Meet the Team
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Craig James
Craig M. James, a native of Queens, New York, serves as the Chairman of Barrie House Coffee. During his six-year tenure as CEO, he transformed the company from a family business into an industry powerhouse. With over 22 years of experience at ExxonMobil Corporation, Mr. James developed extensive international business acumen and leadership skills. He also has over eight years of experience as a chef and pastry chef in notable restaurants and patisseries in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Mr. James holds an Associate of Occupational Science degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Villanova University, and an MBA in International Strategy & Management from the Kenan-
Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is actively involved in governance and advisory roles, serving on the Culinary Institute of America Alumni
Council, the CIA Society of Fellows, and the board of the American Culinary Federation Big Apple Chapter.
In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. James is committed to community service, providing his time and financial support to numerous veterans' organizations and charitable
causes. In his free time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Carla, and engaging in activities such as surfing, skiing, diving, wakeboarding, cooking, baking, and playing the guitar.
Lauren Wood
Lauren wood is an author and advocate for mental health. Diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia in her late twenties she has battled through stigma and career gaps that she felt added extra stress and burden to an otherwise upward-heading career. She started this organization because she wishes there had been a resource like this when she was going through her recovery journey.
Madie McMahill
A Communications undergraduate at Illinois State University. Madie leads our marketing efforts with a focus on social media strategy, donor engagement, and investor outreach. With a passion for turning mission into message, she brings energy and creativity to every campaign, using strategic insights to amplify our mission and expand our reach.