About Us
Unmatched Expertise
Making the Most of Every Harvest
At Planet Harvest, we bring unmatched expertise to the complexities of the fresh produce supply chain. Our team is made up of seasoned leaders who have spent decades immersed in every facet of the food industry, from procurement and perishables, marketing to operations and strategic partnerships. Together, we’ve led national food relief efforts, fueled category growth for farmers and retailers, and built supply chain programs that stand up to the toughest conditions.
This experience forms the foundation of how we operate today: as problem-solvers, connectors, and market makers for fresh produce across all grades, from premium to perfectly imperfect.
We founded Planet Harvest to bridge the persistent gaps between produce supply and demand, where surplus, off-grade, and overlooked product often goes to waste while buyers struggle with access, pricing, and seasonal volatility. We exist to solve those problems with flexible, creative, and scalable solutions that benefit growers, foodservice operators, retailers, and ultimately, consumers.
Meet Our Team
Melissa Melshenker Ackerman
Co-Founder & CEO
Melissa Melshenker Ackerman is the former President of Produce Alliance, one of the country’s largest produce management, procurement, and consulting companies. During her time in this role, she spearheaded the company’s work as a contractor for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program, which delivered fresh food to hungry families across the nation—and helped farmers maintain their operations—during the pandemic. Her experience leading this important initiative inspired her to start Planet Harvest with a simple goal: to optimize the fresh produce supply chain and increase consumption of fresh produce.
Sarah Baird
Chief Operating Officer
Sarah Baird is a passionate marketing and operations executive with nearly 25 years of expertise in the food industry. Her career has been marked by a deep commitment to supporting dairy farmers, where she spent nearly two decades driving initiatives that expanded access to and consumption of dairy products. Now, Sarah is channeling her experience and enthusiasm into the produce industry, focused on ensuring the next generation has access to nutrient-rich foods. She is eager to forge and grow strategic partnerships that fuel innovation across the supply chain, while championing the sustainable benefits of consuming the “whole harvest.”
Katie O’Connor-Zeno
VP of Product Marketing
Katie O’Connor-Zeno is a dynamic marketing leader with a deep-rooted passion for the produce industry. With over a decade of experience, she has worked hand-in-hand with growers, packers, and retailers to bring innovative, high-quality products to market. From developing go-to-market strategies to building brand stories that resonate, Katie thrives on creating connections between consumers and the fresh produce they love. She is driven by a commitment to sustainability, industry innovation, and ensuring that more people have access to delicious, responsibly grown fruits and vegetables.
Madelyn Holstein
Finance Manager
Madelyn Holstein is a finance and operations professional with nearly a decade of experience in the supply chain industry. She has built her career supporting the end-to-end operations of the supply chain by building strong, trust-based relationships with farmers, distributors, and partners. At Planet Harvest, she leads financial operations with a focus on process improvement and efficiency, and sustainable growth. Her deep, hands-on understanding of the produce supply chain allows her to bridge the gap between field and finance, ensuring that every decision supports both growers and long-term business health. Madelyn is passionate about creating resilient, transparent systems that help the entire supply chain thrive.
Scarlett Ashton
Program Manager
Scarlett Ashton brings over eight years of experience in produce supply chain and logistics to her role at Planet Harvest. With a deep-rooted passion for connecting people through food, she excels at crafting creative solutions that address complex challenges while fostering strong relationships with distributors and vendors. Currently, Scarlett manages the Planet Harvest box programs, ensuring that fresh, sustainable produce reaches communities efficiently and effectively. Her commitment to reducing waste and optimizing the supply chain aligns seamlessly with Planet Harvest's mission to nourish people and the planet.
Barb Hulick
Food Safety
Barb Hulick offers expert consultation in food safety, regulatory compliance, and supply chain management. With a Master of Jurisprudence in Food Law, an MS in Food Safety, and a Culinary Degree from the CIA, Barb brings a rare blend of legal expertise, technical proficiency, and culinary insight to the table. With over 25 years of experience, she provides customized training programs, audit and compliance assistance, and innovative solutions utilizing cutting-edge food safety technologies. As a certified HACCP, SQF High Risk Auditor, and SQF Ethical Sourcing Auditor, Barb guides clients through audits and ensures compliance. Barb is dedicated to collaborating with organizations across the industry, uplifting food safety standards and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Travis Fredrickson
Director of Produce Operations
Travis Fredrickson is a seasoned produce operations and sales leader with over a decade of experience spanning the full fresh commodity spectrum. From peppers to berries, Travis has built his career on a deep understanding of both grower relationships and market dynamics. Prior to joining Planet Harvest, he held senior sales roles at Ayco Farms and Pure Fresh, where he managed key accounts and led category strategies that delivered consistent growth and customer satisfaction. At Planet Harvest, Travis leads produce operations with a sharp eye on quality, efficiency, and innovation, ensuring that every crop—no matter how overlooked—finds its highest-value market. He is driven by a passion for produce, a commitment to grower success, and a belief that good food should never go to waste.
Let’s improve the supply chain together
We’re always looking for like minded partners and allies to help us reduce waste and resolve inefficiencies in the fresh produce supply chain. Get in touch if you’re ready to join forces!