Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Minni Forman

Minni Forman

Berkeley,CA

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Director with 12 years of experience growing businesses by 43% and more through adept management of key accounts, supply chain, and operations. Proven expertise in sustainability strategy, responsible sourcing, and fostering impactful partnerships. Demonstrated success in overseeing statewide operations for $50 million in Federal and State Grants, driving policy change in the sustainable agriculture and food industry. Dynamic leader with proven track record of successfully managing projects and initiatives and achieving desired business objectives. Skilled in developing and executing strategies, managing budgets and resources, and leading cross-functional teams. Consistently produces tangible outcomes that exceed expectations.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Director

Ecology Center
01.2023 - Current
  • Managed $50 million in Federal and State Grants, ensuring compliance and meeting deliverables
  • Led a team of 16 staff, fostering collaboration and orchestrating a coalition of over 60 stakeholders
  • Oversaw the California Alliance of Farmers Markets, contributing to the sustainable agriculture movement
  • Developed and executed plans for Ecology Center Farmers' Markets in alignment with the organizational mission.
  • Developed proposals and operational plans within assigned area.
  • Implemented best practices in project management to optimize workflow efficiencies across the organization.
  • Established strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders for collaborative problemsolving.
  • Monitored program performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
  • Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing innovative solutions.
  • Negotiated program contracts and agreements to obtain cost-effective pricing.
  • Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
  • Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Spearheaded fundraising efforts to secure resources necessary for program sustainability and success.
  • Developed USDA-funded California Farmers' Market pricing data collection project from the ground up, laying out a framework, and defining roles.

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Silk Grass Holdings
01.2020 - 07.2023
  • Led sustainability strategy for a regenerative agribusiness, achieving B-Corp certification and winning $1.2M in grants
  • Implemented operations for regenerative farming practices, reducing petrochemical use by 37% and cutting emissions by ~34%
  • Grew revenues by 22% through strategic partnerships and product development initiatives.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

Co-founder, Active Board Member

City Commons CSA
01.2012 - 01.2021
  • Led operationalization, securing $35K in grants, and scaling membership by 87% in the first 3 years
  • Created 12 urban farm spaces for food access in 8 Detroit neighborhoods, fostering community impact.

Managing Director

Uncommon Cacao (Maya Mountain Cacao)
03.2015 - 10.2019
  • Scaled sales revenue by 43% through partnerships and representing the brand at trade shows
  • Led team to meet FDA and Organic requirements for cacao export, cutting OPEX by 37% with operations turnaround strategy
  • Implemented sustainable analytics and achieved 100% customer satisfaction with supply-demand balance.
  • Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide growth objectives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
  • Negotiated new multi-year contracts and service agreements with vendors 85% higher than market price
  • Led change and transformation to right-size operations and reduced costs by 40%.
  • Worked closely with organizational leadership and CEO to guide operational strategy.
  • Successfully resolved high-stakes customer conflicts
  • Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
  • Directed large-scale projects, including a 200-sq-ft processing facility from inception to completion on time/budget in compliance to local/global regulations.
  • Delivered consistent revenue growth by identifying new business opportunities in Asia/North America..
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others. Retained staff and trained them for growth through ranks
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Spearheaded corporate reorganization efforts, realigning internal resources to better support growth objectives.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Piloted cross-departmental projects to achieve successful delivery of new initiatives.

Education

MBA -

West Texas A&M University, Canyon, TX
2023

B.A. - Journalism

Oakland University, Rochester Hills, Michigan
2007

Skills

  • Organizational Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Global sourcing
  • ESG Reporting Frameworks
  • Marketing and Outreach
  • Operational Management
  • Budgeting/Budget Management
  • Fundraising and Development

Timeline

Program Director - Ecology Center
01.2023 - Current
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager - Silk Grass Holdings
01.2020 - 07.2023
Managing Director - Uncommon Cacao (Maya Mountain Cacao)
03.2015 - 10.2019
Co-founder, Active Board Member - City Commons CSA
01.2012 - 01.2021
West Texas A&M University - MBA,
Oakland University - B.A., Journalism

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Minni Forman