OUR BOARD
Alisyn Kandybowicz
Founder & CEO
Alisyn serves as the founder/CEO at Mission: Food Forest. She is a military spouse, mom of three, and possesses a master's in Speech Language Pathology, a minor in Public Relations and Strategic Communications, and certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship. She is passionate and experienced at building inclusive community spaces through social horticulture and food security programs serving military populations.
602-284-5406
Jessica Specht
Chief Financial Officer
Jessica serves as CFO of Mission: Food Forest. She holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Entrepreneurship. She is an Air Force veteran with 12 years of active duty service and continues to serve as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Air Force Reserve. In a civilian capacity, she has worked to bridge the gap between industry and the federal government, helping small businesses secure millions of dollars in government contracts while fielding the most innovative technology for U.S. National Security. She has a passion for building and fostering community among military populations.
Kelsie Wright
Chief Operations Officer
Kelsie is the Chief Operating Officer at Mission Food Forest. With a degree in Managerial and Organizational Communication from Point Loma Nazarene University and a solid background in customer service, she brings strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a genuine passion for helping others. By day, Kelsie works as an Engineering Estimator, but her heart is in supporting the National Marrow Donor Program and making a difference in people’s lives.
Outside of work, she loves attending baseball games, playing golf, and spending time with her family. Kelsie is excited to contribute her diverse experience to Mission Food Forrest and help drive the organization’s mission.
Kathy McElvain
Secretary
Kathy McElvain has served as the Social Services Coordinator for a regional property management company for more than 26 years. In her capacity, she has supervised 18 social services professionals as well as developed policies and directed the company’s Fair Housing, ADA and 504 compliance programs. As a successful grant writer, Kathy successfully wrote and administered private and federal grants in excess of 1.4 million dollars, and administered additional grants of more than 500k. Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her graduate certificate in Gerontology from Arizona State University.
Joshua Kandybowicz
Officer
Joshua serves as a LTC in the US Army and an officer on the Mission: Food Forest team. He holds a Master’s Degree in Security Studies and Intelligence and active duty Army service member. He currently serves as Professor of Military Science at NAU and has led operations of up to 1,200 individuals as operations officer while ensuring readiness of officers graduating Military Intelligence Basic Officer Course (MIBOLC). He is happy to support this initiative to improve military family morale and service member health/nutrition readiness.
Briana Reynolds
Officer
Briana Reynolds is a dedicated community leader with a strong background in service, outreach, and public speaking. As a former titleholder in the Miss America program, she honed her skills in fundraising, engaging diverse audiences, and advocating for meaningful causes with authenticity and passion. Since her time in the Miss America program, Briana has developed a deep love for health and wellness. She adopted a plant-based lifestyle nine years ago and understands firsthand the importance of access to fresh, healthy food. She also recognizes the mental and spiritual benefits of connecting with nature—feeling the sun, working the soil, and embracing the grounding energy of the earth.
Military spouse and now full-time mom of four, Briana is committed to instilling holistic, sustainable habits in her children. She leads by example, teaching them the joy of growing their own food and the power of self-sufficiency. Through her work, she hopes to inspire others to embrace community gardens as a vital resource for health, education, and togetherness.
Annie Schmaltz
Officer
Annie serves as an officer on the Mission: Food Forest team. She is a mother of 6 and holds a bachelor’s degree in speech language sciences and technology. She is the team‘s permaculture subject matter expert and has experience in small business entrepreneurship offering home-grown, fresh produce at farmer’s markets. She is passionate about perpetuating the nutritional, physical and mental health benefits that home horticulture offers and sharing her skills with the local community.