Whole Grains Council Advisors provide valuable insight and guidance to the staff of the Whole Grains Council. Representing various grains, products, and industry segments – retail, wholesale, and foodservice – our Advisors help the WGC break down the barriers to more widespread enjoyment of whole grains.
Current Advisors
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Mike Holleman, WGC Chair
Director of Culinary Development, Indian Harvest
Chef Michael Holleman started his culinary career in the hotel kitchens and independent restaurants of northern Minnesota. After 10 years he moved into the manufacturer/supplier side of the business at Minnesota-based Indian Harvest.
Now Director of Culinary Development for Indian Harvest, Mike is chiefly responsible for shaping the development of new products and introducing customers to the company’s portfolio of specialty and heirloom rices, whole grains, beans and legumes from around the world, as well as Indian Harvest’s proprietary blends. He is free to indulge his passion as he seeks unusual varieties of grains and rice, and hand-selects seeds for experimental cultivation. He’s the primary image-builder with all market segments Indian Harvest serves, working closely with growers, procurers, suppliers, distributors and other partners to deliver meaningful menu solutions to the nation’s foodservice operations—from casual-dining multiunits to fine-dining independents and from school campuses to U.S. military bases.
An active member of the American Culinary Federation, Chefs Collaborative and Research Chefs Association, Mike is a frequent presenter and educator on the health benefits of whole grains, and has been instrumental in promoting greater use of whole grains in foodservice. He traverses the country giving presentations on heirloom cultivation, sustainability in foodservice and whole-grain nutrition issues and trends, as well as cooking demonstrations showcasing the latest menu innovations that capitalize on the uniqueness and high quality of whole grains.
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Todd Kluger, WGC Advisor
VP Marketing, Lundberg Family Farms
Todd brings more than 15 years of marketing experience to focus on building the brand of Lundberg Family Farms.
Previously, Todd was VP of Marketing at Roman Meal Company, introducing new organic and natural whole grain products. Todd was also the co-founder and VP of Marketing and Product Development at The Essential Baking and Chocolate Company, in Seattle, WA. Up to that time, Todd was a Global Brand Manager at Seattle-based Starbucks Coffee Company, the world’s largest and most influential specialty coffee brand.
Todd holds a B.A. from Washington State University and from Nihon Daigaku (Japan University) in Tokyo.
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