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. He 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 in Marietta, Georgia, and have three daughters. Whenever possible, he enjoys making music and gardening.
Chris Flint
Executive Director
404-721-5810
chris.flint@seregcoop.org
Denise Sheehan RD – Senior Director of Operations
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 and her husband Jim live in Taylors, SC. They have a son and a daughter. Denise enjoys everything outdoors – hiking, gardening, and kayaking.
Denise Sheehan
Senior Director of Operations
610-999-0734
denise.sheehan@seregcoop.org
Barbara Hughes – Member Services Coordinator/Payables
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/Payables
404.850.3122 ext. 1001
bhughes@seregcoop.org
Tracy Fentress – Member Services Manager/Payables, Florida
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 Member Services Manager for the SERC as well as her work with Feeding Florida. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and is committed to ensuring efficient operations and exceptional service. In her current position, she plays a pivotal role in supporting the 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 Manager/Payables, Florida
404-850-3122 ext. 1006
tracy.fentress@seregcoop.org
Shannon Russell – Project Administrator
Prior to joining the 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, and later supporting sustainable employment pathways for families rebuilding their lives after displacement.
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Studies from Centre College and a Master of Arts in Social Impact from Claremont Lincoln University. Shannon firmly believes that no one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. Her role at the SERC allows her to be part of a team dedicated to supporting farmers, strengthening food banks, and ensuring neighbors have access to healthy food. She enjoys painting, trying new foods, and watching movies in her free time.
Shannon Russell
Project Administrator
404-850-3122 ext. 1005
shannon.russell@seregcoop.org
Eli Darkatsh – Director of Farm to Food Bank Operations, Florida
Eli Darkatsh is no stranger to the food banking world, as he started with Second Harvest / Feeding Northeast Florida in 2009. Since then, he’s served in leadership roles in food sourcing, operations, inventory, and compliance. In August 2023, Eli took the leap to join the SERC team, and is now leading the SERC’s partnership with the state association Feeding Florida. Aside from the daily work of farm to food bank operations, Eli shares his expertise in disaster/emergency management for the network.
Eli is a graduate of Alfred University (NY) and earned his MBA from Jacksonville University. He resides in Jacksonville, FL and is a proud husband, father of 3 daughters, and community leader. As an avid sports fan, his hobbies include fishing, golf, and pickleball.
Eli Darkatsh
Director of Farm to Food Bank Operations, Florida
404-850-3122 ext. 1003
eli.darkatsh@seregcoop.org
Zack Smith – Senior Manager of Operations
Zack joined the SERC after working at 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
Senior Manager of Operations
404-850-3122 ext. 1007
zack.smith@seregcoop.org
Jerome Coaxum Jr – Operations Manager
Prior to joining the SERC, Jerome was an Operations Manager at Amazon and a Project Manager/Operations Consultant in the Tech industry. Jerome has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a concentration on Marketing. He currently lives in Marietta, GA and enjoys being outdoors, running and wood sculpting. As a former D1 track and field athlete and coach, Jerome loves track and field and coaching. His favorite event is the 400m hurdles.
Jerome Coaxum Jr
Operations Manager
404-850-3122 ext.1004
jerome.coaxum@seregcoop.org
Matt Rockstroh – Logistics Manager
Matt joined the SERC after two years of working as a Tradeshow Logistics Coordinator. He has a degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University, as well as experience in supply chain management from his time with Amazon. He currently lives in Charlotte, NC. In his free time, he enjoys reading, and spending time outdoors playing sports and hiking.
Matt Rockstroh
Logistics Manager
404-850-3122
matt.rockstroh@seregcoop.org
Terica Wilborne – Logistics Coordinator
Terica is a results-driven professional with experience in logistics, supply chain management, procurement analysis, and emerging technologies. She enjoys solving problems, helping people, and driving operational excellence through teamwork, innovation, and customer-focused solutions.
Previously at Salesforce, Terica supported the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) for future AI applications within the Commodities sector, combining procurement expertise with technology and innovation. As a proud Year Up United graduate in Project Management, Terica is committed to continuous learning, professional growth, and delivering measurable business impact.
Terica Wilborn
Logistics Coordinator
terica.wilborn@seregcoop.org
Chadd Holmes – Protein and Dairy Sourcing Manger
Chadd was born and raised in the Tennessee River Valley where he grew up exploring the public lands and waters of East Tennessee. Throughout his youth he volunteered for conservation, agriculture, and political groups, which led to his eventual career in these areas. Chadd graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in History and a Minor in Humanities. During this time, he became active in local and national politics, volunteering for campaigns and PAC’s during election cycles and furthering his dedication to rural and public.
In 2021, Chadd moved to Wardensville, West Virginia to work for an agricultural non-profit that focuses on economic development in Appalachia. During this time, he began Post-Bachelors studies in Agricultural Management via West Virginia University. He worked with the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Department of Agriculture, as well as West Virginia activist groups in support of the responsible economic development of Appalachia and the conservation of its natural resources.
Chadd Holmes
Protein and Dairy Sourcing Manger
chadd.holmes@seregcoop.org
Jacquelyn Davis – Operations Coordinator
With more than 10 years of experience in logistics and operations, Jacquelyn is passionate about creating efficient systems, supporting her team, and helping the SERC make a meaningful impact. Jacquelyn began her career as a Logistics Coordinator with NDCP, where she developed strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills that continue to guide her work today. Although Jacquelyn was born in Columbus, Ohio, Atlanta, Georgia has always been home. She studied Theatre at Georgia State University, where she discovered a love for creativity, storytelling, and connecting with people. Those experiences have shaped her approach to work, allowing her to lead with empathy, collaboration, and purpose.
Outside of work, Jacquelyn enjoys traveling, watching classic ’90s movies, spending time outdoors, and exploring different forms of art. She is committed to using her skills and experience to serve others, strengthen communities, and make a positive difference every day. She strives to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose while being a source of encouragement and light for those around her.
Jacquelyn Davis
Operations Coordinator
404-850-3122 ext.1010
jacquelyn.davis@seregcoop.org
Shoshana Caldas – Protein and Dairy Sourcing Cooridnator/Recievables
Shoshana Caldas
Protein and Dairy Sourcing Cooridnator/Recievables
shoshana.caldas@seregcoop.org