FRESHFARM Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Directors
Seasoned Leaders Join FRESHFARM Board to Help Build a More Equitable, Sustainable, and Resilient Food System
(Washington, DC, July 1, 2026)— FRESHFARM, the Mid-Atlantic’s leading nonprofit food system organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Elizabeth Lee, MPA; Keji Okelola, CPA; and Elise Museles. Together, they bring decades of experience across public health policy, financial leadership, nutrition, philanthropy, and organizational strategy that will help guide FRESHFARM as it continues to cultivate a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient regional food system.
FRESHFARM’s food system work focuses on four core pillars. The organization operates one of the largest farmers market networks in the country with 25 locations throughout Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including the renowned Dupont Circle market. They administer innovative food access programs to connect thousands of underserved residents with fresh, local food and provide hands-on food education to children and families through FoodPrints. FRESHFARM also distributes locally grown produce to community partners through the FRESHFARM Food Hub. As demand for these programs continues to grow, the organization is expanding its leadership capacity with board members whose expertise reflects the interconnected nature of food, health, community, and economic opportunity.
“Elizabeth, Keji, and Elise each bring unique perspectives and exceptional leadership experience that will strengthen FRESHFARM’s ability to serve our region,” said Catherine Oakar, Executive Director of FRESHFARM. “Their collective expertise and commitment to our local community align directly with our vision for the future. We are thrilled to welcome such dynamic and seasoned talent with deep roots in our region to the Board and look forward to their contributions as we continue building a local food system that works for everyone.”
Elizabeth Lee is a nationally recognized health policy leader with nearly two decades of experience advancing public health, health equity, and healthcare financing. She is the founder and Managing Director of Continuum Health Group and serves as Principal and Health Care Group Chair at Venn Strategies. During the Obama Administration, Lee served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, where she oversaw key initiatives related to maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS programs, and the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Earlier in her career, she served in policy roles supporting then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Senator Tammy Baldwin. Her work has consistently focused on improving health outcomes for underserved communities.
Keji Okelola is an accomplished finance executive whose experience spans Big Four public accounting, financial consulting, and leadership positions within high-growth organizations. As a Corporate Controller, she specializes in building financial infrastructure, overseeing multi-entity reporting, and supporting strategic growth initiatives. Okelola is passionate about advancing sustainability and equitable access to resources through strong governance and financial stewardship. She looks forward to supporting FRESHFARM’s continued growth and impact.
Elise Museles is a certified Eating Psychology and Mind-Body Nutrition Expert, bestselling author of Food Story: Rewrite the Way You Eat, Think, and Live, and host of the podcast Once Upon a Food Story. A former attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Museles has become a nationally recognized voice on nutrition, wellness, and the relationship between food and health. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Environmental Working Group and has extensive experience supporting nonprofit fundraising and development efforts.
The appointments further strengthen FRESHFARM's ability to advance local agriculture, expand food access, and improve community health across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The new board members join a dedicated group of leaders committed to ensuring that all people have access to fresh, healthy food while supporting the farmers and producers who make regional food systems possible.
