Our Team 

Meet the leadership team behind the Capital Region Food Council. These individuals bring experience, insight, and a deep commitment to advancing food security and regional resilience.
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​Dr. Monika Korzun is an Assistant Professor in the Sustainability and Environmental Studies program at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. Before joining St. Thomas University, Dr. Korzun completed two postdoctoral fellowships, one at Dalhousie University where she focused on social sustainability in the agri-food industry and one at Saint Paul University where she explored the relationship between food security and collaborative food systems governance. 
Dr. Korzun holds a PhD in Rural Studies from University of Guelph, an MA in Development Studies from York University, and an Honour BA in Sociology from University of Toronto. In addition to working in academia, Dr. Korzun has several years of experience working in the private and not-for-profit sectors, including Food Secure Canada and the Food Communities Network. Dr. Korzun is a board member of the Atlantic Food Action Coalition (AFAC) and a pillar lead in the Common Ground Network.
Karrie Bedford is a rural-focused, community-minded dietitian with over 10 years of experience working across public, non-profit, and private sectors to support local food systems. Her background covers large-scale food service operations, community food programming, advancing dignified dining and inclusive menus in long-term care settings, supporting the operational side of school food programs, and private consulting. The common thread in her work is people and food—creating space at the table to foster strong community connections and a shared commitment to caring for one another across the lifespan.
Her work centers on strengthening food security through community-driven solutions, regional collaboration, and asset-based approaches. With present experience at the intersection of public health and municipal leadership, she brings a practical understanding of rural challenges and opportunities to the Capital Region Food Council, supporting initiatives that build resilient, accessible, and sustainable local food systems, helping all partners to come together with one regional voice. ​
Emily Baxter is a Registered Dietitian working with Horizon Public Health in Fredericton, NB. Emily obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Acadia University prior to starting her career in New Brunswick. She has worked in a variety of areas including long-term care, food service management, hospital and outpatient nutrition prior to starting her work with Public Health in 2025. She is passionate about providing compassionate, inclusive nutrition services. When not at work, Emily can typically be found outside with her partner, John, and dog, Ranger, or at a local coffee shop.
Dr. Muideen Ahmed is a researcher and educator with specialized expertise in animal nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and multidisciplinary food systems. Holding a Ph.D., his work bridges scientific research and real-world application, with a strong focus on improving livestock performance, enhancing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability. His research spans multiple disciplines, integrating soil, water, crops, livestock, and microbiology to support sustainable ecosystems and resilient food production systems.
Dr. Ahmed has published his work in academic journals and regularly presented findings to interdisciplinary teams, ensuring strong collaboration and meaningful research outcomes.  Through his involvement with the Capital Region Food Council, Dr. Ahmed brings deep technical knowledge and a systems perspective to support evidence-informed decision-making, sustainable food production, and a stronger, more resilient regional food system.
Danielle Connell grew up at D'Aoust Farms (poultry and fruit u-pick) in Jemseg, and is now a commercial sheep farmer and butcher with her husband Mark in Lower Cambridge. Her day jobs include community research and policy analysis for regional, provincial and federal studies and industry projects. Her work to map agricultural activity and assets in RSC 11 will have positive impacts at the municipal and provincial levels by leveraging real world data to help inform decision-making regarding local food production, agricultural zoning, food security, emergency preparedness, tourism, recreation, economic development, etc. 
Danielle is also the new President of the Agriculture Alliance of NB, representing and advocating on behalf of over 900 farms in the province. ​
Sandi MacKinnon is the Executive Director of Greater Fredericton Social Innovation (GFSI), where she has been leading collaborative, community-driven initiatives since 2014. With a strong focus on social innovation, data-informed decision-making, and cross-sector partnerships, Sandi plays a key role in advancing projects that address housing, food security, inclusion, and community well-being across the Capital Region. She is known for uniting  community partners to co-create solutions to complex social challenges.
Through her leadership, GFSI serves as the host organization for the Capital Region Food Council, providing backbone support and coordination to help drive collective impact and shared community outcomes.
Katie Lindsay  is the Social Inclusion & Community Development Coordinator with the Capital Region Service Commission (CRSC), where she leads initiatives that strengthen communities, foster collaboration, and improve quality of life across the Capital Region of New Brunswick.
Katie works with municipalities, non-profit organizations, Indigenous communities, businesses, and government partners to address complex social challenges through collaboration. ​
Her work focuses on poverty reduction, affordable housing, food security, social inclusion, community wellbeing, and building resilient communities. She leads regional initiatives, develops strategic partnerships, secures funding, and supports collaborative projects that create lasting impact. Katie also supports the CRSC Board of Directors and represents the Commission on regional committees and working groups. Working closely with the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation (ESIC) and the Community Capacity & Resiliency Branch of the Department of Justice and Public Safety, she helps align regional initiatives with provincial priorities. Passionate about bringing people together, Katie is committed to building inclusive, resilient communities through partnership, innovation, and collective action.
Hillary Nguyen is the Community Inclusion Liaison with the City of Fredericton's Office of Community Inclusion. She is passionate about building communities where everyone feels they belong and has equitable access to opportunities, resources, and services. Her work spans anti-racism, accessibility, youth engagement, and community partnerships, with a focus on creating systemic change through collaboration. Having immigrated to Canada herself, Hillary brings both professional and lived experience to conversations about inclusion and community well-being. ​
She also has a deep appreciation for the diversity of food and the stories, cultures, and connections it represents. She believes that food has a unique ability to bring people together, celebrate cultural identity, and foster a stronger sense of belonging. As a member of the Capital Region Food Council, she is excited to contribute an equity-focused perspective to advancing a healthy, accessible, and sustainable local food system for everyone.
Raghav Parikh is a Land Use Planner with the Capital Region Service Commission, where he works with rural communities across New Brunswick's Capital Region on land use planning, policy development, and community planning initiatives. He has a background in architectural design and planning research, with experience in social and policy planning.
Prior to joining the Capital Region Service Commission, Raghav studied and worked at Dalhousie University, where he specialized​
in built environment standards and accessible design, with a focus on improving accessibility for people with disabilities. He holds a Master of Planning from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Nirma University in Ahmedabad, India.