Our Team
Chris Flint – Executive Director
Chris Flint is the executive director of the Southeast Regional Cooperative. Prior to entering the nonprofit sector Chris worked for Sysco Foods for 25 years in various marketing and procurement leadership roles. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama as well as a master of arts in leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary. Chris and his wife Tara live with their three daughters in Marietta, Georgia. Whenever possible Chris enjoys making music and gardening.
Chris Flint
Executive Director
Southeast Regional Cooperative
404-721-5810
chris.flint@seregcoop.org
Member Services
Denise Sheehan RD – Director of Member Services
With more than 20 years of experience in the Food System and as a Registered Dietitian, Denise has worked with various organizations and communities to help them move towards equitable access of real, healthy food. Most recently, she spent 3 years at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Cooperative as the Member Services Manager focusing on member engagement, new member outreach and recruitment and forging strong relationships throughout the network. Before joining the MARC, Denise served as Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Chester County Food Bank in Southeastern PA. She also has extensive experience working in agriculture, farming and helping to run a CSA, as well as working on behalf of local produce and dairy farmers.
Denise, her husband Jim live in Taylors, SC. They have a son (27) and a daughter (25) Denise enjoys everything outdoors – hiking, gardening, and kayaking.
Denise can be reached via email at denise.sheehan@seregcoop.org or by cell at (610) 999-0734.
Barbara Hughes – Member Services Coordinator – Accounts Payable/Newsletter Contributor
Before joining the SERC team, Barbara served as South Carolina Procurement Manager for Golden Harvest Food Bank where she focused on healthy choices with a focus on fresh options. Prior to entering food banking, Barbara was the founding Fresh Foods Manager of a cooperative retail organic grocery, partnering with regional growers and farmers. Barbara has held certifications in Nutrition Counseling and currently as a ServSafe instructor.
Barbara attended the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Fine Arts, Architecture, and Design, graduating from the Art Academy majoring in painting and graphic design. For twenty-five years Barbara enjoyed a thriving career in the arts, having served as Chief Editorial Illustrator and Sunday Magazine Graphics Editor for Gannett, Inc. and as the inaugural President of the Artists’ Collaborative in her hometown of Oxford, Ohio.
Barbara states that memories of eating at her grandmother’s southern table is her inspiration for connecting communities through food. Barbara sees her position with the SERC as a continuation of her passion of being in service and support to marginalized communities, having served on multiple mission outreach projects with the indigenous people of New Mexico and the Appalachian Mountains.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoys painting Southwestern landscapes and peoples, her spirituality group, hiking in the mountains, and spending time working with her daughter on their horse and goat farm in Aiken, South Carolina.
Barbara Hughes
Member Services Coordinator
bhughes@seregcoop.org
Tracy Fentress – Member Services Coordinator/Receivables
With over 22 years of experience in account services, photography and office management with Lifetouch School Portraits, Tracy brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to her role as accounts receivable and member services coordinator for the SERC as well as Feeding Florida. Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and is committed to ensuring efficient operations and exceptional service.
In her current position, Tracy plays a pivotal role in supporting SERC’s mission to provide food to families in need. She states, “this work is deeply meaningful to me, as it allows me to contribute to the well-being of our community and help put food on families’ tables”.
Outside of her professional life, Tracy is a passionate photographer who loves to capture life’s precious moments. She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with family and friends, cherishing the memories they create together.
Tracy is happy to report she has five children (one son and four daughters) and seven grandchildren (one granddaughter and six grandsons).
Tracy A Fentress
Member Services Coordinator/Receivables
Southeast Regional Cooperative
404-971-5555
tracy.fentress@seregcoop.org
Shannon Russell – Administrative Specialist
Prior to joining SERC, Shannon built a strong foundation in the environmental and social justice nonprofit sectors. She most recently supported clean energy transportation initiatives for three years at the Center for Transportation and the Environment. Prior to that, she completed two years of national service with AmeriCorps – first coordinating environmental workshops and promoting food sovereignty in the Brimley, MI region, and later supporting sustainable employment pathways for individuals and families rebuilding their lives after displacement.
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Centre College and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Impact at Claremont Lincoln University. She lives in Powder Springs, Ga. and enjoys painting, trying new foods, and watching movies in her free time.
Shannon firmly believes that no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Her role at SERC allows her to be part of a team dedicated to supporting farmers, strengthening food banks, and ensuring people in need have access to healthy food.
Shannon Russell
Administrative Specialist
404-435-2473
shannon.russell@seregcoop.org
Logistics Services
Zack Smith – Operations and Logistics Manager
Zack joined SERC from The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, where he served as the Ag Sourcer. Zack has a BS in Agriculture from Illinois State University and has been working in the ag industry for about 10 years. He lives in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife, Maggie.
Zack Smith
Operations and Logistics Manager
217-377-3978
zack.smith@seregcoop.org
Eli Darkatsh – Director of Farm to Food Bank Operations, Florida
Eli Darkatsh joined us from Feeding Northeast Florida where he served as director of compliance and capability. Eli is a graduate of Alfred University and earned his MBA from Jacksonville University.
He resides in Jacksonville, Florida and supports our collaborative work in Florida and beyond.
Eli Darkatsh
Director of Farm to Food Bank Operations, Florida
904-553-7759
eli.darkatsh@seregcoop.org
Jaylen Garrick – Operations Coordinator
Jaylen is a dedicated professional with a rich background in logistics and supply chain management. As an Army combat veteran, he served for six years in the United States Army, honing his skills in managing complex operations. Following his military service, Jaylen transitioned to the civilian sector, where he excelled as a warehouse manager at Evan & Associates, a leading plumbing supply company. His commitment to excellence and passion for helping others led him to join the SERC team, where he continues to make a positive impact.
Jaylen Garrick
Operations Coordinator
678-543-5315
jaylen.garrick@seregcoop.org