Meet Our Board

Michael McNeill, Ph.D. is the owner and founder of Ag Advisory, LTD began in 1983 established to assist producers in

developing farming systems that enhance environmental protection, improving soil health to improve nutrient density naturally while increasing crop yield for sustainability and scaling..

Michael's work led to developing farming plans for producers in six mid-western

states, as well as Florida and Hawaii involving nearly 150,000 acres. Using GPS and GIS-based technologies to test soils for nutrient content and soil health.   The McNeil farming systems provide for greater environmental protection and increased producer profitability leading to

climate smart commodity production. 

He also assists in the development of new crops including value-added processing and new marketing structures for

specialty crops.

Lynn Brakke, the Owner of an Organic Farm, transitioned from conventional to certified organic farming three decades ago and hasn't looked back since. With a passion for continuous improvement, Lynn actively seeks and adopts better practices in farming, consistently striving to be better today than yesterday. His commitment to enhancing the nutrient density of his produce is a driving force behind his innovations. Lynn's farm is situated in Moorhead, MN

Carla Heiser, MS LDN FAAMFM ABAAHP, an Advanced Practice Nutritionist, is board-certified in Nutrition & Metabolic Medicine & co-owns a precision medical nutrition practice. Ms. Heiser has strong academic and research training. Incorporating science-driven approaches into practical strategies to optimize health is the hallmark of her expertise. She has over 25 years of experience as a volunteer managing director in the 501(c)3 arena, serving children and families in developing countries.

Alex Kegler-Suazo, a management consultant with expertise in healthcare and life sciences, is a champion for health education and equity in resourcing to support healthy lifestyles.

She has worked with both non-profits and for-profits to continually address the most significant trends in healthcare. 

She is committed to personal health and wellness in her own life and is determined to be part of the solution in bringing better health outcomes through nutrition, fitness, and health education. 

David Babcock specialices in Medical staff strategies & development; medical practice management & operations; medical practice mergers, spin-offs, acquisitions & integration; medical practice start-up & organization; physician recruitment; physician management; cession planning; marketing; data & communication systems; billing; practice management systems; electronic medical records; human resources; technology integration & leveraging

Charlie Kollasch, a Farm Owner based in Algona, Iowa, embarked on his farming journey in 1978, initially focusing on the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Over the years, he has actively engaged in both cattle and swine production. Currently, Charlie operates in partnership with his son, overseeing an organic farming venture dedicated to the cultivation of corn, beans, and oats. Additionally, they collectively manage his son's organic, grass-fed, corn-finished beef

Todd Hoggan, CEO of TruLOCAL, brings over 20 years of senior executive experience in banking, Credit Risk Management (FinTech), and P&C industries. He specializes in scaling up and delivering services, and managing and optimizing technology, processes, and staff. With a strategic leadership approach, Todd has held executive positions in Operations, Sales, HR, and IT. Additionally, he is a co-owner of the Traditional Karate Club of Wilmette, where he imparts teachings in Traditional Shotokan Karate

Damone Richardson is a Real Estate Broker associate who has lived in several diverse neighborhoods in Chicago including Sauganash, and Lincoln Park. He is dedicated to being involved in his community and has served as the former president of the West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) and an operating board member at the Chicago Maritime Arts Center. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, swimming, and yoga.

Joshua Manske, Farm Manager at Manske Farms, grew up in Algona, Iowa. He attended Grand View University in Des Moines, where he studied history and was a three-time All-American golfer. After college, Josh played professional golf around the globe. He currently sits on the Iowa and National Farmers Union board of directors. He farms and manages farmland in Iowa and Minnesota as well as selling farm real estate.

Melissa Kindred, RN, MSN, is a board-certified Registered Nurse. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Dubuque majoring in Nursing and Psychology. Over the past decade, she has worked as a floor nurse in medical and surgical settings.  Most recently she served as a Nursing Director for a Retirement and Memory Care Community. 

She has always been passionate about caring for patients with a holistic approach. She is the President of The Kindred Spirit Inc., and for the past 7 years, has provided holistic and integrative health coaching services to patients and businesses throughout Jo Daviess County.

Melissa completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a Holistic Nursing Concentration at Tennessee State University in Nashville. She is completing a Post-Master's Certificate as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner at Spring Arbor University in Michigan.

​Melissa is passionate about providing a holistic and integrative approach to her nursing practice that is evidence-based and results-driven. She is certified in aromatherapy, chromotherapy, cryotherapy, and herbology, and is a Usui Reiki Master Teacher.