northeast Indiana local food community for over ten years. Her background in gourmet mushroom cultivation and urban farming with Windrose Urban Farm, and her enthusiastic involvement with the Ft. Wayne’s Farmers Market makes cultivating strong relationships around local food second nature to her.

Ellen’s commitment to fostering community connections and promoting sustainable practices extends to her passion for local food systems and environmental conservation.

In her spare time, Ellen enjoys gardening, kayaking and playing with her dogs, Archer and Luna.

You can reach Ellen at Ellen@NEIfood.org.

Amber Bouthot
Communications Coordinator

Amber Bouthot is the executive editor and publications manager for glo and HOME Living magazines. She also owns Fort Wayne Food Tours and Red Bird Writing, a freelance marketing and grant management company.

Originally from Illinois, she is a staunch advocate for northeast Indiana and gives back by volunteering for a variety of organizations and causes. She earned a Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Management from Indiana Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northern Illinois University.

Amber has two daughters, a wonderfully supportive husband, Adam; and two dogs, Frankie and Wilma. She loves to read, spend time in her garden, and go camping with her family.

Our Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network share a passion for Northeast Indiana for growing our local food system. Each board member bring valuable skills and diverse perspectives as local producers, marketers, chefs, nutrition educators, and economic development leaders from across our region. We are grateful for their time and their commitment to our mission.

  • Denise Hoff - Board Vice Chair, Retired Owner, Fresh Food Hub, DeKalb County

Janet Katz
Founding Director

Janet’s unique background includes master’s degrees in both chemistry and sustainable food systems; years as a dedicated community volunteer event planner; and even documentary film production. In 2015 she directed From Fencerows to Foodsheds, which explores the story of two Indiana communities working to revitalize their local food systems.

Janet helped to launch the Northeast Indiana Local Food Network in 2018, and has earned respect across our region as a leading advocate for increasing the bounty of local food that flows from our land to our tables.

Janet, and her husband, Andy, live on Green Oak Farm, a suburban homestead near Fort Wayne. They love to cook with seasonal ingredients from their garden and from the many local farmers, who have become dear friends. 

You can reach Janet at Janet@NEIfood.org