Meet Us

The guiding principle of Soil2Service leadership is the improvement of all communities, individuals and systems. This principle is held in the highest regard for the Executive Director, Board of Directors and anyone participating in the organization. Leadership in Soil2Service abides by the five principles outlined below and work to develop anyone involved with the organization to understand and adopt the principles.

Individual Mastery

The concept of knowing oneself and continually improving and learning. We must always be willing to grow, develop and master our individual selves.

Trust

Having trust in the decisions, process and concepts that are shared to better Soil2Service. Trust that the decision, actions and events conducted in the name of Soil2Service will enhance the mission.

Safety in Communication

When engaged in communication, the right to speak your mind is guaranteed to all individuals. Every idea will be heard and treated with professionalism and respect.

Systems Thinking

We must think outside of ourselves. What will the impact have on all the systems? We will filter all ideas, projects and events through a systems approach.

Metanoia – Shift of the Mind

Impart a sense of metanoia. We will go beyond everyday learning and work to impart a shift in mindset for the people we touch. Every individual encounter will allow the opportunity to improve humanity. With metanoia, the long-lasting effect may be achieved.

Board of Directors

Erin Hamilton - President - 2024-present

Erin Hamilton is the founder of The Mushroom Conservatory in the rural heart of Howell, Michigan, where she resides with her husband Elijah and their children. Raised on a small farm, Erin developed a deep connection to the land and a passion for sustainable farming, which has guided her path to sharing the wonders of kingdom fungi with the world, for food, wellness and restoring the planet’s ecosystem.

Mamba Hamissi - 2024-Present

Hamissi Mamba is the co-owner of Baobab Fare, an East African restaurant in Detroit. Originally from Burundi, Mamba came to America seeking asylum at Freedom House Detroit and joined his family in 2015. Upon arrival, he and his wife, Nadia Nijimbere, navigated the challenges of learning English and rebuilding their family dynamic after years of separation.

Mike Hix - 2017-Present

Mike brings a unique understanding of food and service coupled with the desire to make a positive difference in the lives of the people that work in the food system.

Eric Abbey, PhD. - 2017 - Present

Eric has been working in the restaurant industry for 25 years finding success with his focus on the elegance of the dining experience for the customer. Eric is also a published author, a full professor of literature at Oakland Community College, and received his Doctoral Degree from Wayne State University.

Finance and Audit Committee

Reed Bingaman - 2021 - PresentFinance and audit Committee

Reed’s driving purpose is to compassionately encourage growth so that we are inspired to become our best selves. In addition to being a devoted mentor and developer of talent, he is passionate about food, sustainability, and Detroit, and appreciates the power of community built in breaking bread with others. Reed and his wife are highly successful producers of kale, grape tomatoes, and nasturtiums, and hope to expand their vegetable harvesting skills with a few more raised beds.

Previous Board Members

Amanda Saab - 2021 - Present

For over a decade, amanda has worked in nonprofits and in food, her commitment has and always will be based in community. The joy of connecting and bringing people together over a meal lead Amanda to host over 30 ‘Dinner With your Muslim Neighbor’ in 5 states.

Trudy Williams - 2021-2023

Trudy’s professional roles include being a trainer for the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Permanent Supportive Housing Program as well as a Fidelity Reviewer for the State of Michigan regarding the Individualized Placements and Supports Program Evidenced Based Employment Model. Trudy holds a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management with focus in Mental Health is a Certified Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP). Trudy is a passionate adovate for the community.

Lianne Lyne - 2021-2023

An executive and leadership coach coupled with a passion for great food, Lianne brings incredible passion to the Soil2Service Board.

Operations Team

Jeremy Abbey, WCMC, CEC, CEPC, CCE, CCAExecutive Director

Jeremy has worked in premier restaurants and has opened some of the most influential hospitality concepts in the nation. His diverse experience in the culinary arts has allowed him to affect lives on a global scale.

John T. Piazza, CEC, CCE, CCAExecutive Director of Business Development

John is the Executive Director of Business Development for Soil2Service, Inc., a project consultant for the American Culinary Federation, and the treasurer of the Michigan Chef’s de Cuisine Association. Chef Piazza’s view on hospitality culture and his commitment to people brings a unique edge to the team.