Our team

Caic team banner

Core Team

Emiliano Espinosa

Program Director

Oversees all CAIC programs and services, including recruiting, delivery, and fundraising activities.

Suzanne Hogan

Operations Manager

Manages CAIC’s educational and growth programs for agricultural producers, in coordination with CAIC instructors and mentors.

YSABEL SANCHEZ

Administrative Assistant

Troubleshoots tech-related issues for course participants, and helps keep the entire CAIC team organized and on track.

Daniel Urdaneta

Tech Support

Handles and optimizes company tools and systems. Performs website updates, customizes CRM, generates reports, and provides employee training.

Program Instructors and Advisors

BRIAN BROWN

Instructor, Emerging Business Program/Advisor, Producers Growth Program

CAIC’s lead business consultant; experienced in business operations, finances, and economic development.

ALEYA FRASER

Program Manager, Produce Safety Education Program

Farmer and consultant specializing in sustainability, holistic farm planning, and other areas.

LINDSAY GILMOUR

Instructor, Produce Safety Education Program

Chef, food systems consultant, and educator specializing in food safety.

JEFF LANDSMAN

Advisor, Producers Growth Program

Veteran food broker, manufacturer, importer, and distributor throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

AL RENZI

Instructor, Developing Successful Value-Added Products

Created a successful artisanal goat cheese business and Grade A yogurt operation; provides consulting services to aspiring value-added producers.

CATHERINE RENZI

Instructor, Developing Successful Value-Added Products

Created a successful artisanal goat cheese business and Grade A yogurt operation; provides consulting services to aspiring value-added producers.

SAM ZAPPAS

Advisor, Producers Growth Program

Expert in intellectual property, investment, and business growth.

KIMBERLY RAIKES

Instructor, Product Safety

Works to build and manage the AgriBiz Hub community, and ensures that all farmers and value-added producers feel welcome on the platform.

Board of Advisors

The members of our Board of Advisors all play leading roles in the region’s agricultural industry. At CAIC, they help guide our development and growth as an organization.

Audrey Broomfield

Marketing Specialist

Maryland Department of Agriculture

George Class-Peters, Jr.

Deputy Principal Assistant (Policy Analyst)

Delaware Department of Agriculture

Don Clifton

Executive Director

Delaware Farm Bureau

Mike Thielke

Executive Director

Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center

Lindsay Thompson

Executive Director

Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Corporation

Roxanne Wolf

Community Liaison

Shore Gourmet
Maryland Aquaculture Coordinating Council

Dave Marvel

Vice President

Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association of Delaware

MINI-GRANTs

Mini-Grants up to $5,000 are available for:
– Market Research and Validation of Target Market
– Customer Acquisition
– Product Development Initiatives
– Food Safety Classes
Eligibility
Value-added producers and companies with traction ($20,000 or more in yearly revenue) in Maryland and Delaware are eligible to apply for Mini-Grants. Participants may apply once for each of the categories. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a unique and differentiated product or service that incorporates an aspect of innovation or technology in its production, processing, distribution, or other element of the food supply system.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Award decisions will be made and funds will be available no later than three weeks following the receipt of a completed application.
Application Process
Applicants must submit Mini-Grant proposals by filling out the form at this link. Copy(ies) of quote(s), proposal(s), estimate(s), or any other supporting documents.

ACCESS TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS (SMES)

CAIC offers access to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can offer authoritative advice based on their deep knowledge and experience in a specific area. See the ADVISORS page of this Web site to learn more about the SMEs who are available to CAIC participants.