SARAH DONAHUE HENDERSON

Chief Executive Officer

Sarah is the first person to legally export vanilla beans from the Dominican Republic. She is passionate about building social change through economic empowerment. Experienced in administration, supply chain and hospitality, Sarah earned her BA in Philosophy from the New School University in 2007, and believes that both profits and happiness are the result of empowered workers. Sarah co-owns Fremont Lancaster, a supply chain consulting company. A lifelong gardener with a love of plants and a desire to see vanilla thrive in the Dominican Republic, Sarah is conversational in Spanish.

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ANDER HENDERSON

Chief Operations Officer

Ander first got a taste of the “vanilla bug” over 20 years ago in Indonesia. He has vast experience in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain, has received certifications in hazardous materials transport, and is experienced with CPB regulations and entry procedures. His family has run the same farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for over 300 years and he grew up learning about farming from his grandmother and biology professor grandfather. He currently runs Fremont Lancaster, an international sourcing and logistics consulting company. Alex speaks Mandarin Chinese and German, and is conversational in Spanish.

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HERB RUETSCH

Chief Financial Officer

Herb is an accomplished leader with a rich history of success leading change, managing significant growth, and leading organizations through a broad range of ownership structures. Herb was a C level executive for 15 years at Fairway Markets from 1998 until 2014, leading them through a highly successful IPO on the NASDAQ in 2013.

During his time at Fairway he supervised sales and profit growth, execution of strategy, and directed and communicated vision through the organization. As a business consultant, he has supported business and capital formation for start-ups or existing companies and provided strategic advice to businesses of all sizes.​

JAVIER REYES VENTURA

Farm Manager

Javier has over 20 years of experience managing agricultural projects. In addition to farm management, he is skilled in construction, welding and electrical work, and he appreciates the rich variety of plant life in the Dominican Republic for its medicinal and health-based properties as well as its fantastic flavors. Javier combines hands-on agricultural experience with the ability to listen to plants and hear what they need.​

IRINA VERCHAGINA

Board Member

Irina has built a formidable career in international trade and procurement, Educated at Novosibirsk State Technical University with a major in East Asian Studies, and further refined her language skills in Mandarin Chinese at the Harbin Institute of Technology, she fluently speaks Russian, English, and Mandarin.

Irina has advised on regulatory issues and coordinating inspections.

Irina's expertise also extends to business development and market analysis. Her achievements include enhancing brand recognition and as an International Sales Manager

She is passionate about contemporary and Asian art, Irina is an avid writer and lover of plants. Her unique blend of language skills, market knowledge, and intercultural acumen positions her as a valuable asset in the realm of global trade.​

CRISTINA SEVILLA

Dominican Business Advisor

Cristina is a Dominican businesswoman with a background in education from the UK. She brings expertise in Dominican business and connections with Dominican businesses and government agencies that will assist Paradise Vanilla. Her education background will allow the Vanilla School to operate on best practices and improve the quality of education we provide.​

STEVE DIEVA

Food Production Advisor

Steve is a founder of Foreign Objects Brewery and is experienced in food startups.​