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.

Board of Directors

Amanda Saab - 2021 - Present
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.
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Mike Hix - 2017-Present
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.
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Eric Abbey, PhD. - 2017 - Present
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.
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Lianne Lyne - 2021-2023
Lianne Lyne - 2021-2023
An executive and leadership coach coupled with a passion for great food, Lianne brings incredible passion to the Soil2Service Board.
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Trudy Williams - 2021-2023
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.
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Reed Bingaman - 2021 - Present
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.
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Operations Team

Jeremy Abbey, WCMC, CEC, CEPC, CCE, CCA
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.
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John T. Piazza, CEC, CCE, CCA
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.
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Detroit Institute of Gastronomy

Academic

Alan J. Neace Sr., MS, CWMCS, CEC, AAC
Culinary Adjunct Professor

David Hooper, MA, CEC, CCA
Culinary Adjunct Professor

Eric Abbey, PhD
Academic Adjunct Professor

Veteran Support Services Team

Geoffrey Devereaux
Veteran Concierge Specialist

Apprentice Advisory Committee 2024

Kevin Penn, CEC

Bouakhanh Greene, CEC

DaVoria Simmons

Aaron Gaertner

Russell Scott, CMC

Sarah Grutza 

J. Kevin Walker, CMC

Alan Neace, CEC, AAC (DIG faculty) 

David Hooper M.Ed, CEC, CCA (DIG faculty) 

Eric Abbey, PhD (DIG faculty – S2S BOD Liaison) 

edibleWOW

Jim Harb
Development Coordinator