STAFF
Michaela Akridge Executive Director
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Michaela Akridge Executive Director
Michaela Akridge is both the founder and current Executive Director of Lincoln Food Fort. She obtained her degree in Human Relations from Doane University. She has spent time working in both youth programming at People City Mission and also Special Education services through LPS. Through these opportunities she developed a deep passion fo
Michaela Akridge is both the founder and current Executive Director of Lincoln Food Fort. She obtained her degree in Human Relations from Doane University. She has spent time working in both youth programming at People City Mission and also Special Education services through LPS. Through these opportunities she developed a deep passion for at-risk youth. Michaela is a wife, and mother of seven amazing children. It is her belief that many youth within our community just need a consistent trusted adult in their life who is willing to invest in a relationship with them. Healthy relationships can change the trajectory of the rest of their life.
Valorie Snow Education Director
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Michaela Akridge Executive Director
Valorie holds a degree in English and Speech/Theatre and spent years teaching Language Arts for grades 5-8 in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Combining her passion for helping children reach their potential and classroom teaching experience, this position provides the perfect opportunity to utilize her gifts. Valorie's favorite activities revolve
Valorie holds a degree in English and Speech/Theatre and spent years teaching Language Arts for grades 5-8 in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Combining her passion for helping children reach their potential and classroom teaching experience, this position provides the perfect opportunity to utilize her gifts. Valorie's favorite activities revolve around family, including her three children, their spouses and three granddaughters. She loves playing games, reading and connecting with friends.
Landon Bartel Director of Development
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Landon is a born and raised Missourian, who found his way to Lincoln to high jump at the University while completing his degree in Classics & Religious Studies. After graduating and pursuing various entrepreneurial interests Landon discovered his passion for the non-profit sector, specifically in strategic development. With a background i
Landon is a born and raised Missourian, who found his way to Lincoln to high jump at the University while completing his degree in Classics & Religious Studies. After graduating and pursuing various entrepreneurial interests Landon discovered his passion for the non-profit sector, specifically in strategic development. With a background in global poverty initiatives Landon joins the Food Fort staff distinctly desiring to support local philanthropy. Along with his professional expertise Landon brings a sense of fun and adventure through snowboarding, biking, and rock climbing. He is a woodworker, gardener, and caretaker for his dog, Amavi.
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Alex Rousseau, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Born and raised in Lincoln, Alex holds his hometown dear and is committed to seeing it thrive as a community development practitioner. He has worked 17 summers with NATS Detasseling, where he learned how to drive a bus and grew a passion to cultivate the potential in young people. Alex lives in the Clinton neighborhood with his wife, Alyssa, their 3 children & 8 ducks.
Tahjja Davis, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Tahjja Davis, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Tahjja Davis, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Tahjja has been driving the Food Fort trailer for the past 3 years but has been involved for over 5 years. He is married to his wife, Kaylee, who also volunteers for Food Fort. Tahjaa works full time for Sampson Construction, but during his free time you can find him at the gym or playing basketball and soccer. He is the oldest of seven s
Tahjja has been driving the Food Fort trailer for the past 3 years but has been involved for over 5 years. He is married to his wife, Kaylee, who also volunteers for Food Fort. Tahjaa works full time for Sampson Construction, but during his free time you can find him at the gym or playing basketball and soccer. He is the oldest of seven siblings. He is an advocate for youth in our community and loves to see kids thrive in school and in life.
Jeffrey Johnson Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Tahjja Davis, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Tahjja Davis, Truck Driver/Youth Engagement
Jeffery joined Food Fort in 2025 to drive the Tree Top trailer.
Board of Directors
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
Ryan joined the Food Fort board in 2022 as the treasurer, using his background in banking to oversee the finances. In 2024, he was elected as board president and works closely with the Executive Director and other staff members, offering them guidance and support as needed. Ryan loves to spend time with his wife and three children, and can often be found in the woodshop in his garage.
Kristin Greene
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
My name is Kristin Greene and I am from a small town in Missouri. I later moved to Nebraska after meeting my husband Nick. We live on an acreage outside of Lincoln where we have cows, horses, and some chickens. We just welcomed our first child and we enjoy getting to spoil her. I was introduced to Food Fort through Michaela. I have volunt
My name is Kristin Greene and I am from a small town in Missouri. I later moved to Nebraska after meeting my husband Nick. We live on an acreage outside of Lincoln where we have cows, horses, and some chickens. We just welcomed our first child and we enjoy getting to spoil her. I was introduced to Food Fort through Michaela. I have volunteered on site, but what connected me most to Food Fort was that one of the sites, Clinton, is the school that I work. I am able to see first hand the impact it makes on the students. I hear them talking about what they did while on site and checking to see if their friends are going to be there. I have been teaching for 7 years. I see each day how big of an impact that a caring adult can have on a child.
Regina Kennett
Board President: Ryan Wittmann
Regina Kennett
I am Regina Kennett and I have been with Food Fort since October of 2016. I went on the very first run to Saratoga Elementary School and continued as the site leader there for four years. I have been on the board since 2017 and enjoy seeing how much Food Fort has grown and evolved to help meet the needs of the youth we serve. Previously
I am Regina Kennett and I have been with Food Fort since October of 2016. I went on the very first run to Saratoga Elementary School and continued as the site leader there for four years. I have been on the board since 2017 and enjoy seeing how much Food Fort has grown and evolved to help meet the needs of the youth we serve. Previously I was employed by Kawasaki for forty years and retired from their QC department. Since retiring I enjoy traveling, hiking, gardening, exploring flea markets, going to the gym, and entertaining friends and family.
Kent Stiles
Kent Stiles
Regina Kennett
I have been involved with Food Fort since the beginning almost 8 years ago. On top of a member of the board I have helped Michaela when she needed a bus driver, Santa Clause, cook and anything else I could. I am now retired after almost 38 years working for the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. My wife and I have two child
I have been involved with Food Fort since the beginning almost 8 years ago. On top of a member of the board I have helped Michaela when she needed a bus driver, Santa Clause, cook and anything else I could. I am now retired after almost 38 years working for the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. My wife and I have two children and five grandchildren. We enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling and volunteering with several other organizations.
Tyler Mohr
Kent Stiles
Tyler Mohr
I was born and raised in Lincoln. I went to UNL and graduated with a degree in Business Management. During my time in college, I got involved in the restaurant business early by serving and bartending. I am currently an owner/operator in JTK Cuisine and Cocktail, Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen and Charred Burger + Bar. I first heard about F
I was born and raised in Lincoln. I went to UNL and graduated with a degree in Business Management. During my time in college, I got involved in the restaurant business early by serving and bartending. I am currently an owner/operator in JTK Cuisine and Cocktail, Ollie & Hobbes Craft Kitchen and Charred Burger + Bar. I first heard about Food Fort through friends that were involved and am looking forward to bringing my experience with the restaurant industry to help Food Fort in any meaningful way that I can.