RG Foods Staff
Katie Plohocky, MBA
FOUNDER | President | Executive Director
Meet Katie, a visionary leader dedicated to transforming our food systems into models of equity and health. Recognized as an Ashoka Fellow in 2020, Katie's commitment to reshaping our relationship with food is evident in her tireless advocacy and innovative initiatives. Her journey is marked by prestigious fellowships, including the Women Leaders for the World Fellowship in 2021, underscoring her influential role in driving positive change.
Drawing from her diverse background, Katie brings a wealth of experience to her mission. With a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix and over 15 years in the restaurant industry, she possesses a unique blend of business acumen and culinary expertise. Her roots in farming, cultivated on her family's farm in Michigan, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the land and a passion for sustainable agriculture.
As a single mother of three, Katie understands firsthand the challenges of providing nutritious meals for her family. Her personal experiences fuel her advocacy for food security and access to healthy options for all. Through her work as a Trustee of the Tulsa Authority for Economic Opportunity, Katie leverages her expertise in economic development to create pathways for prosperity in underserved communities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Katie's impact extends into her community and beyond. From presenting at TEDx University of Tulsa to receiving recognition as a 2017 Oklahoma Substantial Women in Agriculture and a recipient of the 2016 Tulsa Chapter of Association For Women in Communications Newsmaker Award, Katie's contributions are celebrated far and wide.
With a passion for integrating her love of growing, cooking, and economic development, Katie embodies the spirit of a true changemaker. Her unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable food practices and creating economic opportunities continues to inspire and empower those around her. Through her leadership and vision, Katie is paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.
Scott Smith
Founder | Vice President | Operations Director
Introducing Scott Smith, a dynamic force in the fight against food insecurity in Tulsa and beyond. For years, Scott operated the beloved neighborhood gem, The BlueJackalope Grocery & Coffee, nestled near downtown Tulsa. Beyond simply running a store, Scott's innovative spirit led him to create 'pop-up' grocery events at Tulsa Young Professionals Street Cred gatherings, spotlighting emerging lifestyle hubs within the city.
Immersed in the pulse of his community, Scott's journey as a grocer illuminated the stark realities of food insecurity facing Tulsa and the wider State of Oklahoma. His passion for addressing these issues propelled him onto diverse platforms, where he shared insights on grocery-related matters in north and west Tulsa. From speaking engagements at Rural Grocery Initiative conferences at Kansas State University to advocating before the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee at the Oklahoma State Capitol, Scott's voice resonates far and wide.
A respected authority in his field, Scott's expertise has earned him recognition in numerous publications, including The Oklahoma Eagle, Tulsa World, Urban Tulsa Weekly, and The Journal Record. His Op-Ed pieces offer thoughtful perspectives on food security, drawing attention to critical issues that impact communities across the region.
Beyond his advocacy, Scott's impact extends through his extensive network of resources and contacts. With a keen focus on regional agriculture, supply chain management, and nutrition, he remains at the forefront of initiatives aimed at creating sustainable solutions to food insecurity.
Scott Smith epitomizes the spirit of grassroots activism and community engagement. Through his unwavering dedication and collaborative approach, he continues to inspire positive change, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of food security in Tulsa and beyond.
Fern Schnelle
Programs Assistant
Nick Kelley
Food Hub Coordinator
Alexandria Sphon
Farm Assistant
RG Foods Board of Directors
Shane McCurdy
Board President
Born and raised in the Tulsa area, Shane currently works as a Web Developer with Cubic Creative. He has a long history of working with and volunteering for local charities and non-profits in the Tulsa area. He is also an avid caver and a long standing member of the National Speleological Society’s local division, the Tulsa Regional Oklahoma Grotto, since 2012 and has been their board Secretary since 2014, and the Chairman as of 2020.
William Harris
Board Secretary
Born in Kirksville, Missouri, Bill has returned to the Midwest from his adventures living in over 20 cities, gathering ideas to incorporate into his life menu. From Tulsa to Chicago, Tokyo and San Diego, his passion has always been food - good food. His Thyme Bistro was a staple for seven years until he got a corporate nudge and ran child nutrition programs for outlining school districts and then a short retail stint at Reasor's Grocery as their deli manager and chef. The last 5 years has exposed him to the food insecurity around Oklahoma as he lifts the culinary skills of cafeteria workers in small towns and now his new catering company focusing on zero waste. He is proud to be a part of the local food movement found in HCSI to continue outreach and solution to healthy food access.
Nancy Mathea Grayson, PhD
Board Member
Nancy Mathea Grayson, Ph.D., MS, BS, BEd.
Experienced Public Health professional with a focus on achieving health equity and reducing health disparities. A dedicated servant leader, community organizer, educator, life-long learner, advocate for the underserved, and programmatic innovator. Committed to collaborating with local communities, States, and NGOs to design sustainable solutions to mitigate challenges to health and well-being for the subpopulations most adversely affected by unjust systems. Particularly focused on solutions at the intersection of food injustice and health inequity. Prioritize engaging available resources to dismantle existing systems and structures that continue to unjustly burden Black, Indigenous, and other historically disadvantaged communities through transformational approaches that amplify the voice of communities.
Karen Nelson
Board Member
Karen is a lifelong learner who believes the right combination of herbs and plant foods will correct deficiencies bringing our bodies into balance.
She has studied with Rosalie de la Foret, Steven Horne and Kathleen Gould. Karen is a 15-year Tai Chi practitioner and teacher, licensed masseuse and senior exercise instructor. When she is not studying herbs, she can be found giving herbal medicine demonstrations, tours of her garden, playing piano, spending time in nature and volunteering in her community.
Currently serving as the herbalist with R&G Foods, a mobile grocery store providing fresh food and herbal remedies in underserved communities surrounding Tulsa.
In 2016, the Tulsa City Council honored her with a Proclamation for her contributions at Challenger 7 Community Garden for providing a food forest and vegetable garden to feed and promote a healthy lifestyle in her community. In the same year Congressman, Jim Bridenstine presented her a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition as 2016 Visionary of the Year.
Consultations with Karen are free. Medicinal remedies are fairly priced.
Felecia Froe, MD
Board Member
Physician, a best-selling author, an experienced real estate investor, and a syndicator.
Is the founder of Money with Mission, whose purpose is to make a difference one community at a time by leveraging every dollar invested to transform neighborhoods and generate profits for mission-minded investors.
Osborne Celestain
Board Member
I am Osborne Celestain, Jr. I am retired from a thirty-five (35) year career in the Offshore Oil and Gas Industry. I am the founder of the Community Light Foundation.
I became Free of my self-imposed shackles. I found the Freedom to shine my light, as brightly as possible. I found that to live a life of Service is to live a life of Freedom. To be Free is to live your best life. I choose to live my best life. I choose to be a light in this life.
This is who I am.