Annie Withey, Co-founder

Annie continues to be the inspirational leader of Annie's.  She is an organic farmer, wife and mother of two.  Working from her farmhouse in Connecticut,  Annie answers some consumer letters and provides input on new product and marketing ideas.  Above all, she remains our corporate conscience. 
 

Bernie, Rabbit of Approval

Bernie was a real gray-and-white Dutch rabbit, and Annie Withey’s beloved pet who lived with her for many years. While Bernie once preferred to eat kale and carrots rather than macaroni & cheese, he now is the Annie’s brand mascot. He can be seen in the logo that appears on all our boxes, along with his “Rabbit of Approval,” guaranteeing each product is made with the best natural and organic ingredients possible.

John Foraker, CEO

John is the guy who is responsible for leading our growth, and making sure that Annie’s stays true to its values as we bring our foods to a store near you.  He is one of Annie’s biggest all-time fans and has been involved with this little company since 1999, a long time in rabbit years.  As you can see, at an early age in Chico, California, he began developing his tasting skills, no doubt sampling some high-sugar, neon-colored cereal that unfortunately dominated the cupboards in his home during the '70s.  John and his wife have four children, so Bernie runs rampant in their household.  John is passionate about Annie’s mission to bring great-tasting, better-for-you alternatives to homes across America (including his own!).  Two of his favorite things about the job include working with a group of passionate, talented Annie’s employees every day, as well as hearing directly from Annie’s fans. Follow him on Twitter and make sure to write him -- he will actually write you back!  His favorite Annie’s product is the new Annie’s Cinna-Bunnies cereal.  Now, if he had only had something as healthy as that in the cupboard growing up! 
 

Steven Jackson, COO

Steven Jackson joined the Annie’s team in 2006 as our Chief Financial Officer.  This guy is all about systems thinking and supporting organizational growth.  In September 2007, Steven added operations to his scope of responsibility becoming Annie’s Chief Operating Officer.  He is now responsible for driving strategy within the operations, financial, administrative, and technology functions at Annie’s.  A Northern California native, Steven grew up in the Healdsburg and Cloverdale areas, where he learned to milk cows at the age of four – or at least he thought so -- he finally realized that when his brothers squirted milk on him, it wasn’t part of the milking process at all, but target practice.  Steven currently lives in beautiful Marin with his wife and two daughters, ages 6 and 3.  When he’s not working, he can be spotted skiing at Northstar in Lake Tahoe, or in Carmel with family and friends in the summertime.  Steve’s favorite snack is Annie's Cheddar Bunnies. 

Sherrie, Consumer Relations Manager

Sherrie is Bernie's little helper, answering your inquiries via phone and email.  Sherrie's experience as a mom gives her the friendly customer service skills to get the job done.  She will happily help with your questions and suggestions.  In between talking to you and responding to your emails, Sherrie loves snacking on Annie's Chocolate Chip Bunny Grahams.

Mark Mortimer, Sr. Vice President of Sales

Mark makes sure that your favorite Annie’s foods are on the shelf at your local store.  Choosing a career in sales soon after graduating from UCLA, Mark started in the food industry at Pepsi Co.  A native Californian, you will find him enjoying the amenities of the West Coast including swimming at the beach, snow skiing and even cheering on the Oakland A’s.  Mark’s favorite Annie’s pasta is Penne Alfredo.

Sarah Bird, Sr. Vice President of Marketing
 

Remember the slogan behind the Energizer Bunny ad campaign?  That’s Sarah.  Fueled by pure passion for organic and natural foods, this woman just ‘keeps on going’.  Raised Down East on the rugged coast of Maine, Sarah brings her “can do” attitude and remarkable resourcefulness to everything she does.  Whether it’s developing a new product, revamping packaging or baking up a batch of cupcakes for her children’s classmates, Sarah is all smiles.  And with a small brood of organic chickens at home, Sarah aspires to be an organic farmer in her “next life”!  Sarah loves our classic Annie’s Shells & White Cheddar.
 

Bob Kaake, Vice President of Research & Development

Bob is our resident “mad scientist,” helping Annie create new products and flavors.  As the leader of the product development team, Bob (as you see from his baby photo) isn’t afraid to get down and dirty in the kitchen.  He first learned to master the mud pie while in Hawaii, but now that he calls San Francisco home he prefers Annie’s Mac & Cheese.  Whether he is at home or in our test kitchen, Bob really gets those creative juices flowing, helping the Annie’s team to create more delicious, all-natural meals.  If you have an idea for a new great-tasting treat, Bob would love to hear from you – just email his pal Bernie.  Bob’s favorite comfort food is Annie's Deluxe Shells & Cheddar (served with peas and Spam, of course!).  

Chris Folena, Vice President of Finance

Amy Barberi, Human Resources Director

Amy believes humans are a precious resource and is excited to be helping Annie's with the many things that fall under Human Resources.  She knows that it takes great people to make great Mac & Cheese!  Amy is not only smart, she is handy too.  When she is away from the office you will find this Napa native, along with her husband, playing with their son, Luke, and remodeling their house, originally built in 1941.   As busy as our field mouse is, she always finds time for friends and family.  Amy’s favorite snack is Annie's Chocolate Bunny Grahams.

Aimee Sands, Marketing Director

Aimee loves to spread the word about yummy Annie's products.  She's the Marketing Director for Annie’s Equity activities, including public relations, events, web marketing and community giving programs.  When she’s not on the road passing out samples of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, or talking to a reporter about our newest items, Aimee can often be found in the kitchen.  She's traded in mud pies for more delicious ingredients, and enjoys baking for her coworkers and friends.  She also likes to read cookbooks, poke around in antique stores, and hike all around Northern California.  Organic Snack Mix Bunnies are Aimee's current favorite treat.