Staff
Nick Szumowski, Executive Director
Lena Melnick, Director of Operations
Doran Hadan, Development Director
Joel Portmann, Accountant
David Kendall, Market Manager
Laurie Eells, Market Ambassador
Steven Boley, Market Coordinator
Erin Chaballa, Market Coordinator
Gillian McGinnis, Market Coordinator
Amy Gaudet, Market Coordinator
Cipora Cohon, Market Coordinator
Anthony De Louisa, Market Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Charles A. Davis Jr., Board Member
Param Dedhia, MD, Board Member
Susan Fulton, Board Member
Manish Shah, Board Member
Deborah Tenino, Secretary/Treasurer
Janet Taylor, Board Member
Brian Warde, President
Jaye Wells, Chair
Frank Williams, Vice Chair
Pedro Romaño of Pedrography, Market Photographer
Creative Slice, Website
STAFF
Nick Szumowski
Executive Director
520.882.2157 Nick Szumowski hails from the snowy climes of northern Minnesota. With a Bachelor’s degree in Education and his experience in working with at-risk youth, he acquired his skills in communication, coordination, and conflict resolution. Nick joined Heirloom Farmers Markets in 2010, bringing with him a strong commitment to advancing community-based agriculture and local food systems. As Executive Director, he has led the strategic growth and operational development of the organization, expanding its footprint to five successful farmers markets across Tucson, Oro Valley, Rincon Valley, and Green Valley. With more than 15 years of experience in regional food systems, Nick has cultivated robust partnerships with farmers, vendors, community stakeholders, municipalities and civic organizations. He works closely with the Board of Directors and staff leadership to position HeirloomFM as the leading nonprofit farmers market network in the Southwest, focused on long-term sustainability, community impact, and organizational excellence. Nick is also a lifelong musician, and has cultivated deep roots in the Tucson and Arizona music community, curating talented local music at the farmers markets and regularly performing in and around Tucson.
Lena Melnick
Director of Operations
520.882.2157 [email protected] Lena joined the HeirloomFM family in the spring of 2017. As Director of Operations, she brings passion and skill to helping local farms and small businesses thrive. Lena moved to Tucson from Prescott, Arizona to pursue a B.A. from the University of Arizona. During her time studying, she fell in love with the Tucson community and has lived here ever since. Lena’s favorite thing about working for HeirloomFM is the opportunity to develop relationships with a diverse group of people in a shared mission to empower communities. Her knowledge and rapport with the many varied businesses in the HFM system contributes to a great market experience for customers and vendors alike.
Doran Hadan
Development Director
520.882.2157 [email protected] Doran relocated to the Sonoran Desert from the Great Plains of Nebraska in 2017, quickly finding her place in the vibrant Tucson community. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Holistic Health Coach Certification, she combines her expertise and passion to empower diverse communities to thrive. As Development Director, Doran is deeply committed to advancing HFM’s mission of building a vibrant local food system and ensuring everyone has access to fresh, healthy food. She thrives on fostering partnerships with local and regional organizations to strengthen community bonds. At the farmers market, you can find her sharing nutritious recipes at the Taste of the Market booth, guiding customers through their local food journey, and fully embracing the energy of Tucson’s food scene. Outside the markets, she enjoys gardening, experimenting with fresh recipes, and exploring the beauty of the desert with her family.
