Kristen Baughman Taber

Kristen Baughman is the founder of Tabletop Media Group. Native to the Carolinas, she received a degree in Extension Education with a focus in Nutrition from North Carolina State University. She also received a Master of Science degree in Extension Education with a focus in Agricultural Leadership.

Working for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services coordinating events for the Sustainable Local Food Advisory Council and serving as a Food Safety Outreach Coordinator led her to become even more passionate about the food industry. During her time at the NCDA&CS she created a popular 43 Day Local Food Challenge Blog, which led to a food blogging opportunity with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitor's Bureau.

Her varied career after university led to a social media marketing and public relations opportunity with the Got To Be NC Competition Dining Series. This new role spurred a career shift to focus on media as it relates to the hospitality, food, agriculture and beverage industries.

She later started a popular food blog and consulting company, Gadabout Food. After working in Raleigh, North Carolina for three years, she spent two years in New York City consulting for Shutterstock, Taste Talks, Northside Festival, Swig and other clients. Kristen decided to return to Raleigh, North Carolina in July 2016 to launch Tabletop Media Group.

Adventurous and passionate, Kristen has traveled more than 30 countries to explore the different cultures and food options around the world. In her free time, you can find her relaxing outside with her dogs Cheerwine and Doc or at one of the many Triangle breweries sipping on a North Carolina beer. She currently has settled in Warrenton, North Carolina with her husband Zayne on their farm.