AppHarvest is building some of America's largest greenhouses, combining conventional agriculture techniques with today’s technology to grow non-GMO, chemical-free produce.

Agriculture & Farming

AppHarvest

Travis Parman is currently the Chief Communications Officer at [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest). Prior to this, they served as the Vice President of International Communications and Global Performance for Groupe Renault from January 2015 to December 2018. In this role, they were responsible for leading regional communicators across five regions to ensure global alignment of messaging and corporate positioning. Travis also oversaw the development of a new communications governance model to drive message discipline and a consistent global voice for the organization. 

From January 2018 to October 2020, Travis served as the VP, Communications, N America and International Media & Global Engagement for Nissan Motor Corporation. In this role, they were responsible for leading communications activities across North America and promoting Nissan's stories globally. 

Prior to their role at Nissan, Travis served as the Director of Corporate Communications for Nissan North America from January 2012 to December 2015. In this role, they were responsible for managing all aspects of corporate communications for Nissan in North America, including media relations, crisis communications, and employee communications.

Travis Parman has a M.S. Communications Management from [Syracuse University](/org/syracuse-university), a B.S. Communications from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and an Honors Diploma from Greeneville High School. Travis also has certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) in Accreditation in Public Relations (PR).

Travis Parman

Martha Stewart is currently the Director at [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest). Prior to their current position, they were the Controller for the KFC division at [Yum! Brands](/org/yum-brands) from January 2003 to February 2021. In their previous role, they were responsible for leadership of the accurate accounting and reporting of the consolidated financial results of KFC's 15 global operating units, including the operation of effective processes and internal controls. Martha also maintained strong working relationships with the KFC division and market CFO's and finance teams to provide guidance and analysis on the financial implications of global and market level business initiatives and accounting requirements. In addition, they partnered with market CFO's and Controllers to ensure appropriate team structure and capability, providing insightful coaching to key market team members and division reporting team members to drive personal development and maximize potential. These responsibilities required collaboration with cross-functional teams around the world, including regular international travel (prior to the COVID-19 pandemic).

During their time at [Yum! Brands](/org/yum-brands), Martha achieved several key accomplishments, including minimizing the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on global accounting and reporting processes, establishing a process to analyze the financial impact of Covid-19 store restrictions and closures, ensuring appropriate accounting for deals including the sale of hundreds of KFC's worldwide, partnering in the assessment of the financial impact of a major UK supply chain disruption, leading the assessment of aggregator agreements and establishing related accounting policies, and implementing accounting policies for revenue recognition, leases and franchise incentives.

Martha Stewart attended the [University of Kentucky](/org/university-of-kentucky), where they earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting. Martha is also a certified public accountant, having received certification from the Kentucky State Board of Accountancy.

Martha Stewart

Julie Nelson is currently the Chief Operating Officer at [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest). Julie has previously worked as an Associate Partner at [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company), a Vice President at [PepsiCo](/org/pepsico) Global Operations, and a Principal at The Boston Consulting Group.

Julie began their career in 1994 as an Assistant Brand Manager at MillerCoors. Julie then transitioned into consulting in 1999, first working as an independent consultant from 2009 to 2015, and then as a Vice President at [PepsiCo](/org/pepsico) from 2015 to 2019. In 2020, they joined [McKinsey & Company](/org/mckinsey-company) as an Associate Partner. In their current role as COO at [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest), Julie is responsible for overseeing the company's operations and ensuring its continued growth and profitability.

Julie Nelson attended [Harvard Business School](/org/harvard-business-school) and earned their Master of Business Administration (MBA). Julie also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Economics from The Wharton School.

Julie Nelson reports to Jonathan Webb, Founder & CEO. Julie Nelson works with Dave Nichols - Head of Strategy, Kristi Putnam - Chief People Officer, and Becky Hurt - VP, People Operations.

Julie Nelson

Travis joined AppHarvest in 2020 as Chief Communications Officer. An Appalachian native, Travis previously served in a number of global communications roles since 2012 in Paris, Tokyo, and Nashville with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance — most recently as Vice President for Nissan Americas and President of the Nissan Foundation. Prior to his work with Nissan, Travis held public relations leadership roles with companies including General Motors, Ally Financial, Pulte Homes and Lockheed Martin. He holds a master’s degree in communications management from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee.



Christopher joined [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest) in 2020 to oversee construction and commissioning of new facilities. An Appalachian native, he has worked around the world overseeing the development and construction of buildings, including state-of-the-art fulfillment centers incorporating complex automation and technology solutions.

His decades of experience include leading facility programs and business development for companies such as [CBRE](/org/cbre), as well as information technology distribution companies [Ingram Micro](/org/ingram-micro) and BrightPoint. Christopher served in a variety of leadership roles over two decades for [Ingram Micro](/org/ingram-micro) and BrightPoint, which was acquired by [Ingram Micro](/org/ingram-micro) for $650 million in 2012.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from [Ball State University](/org/ball-state-university)’s Miller College of Business.

Christopher Scott

Kristi joined [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest) in 2021 following a career in public policy and education. Beginning her career as a teacher, she transitioned to leading education and child welfare policy and legislative initiatives at the state level. Her public service includes time as deputy secretary of Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services. That role saw her lead cross-cabinet reforms in health policy, human services delivery system design, workforce strategies, and child welfare improvements. It also included leading daily operations of an organization with more than 8,000 employees and a budget exceeding $14 billion. Prior to joining [AppHarvest](/org/appharvest), she co-founded Connecting the Dots Policy Solutions, which provided policy guidance for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Kentucky House of Representatives, the state of Arkansas, and several major health plans. Kristi holds a master’s degree in industrial/organizational psychology from [Southern New Hampshire University](/org/southern-new-hampshire-university) and a bachelor’s degree in English and social work from [Florida State University](/org/florida-state-university). She currently serves on several Kentucky business, government, and non-profit boards and commissions.

Kristi Putnam

Kaveh joined AppHarvest in 2021, bringing extensive experience in the finance departments of publicly traded companies, particularly in the areas of Investor Relations and Financial Planning & Analysis. Kaveh started his career as financial trader and since then he’s served in finance leadership roles for United Airlines, Essendant, Inc. and Fortune Brands Home & Security. Kaveh holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and an MBA from the University of Chicago.

Kaveh Bakhtiari

Becky Hurt

Patrick Halfmann

Kevin Willis

Ciara Burnham is a seasoned investor, operator and strategist with more than twenty years of experience in building growth businesses in financial services. Ciara is a partner at [QED Investors](/org/qed-investors), a leading venture capital firm which actively supports high growth businesses that use information to compete – and win. QED invests across the US, UK and Latin America, and has backed notable next-generation companies in the financial technology sector such as [Credit Karma](/org/credit-karma), [SoFi](/org/sofi), [Prosper](/org/prosper-business-development), [Avant](/org/avant), Clear Score, and Green Sky. At QED, Ciara focuses on emerging growth companies in the US financial services ecosystem.

Prior to joining QED, Ciara was a Senior Managing Director with [Evercore](/org/evercore), the global investment bank, where she worked broadly across the firm’s businesses. Ciara joined [Evercore](/org/evercore) shortly after its inception, and played a leadership role in the build out of the firm’s presence on a global basis. Most recently, she served as CEO of [Evercore](/org/evercore) Trust, a nationally chartered trust bank with over $50 billion in assets, where she led a turnaround of the business culminating in a successful sale of the institutional assets. Previously, she was responsible for Strategy and Corporate Development, leading initiatives including launching new lines of business, executing acquisitions for the firm, raising capital, and developing the international platform. Additionally, Ciara advised large corporate clients in the investment banking advisory business,and held leadership roles in the investment management segment. Earlier in her career, Ciara was an equity research analyst at Sanford Bernstein and a consultant with McKinsey & Co.

Ciara received an AB from [Princeton University](/org/princeton) and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She serves as a Trustee of the non-profit Education Development Center, and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council of Princeton Univesrity and the New York Women’s Forum.

Ciara Burnham

David Lee was appointed AppHarvest's President in January 2021. As president, Lee brings his experience in food tech innovation and disruption to help AppHarvest continue its growth by developing strategy and engaging in operations management and in the sales, marketing and finance functions of the firm. Lee joined AppHarvest from Impossible Foods where he has served as chief financial officer since December 2015. 

Lee holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA from Harvard.

David Lee

Kiran Bhatraju

A Kentucky native, Amy’s focus includes community partnerships and educational programs. Prior to joining AppHarvest, Amy provided operations management for a regional land trust in Kentucky and she spent several years with The Nature Conservancy. In support of university extension, Amy has also provided community planning outreach and research coordination. Amy holds a master's degree from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and a bachelor's degree from Clemson University.



Amy Samples

JD is a Co-Founder of Narya. Before co-founding Narya, JD served as the managing partner of a multi-stage venture capital fund. A veteran of the US Marine Corps, JD is also an internationally acclaimed commentator and author of the bestselling book, Hillbilly Elegy. 



J.D. Vance

Mr. Couch founded Meridian Wealth Management in 2009, then set out to surround himself with like-minded professionals to build a firm that supports the interests of both clients and the advisors who serve them. Ten years later, Meridian Wealth Management is a $1.25 billion firm where 19 advisors in four cities support more than 900 client families throughout the U.S.



Greg Couch

Dave is the CEO and Chairman of Equilibrium. Dave leads the firm’s growth, strategy and investment product development. He serves on Equilibrium’s Board of Directors.

Dave’s commitment to sustainability started with his work in venture capital, leading initiatives in regional economic development and participating in climate change policy development. In 2007, Dave saw sustainability re-shaping the basic economic sectors of the “Maslow hierarchy of needs” and creating economic advantage. Climate change was driving a rethinking of asset risk and value.  In 2008, Equilibrium was founded to be a global leader in sustainability-driven asset management for institutional investors to deliver sustainable alpha and intentional positive impact for society and environment.

Previously, Dave was a general partner at OVP Venture Partners (2000-2007). His investments at OVP included Intelligent Results (acquired by First Data), Net6 (acquired by Citrix), @mobile (acquired by Software.com), and @once (acquired by InfoUSA). Prior to OVP, Dave founded GeoTrust (acquired by VeriSign 2006), The Ascent Group, a global strategy consultancy firm; Vice President Marketing Mentor Graphics; Associate McKinsey & Company; and early team member Solectron (1978-1985).

Dave Chen

Jackie joined AppHarvest in 2020 as Chief Sustainability Officer following an accomplished career in the field with leadership roles at both The Carlyle Group and Environmental Defense Fund. In her time at The Carlyle Group, Jackie oversaw the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns into the investment process, supporting both investment teams and investors. In her role as Chief Sustainability Officer, she also worked hands-on to support The Carlyle Group’s portfolio companies in bringing together value creation and sustainability.

At the Environmental Defense Fund, Jackie served as a Senior Director, Director and Program Manager, and oversaw the creation of a partnerships program that helped reduce environmental impact at global icons including McDonald’s, Starbucks and FedEx. As recognition of her efforts, she received the White House Presidential Environment and Conservation Challenge Award.

Beyond The Carlyle Group and Environmental Defense Fund, Jackie also has worked as an engineer for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund program and served as a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard Business School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Yale University and master’s degrees from both the Yale School of Management and Yale School of the Environment. Jackie has served on the boards of numerous nonprofits, including the Appalachian Mountain Club outdoors organization, Arizona State University’s Global Institute of Sustainability, and Conservation International’s Center for Environmental Leadership in Business.

Jackie Roberts

Dave has more than 15 years of experience at every stage of entrepreneurship, having co-founded several technology, agriculture, and energy startups. He began his career in socially responsible investing in 2005, working on carbon credit projects in developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol. Dave then transitioned from carbon trading to clean-tech finance, leading the development of clean-tech projects ranging from energy to agriculture. Dave holds an MBA with distinction from Columbia University, as well as a bachelor’s in environmental science from the University of Delaware.



Dave Nichols

A Kentucky native, Jonathan has long been committed to sustainability and job creation in Appalachia. Now, after years of study and gathering support from inside and outside the region, he’s turned his dream of a high-tech farming hub in Appalachia into reality with AppHarvest.

Why Appalachia? Like many Kentuckians, Jonathan grew up knowing of the devastating job losses in the region. But there are personal reasons, too. A coal mining accident killed his great-grandfather, and, from his grandmother, Jonathan learned of the hard times her family faced afterward. He came to know that people in Eastern Kentucky are among the hardest working in the country.

In 2007, Jonathan became the first in his family to finish college, earning a business degree from the University of Kentucky. Eager to start wind and solar projects in Eastern Kentucky, he found the recession had soured investment in pretty much everything. So he packed up and headed to New York City. He slept in his car, applied for 150 jobs, and waited for interviews. Nobody called. He made his way to Washington D.C., where he worked with the U.S. Department of Defense on a massive solar project to help achieve a White House goal of ensuring the military’s hundreds of installations receive 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

Over time, Jonathan came to understand that wind and solar farms bring temporary construction jobs, but they don’t create long-term job security. A different type of farm could, though. Jonathan learned about the Netherlands and its controlled environment agriculture facilities, which in a single acre yield as much as 30 outdoor acres and virtually eliminate the use of chemicals. And Appalachia’s location being within a day’s drive of 70 percent of the U.S. population makes it the perfect AgTech hub.

In February 2017, encouraged by investors, advisers, and politicians of both parties, Jonathan left Washington and came home to Eastern Kentucky, where he now works tirelessly to create good jobs and redefine American agriculture.

Jonathan Webb

A marketing and corporate social responsibility leader with decades of experience, Geof has worked closely with AppHarvest since the company’s founding. In 2020, he joined the company full-time as Chief Marketing Officer following his time as Chief Marketing Officer of The Nature Conservancy, where he led novel collaborations with major companies including Macy’s, Subway, Harley-Davidson, and Univision. Before joining The Nature Conservancy, Geof held marketing leadership roles at World Wrestling Entertainment, Showtime, Comcast, Radisson Hotel Group, and Procter & Gamble.

Born in Barbados and raised in Brooklyn, Geof earned his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, where he worked with the basketball team during the tenure of Coach John Thompson and star Patrick Ewing. He also holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Geof has served on boards of numerous environmental organizations, including ecoAmerica and Sustainable Brands.

Geof Rochester

Anna Mason is a Partner on Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund. In this capacity, she leads the investment process for select deals in the fund across a variety of industries including the fund’s investments into Summersalt (Consumer; St. Louis, MO), Pryon (Enterprise AI; Raleigh, NC), STORD (Logistics; Atlanta, GA), Replica (Urban Planning; Kansas City, KS), and ZenBusiness (Business Formation; Austin, TX). She serves on the board of AppHarvest (AgTech; Eastern Kentucky) and is a board observer for Kenzie Academy (Future of Work; Indianapolis, IN) and Dispatch (Logistics; Minneapolis, MN). Anna also leads strategy and execution for the Rise of the Rest Network and Platform, including the annual Rise of the Rest Road Trip and the annual Network Summit. Her passion for this work is centered around two core beliefs: investing in startups sits at the intersection of realism and optimism; Rise of the Rest is a platform that helps us see the country through the eyes of the entrepreneurs who are reimagining its future.

Anna brings over a dozen years of experience in finance, startup operations, and venture community programming to Revolution.  Prior to joining Revolution, she co-founded a fitness-community startup that was acquired by Beachbody in 2015. Before that, she began her career on Wall Street, where she spent seven years as a distressed bond and post-reorg private equity trader, most recently as a Vice President at The Seaport Group.

Since 2015, Anna has worked to help support early stage female founders in the DC community, through various leadership roles at The Vinetta Project DC, including as city co-director and then as co-chair of the Advisory Board. She was also a founding member of BEACON DC, a community-led campaign to make Washington, D.C. one of the most influential and supportive cities in the country for women entrepreneurs. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Children’s Museum, which focuses on STEAM-centric exhibits.

Anna received her BA in Government from Harvard College and her MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business.  She was named to Business Insider’s list of 100 People Transforming Business in 2019 and a Washingtonian Tech Titan in 2017 and 2018.

Anna Mason

A Kentucky native, Loren joined AppHarvest in 2019 after serving as Vice President of Finance at Famous Brands International, the parent company of Mrs. Fields and TCBY. Loren brings more than 13 years of experience in finance and accounting from Famous Brands International, as well as prior roles at Ernst & Young, Summit Rock Advisors, and FTI Consulting. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Kentucky and University of Notre Dame, respectively.



Loren Eggleton

Prior to joining AppHarvest, Headley was an Executive Vice President of Bentall Kennedy, a North American real estate advisor with over $33 billion of assets under management in the US and Canada. While at Bentall Kennedy, Headley led marketing and product development for the MEPT fund platform, a US core real estate fund strategy with over $7.5 billion in net assets and 300+ institutional investors. In addition to being one of the largest private equity core funds in the US, MEPT set itself apart by maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable investment practices. It was consistently ranked as one of the most sustainable real estate funds by GRESB, both in the US and globally. Headley was also responsible for the development, structuring and marketing of MEPT Edgemoor, a private REIT launched in 2010, and he drove the international expansion of the Bentall Kennedy/MEPT investor base, raising over $1 billion of investor capital from Europe, Canada and Australia.

Headley joined Bentall Kennedy through its 2015 acquisition of Landon Butler & Company (LBC), an investor relations and marketing firm that co-founded the MEPT core fund strategy in 1982. At the time, Headley was President and CEO of LBC. Bentall Kennedy was subsequently acquired by Sun Life of Canada, after which Headley served on the Bentall Kennedy US Senior Management Committee as well as the MEPT Policy Board.

Headley received an M.A. in International Relations and Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a B.A. from Duke University. In 2020, he joined the AppHarvest team as Head of Corporate Development. With this move, Headley follows up on his previously instrumental work in developing AppHarvest’s first controlled environment agriculture facility in Morehead, KY.

AppHarvest

Org chart

Teams

Leadership Team

Board of Directors

CEO and Executive Team

Founding Team

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