Our Board + Staff

Board of Directors

Harriette Watford Lowenthal, President

Alexandria Nichols, Vice-President

Scott Williams, Treasurer

Dr. Betsy Feighan, Secretary

Alexandria Cooke

Louis Rorimer

Dr. Sebouh Setrakian

Diana Stromberg

Cecilia Wong

Advisory Council

David Goodman

Crickett Karson

Ann Plantz

Dr. Michael Roizen

John Schulze

Tom Wiandt

William Woolf

Melissa Celko

Executive Director

Melissa Celko joined North Union Farmers Market as Executive Director in August 2026, bringing 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience focused on community, food, and well-being. Her background includes fundraising, team leadership, strategic planning, budget oversight, and partnership development.

Melissa previously served as a board member and Director of Fundraising for Haymaker Farmers Market in Kent. She also worked with Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute and supported the team that helped bring North Union Farmers Market to Cleveland Clinic more than a decade ago.

A gardener, cook, permaculture designer, and longtime farmers market shopper, Melissa believes deeply in the power of local food systems to create healthier and more equitable communities. She is excited to support North Union’s farmers and makers, expand access to fresh local food, and guide the organization’s continued growth.

Kawai Bitto

Director of Market Operations

Kawai Bitto is a dedicated advocate for local food systems, food access, wellness, and sustainable living. With a degree in Dietetics and certifications in wellness coaching and yoga, she brings a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Over nearly a decade with North Union Farmers Market, Kawai has grown from volunteer to Director of Market Operations, leading efforts to strengthen regional food systems, expand food access, support local farmers and small businesses, and build community partnerships across Northeast Ohio. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Farmers Market Network, helping strengthen farmers markets statewide. As a wife and mother, Kawai strives to live the values she champions and believes in the power of local food to connect people, strengthen local economies, and build healthier communities.

Emma Visnic

Director of Marketing and Communication

Emma Visnic is the Director of Marketing & Communications at North Union Farmers Market, where she has spent more than 20 years helping connect Northeast Ohio communities with local farmers and fresh, local food. Throughout her time with North Union, Emma has played a key role in marketing, communications, community engagement, and special events, using creative storytelling to promote local food systems and support Ohio farmers and producers.

She is passionate about building strong communities, increasing awareness of local food, and helping make farmers markets welcoming and accessible to all. Emma is also an active community volunteer and has served on local community development boards and volunteered with schools and nonprofit organizations throughout the Cleveland area.

Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and dog, and finds inspiration in family, community, and the everyday moments that bring people together.

Denise Sumbry

Westside Outreach Coordinator

Denise is a Cleveland native with a passion for community connection, food access, and wellness. With a background in entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement, she brings a people-centered approach to building relationships and supporting local businesses. Deeply aligned with the farm-to-table movement, Denise believes everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food and the resources needed to thrive. She enjoys connecting with local entrepreneurs, community partners, and residents to help strengthen Cleveland's neighborhoods and local food system. Outside of work, Denise enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Cheryl Evans

Market Manager

From longtime volunteer and trusted payroll provider to beloved market manager, Cheryl has worn many hats at North Union Farmers Market. A familiar and friendly face, she’s been the heart and soul of your favorite markets for years—keeping everything running smoothly with care, consistency, and a warm smile. Her dedication and deep-rooted love for local food (Cheryl is an avid home cook!),and the community make her a cherished part of our team.

Christine Bertlemann

Market Manager

Christine brings a background in education, nonprofit leadership, hospitality, and community engagement. Originally from Hawaiʻi and now calling Ohio home, she combines the spirit of aloha with a passion for creating welcoming spaces where people feel connected and supported.

She enjoys helping local farmers, artisans, and food producers share their products and stories while supporting small businesses and strengthening the local economy. Christine believes farmers markets are more than places to shop—they are gathering spaces where relationships grow and communities thrive.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Ohio's small towns and farmers markets, staying active, and discovering new adventures with her partner, Jon.

Alexandra Gaines

Market Manager

Alexandra brings a passion for local food, hospitality, and community connection to her work as a market manager. As the founder of Al Gaisson, she creates curated food experiences that celebrate seasonal ingredients, local producers, and the joy of gathering around the table.

She enjoys connecting shoppers with farmers, artisans, and small businesses while helping create vibrant market experiences that support Northeast Ohio's local food system. Alexandra believes food has the power to bring people together, foster community, and create meaningful connections.

Outside of the market, she enjoys exploring local farms, hosting gatherings, and finding new ways to celebrate the beauty and abundance of each season.

Izzy Stitchick

Market Manager & Administrative Assistant

Izzy advocates for and is an active participant of a resilient local food system. Her background is in food justice work and sustainable agriculture, and her current roles involve supporting farmers, connecting consumers to accessible healthy food, and building community through buying local. Izzy is also a farmer and owner of Quilt Star Farm where she grows heirloom and specialty crops.

Kendall Walter

Market Manager

Kendall Walter is a Cleveland native who has spent the last decade in New York City working across design, events, and food equity initiatives. Kendall’s experience in community food systems and creative operations fuels her passion for building inclusive and accessible market spaces. She is excited to be returning to her roots in Cleveland and connecting with the local community. Outside of work, she is an illustrator and small business owner who enjoys cooking and creative storytelling.

Mia Watson

Eastside Outreach Coordinator & Market Manager

Mia is a passionate local food advocate who brings warmth, energy, and a wealth of experience to the market. With a background that spans education, food service, and bartending, she’s done it all—and brings that same versatility to her role as Market Manager. Whether she’s welcoming shoppers, supporting farmers, or sharing her love for sustainable agriculture, Mia helps make every market feel like home.