Annual Forum

Nichole Matthew is an integral part of the Urban Food Connections of Utah team, providing expert market management for both the Summer and Winter farmers markets. She is deeply committed to ensuring access to sustainable, local, and healthy produce. With over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, Nichole has worked with local organizations like the Sugar House Farmers Market, successfully managing markets while fostering a welcoming and vibrant community atmosphere. Her passion for nutrition and sustainable agriculture extends beyond market management. Nichole also managed a one-acre teaching and community garden, where she guided Montessori students in understanding the environment, learning where food comes from, and developing a strong work ethic. Year-round classes leveraged the changing seasons to create dynamic and enriching educational experiences. Originally from the Grand Canyon State, Nichole now proudly calls the Beehive State home. She is a proud graduate of the University of Utah, where she developed a strong foundation in environmental and biological sciences. Outside of work, you’re likely to find her at the ice rink, where all four members of her family share a love of hockey or on trail running.

Hannah Goggin is dedicated to building resilient, equitable food systems by reconnecting people to local food while increasing access to fresh, healthy produce. Through her work with the Green Urban Lunch Box and now Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Hannah is an experienced member of the Utah food system. She strives to facilitate communication between local farmers, community based organizations, and government agencies in order to strengthen food security for all Utahns.

Caroline Hargraves is the Director of the Marketing and Economic Development Division at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. With over 20 years of experience in local food systems, she brings a unique blend of practical knowledge and strategic vision to her role. From her early days in local restaurants to owning a photography and marketing business focused on supporting local restaurants and small businesses, Caroline has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the food industry. At UDAF, she is dedicated to improving local food systems, enhancing supply chain resiliency, and promoting the growth of Utah’s agricultural sector. In her free time, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring the beauty of Utah one trout stream at a time.

Lea Palmer is a registered dietitian, Assistant Director for Create Better Health, Co-director of Utah’s Hunger Solutions Institute, and a council member on Utah’s Food Security Council. Lea and her team are focused on improving the access to evidence based nutrition education, healthy foods, local agricultures, and safe physical access for all Utahn’s.

Over the last decade, Bryce has advised hundreds of entrepreneurs and companies on business planning, strategy, financial analysis, fundraising guidance, product development and commercialization. Through his family business, Culinesco®, he successfully launched a proprietary product, the Ergo Spout®, on Kickstarter in 2018, following up with a second successful campaign in April 2022. He is currently the Associate Director at the Salt Lake Small Business Development Center (SBDC) based in Sandy, Utah, leading the Center’s effort in organizing events and workshops. Bryce holds an MBA in Technology Commercialization from Westminster University.

Tim Cooley the Director of Entrepreneurship for the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Startup State Initiative. He is also the author of the #1 best-selling book on raising capital, The Pitch Deck Book: How To Present Your Business And Secure Investors. He is the former Executive Director for Park City Angels and consulted for Fortune 5 companies as well as 100s of early-stage companies in marketing, sales, product development, fundraising, and operations.

Chase Murdock is the CEO of Durable, a platform for small business owners and leaders to connect, learn, and grow. Durable offers peer groups, leadership coaching, and events, as well as transaction advisory, brokerage, and valuation services—helping entrepreneurs build strong, profitable businesses that last. Chase also leads Decada Group, a holding company focused on acquiring and stewarding community asset businesses. Decada’s eclectic portfolio spans fine art, bespoke suiting, construction, and the trades, all guided by a philosophy of intentional, soulful company building. Chase serves on the boards of GREENbike and the Utah Independent Business Coalition. He also writes Local Legends, a newsletter for entrepreneurs who value durability and craftsmanship in their businesses.

Hi, I'm Dani! Born and raised in Utah with a background in public health policy, nutrition, and farm to school initiatives. I'm a registered dietitian and love educating our youth on local food systems that benefit all. If I'm not working in farm to school, I'm watching the latest horror movie, playing outside, or petting the neighborhood cats.

Natalie is a local food advocate with experience managing farmers markets, coordinating outreach events, farming, and leading youth outdoor educational programs. As the Farm to School Specialist for Utah Farm to Fork, she’s grown farmer and school participation while expanding social media reach. In her spare time, she enjoy hiking her dogs and cooking with local ingredients!

Chris Quinlan served his passion for regional economic and food security as the manager of the Whistler Farmers’ Market for 8 years, a role that gave rise to his development of Marketwurks.com. His experience as a business owner taught Chris to find practical solutions to everyday challenges, such as being presented with 4, 4 inch binders of paper applications to the Market. The existing technical solution was cost prohibitive, so over time, he developed an intuitive market management software program with the goal of making market managers lives’ easier. MarketWurks currenlty provides market management solutions for nearly 200 farmers’ market locations across North America, Australia and Europe. Co founder and vice president of Canadian Farmers’ markets Founding member of the World Farmers Markets Coalition.