Our Team

MICHELLE ANARIBA

LOGISTICS SUPERVISOR

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CA

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW MICHELLE GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

My journey started back in 2008 when I got a job at The Honduras Coffee Institute as an Export Specialist. From there I had the opportunity to learn from and engage with people at every level of the supply chain.

WHY MICHELLE WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

"In a word I work in coffee for the people. The industry has introduced me to many people who I now consider family and through coffee I have had some of the best experiences of my life."

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

12 years

POSITIONS HELD:

International Development, Exorter, Logistics

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Honduras, Japan, USA

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Pies Descalzos by Shakira

HOBBIES:

Statistics, Soap making, needle felting, bean to bar chocolate, salsa dancing

SAMANTHA AYOUB

SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710 x117

HOW SAMANTHA GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

I'm new to the coffee industry, but I do pride myself in drinking an average of 3 cups per day (when I have self-control)

WHY SAMANTHA WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Coffee brings people together. It's one of the few things in the world that (almost) everyone loves!

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

None - but I am excited to be starting!

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

I've visited both Lebanon and Greece where I've tried different styles of coffee, including various forms of Greek Espresso, traditionally known as Turkish style. Whether in Greece or the Middle East, this style is brewed in a tall, narrow pot and made from fine ground beans. It's served with the grounds in the cup which settle to the bottom as it's gradually sipped on. While the taste is certainly distinguishable from your average drip coffee, it is more so the cultural atmosphere, conversation, and relaxed pace of these small sips that I've grown to love.

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Subject matters I consider myself an expert on include bodybuilding and nutrition, raising kittens during a pandemic, and the Marvel Cinematic universe.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Gwen Stefani - Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

JARED BEAVERS

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500 x113

HOW JARED GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

I have a background in logistics and stumbled into Olam Specialty Coffee through pure happenstance. I didn't even start drinking coffee until late 2018. As a novice to this world, I felt spoilt with abundance of delicious coffee. I'm enjoying supporting and bonding with my team, learning about coffee and it's subsequent regions, and attempting to advance my latte art skills.  

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

3 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Logistics

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

You can find me on the disc golf course. I wouldn't call myself an expert though.

AMY BRODERICK

TRADER & TRADE ANALYST

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710 x120

HOW AMY GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Amy got her start in coffee working for a roaster in Colorado as a crêpe-maker. Having lived above and befriended the owner of a crêperie while living in Nice, France, she was serendipitously recruited into the specialty coffee world. 

WHY AMY WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“I've quickly learned that coffee is more than just the contents of a cup. It is a facet of agriculture, industry, trade, and service. It touches people’s lives at every level and from crop to cup is an integral part of cultures across the world. This industry is one that I believe can truly encourage growth and international development and change lives for the better.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

3 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Barista, International Development

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Tanzania, Kenya and Senegal

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Economics, International Development, Health/Education Initiatives, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Ukulele covers

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Sum-41/'Does This Look Infected'

MARIA XIMENA CORTES

QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500

HOW XIMENA GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Ximena got her start in coffee in Cali, Colombia, where she was born and where coffee is a way of life. Growing up, the natural thing was to wake up first thing in the morning to a hearty breakfast accompanied by coffee and surrounded by family. It wasn't just an experience for the senses but a ritual or tradition that brought much joy and good memories. Today she is excited to be able to enjoy and be around coffee for a living.

WHY XIMENA WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“I have discovered an area in which I can truly enjoy myself and love what I do.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

Less than a year

POSITIONS HELD:

Logistics, quality control

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Traveling, enthusiastic foodie, movie marathoner, all things 80's

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Chumbawamba - Tubthumper

ERIK DELLA POSTA

OPERATIONS PROCESS MANAGER

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW ERIK GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Honestly, I didn’t like coffee until my early 20s. It wasn’t until attending college, where I frequented a coffee house run by student volunteers, that I grew my appreciation for good coffee.

WHY ERIK WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

I’m the type of person to do hours of research to learn more about an industry. As a function of that, I end up going down rabbit holes and heavily focus on the details. The rabbit hole for specialty coffee runs deep, so it’s a natural obsession.

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

Just getting started

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

N/A with coffee, but while in college, I was able to spend a summer in Italy studying the wine industry.

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Consumer Tech, Excel, Product Research & Analysis, Golf, Car Detailing

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Baha Men – Who Let the Dogs Out?

JANET EASTBURN

TRADE COORDINATOR

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CA

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW JANETGOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

WHY JANET WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Because I like the people

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

4 YEARS

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

MIKE FERGUSON

CHIEF STORYTELLER & CONTENT STRATEGIST

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

HOW MIKE GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

I was pursuing a career in association management and took a job as director of marketing and communications at the Specialty Coffee Association of America, where I worked for nine years, eventually becoming Chief of Staff. But I'd been bitten hard by the coffee bug and left an association career behind to work for a variety of coffee companies.

WHY MIKE WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

In my experience, it's impossible to be bored in the coffee industry. It's too complex, there's too much going on, and that means the coffee industry is overflowing with great stories, whether its ancient history or today's news. But ultimately, I stay for the people. There is something about people who work in specialty coffee, an intrinsic motivation that makes them interesting and generally goodhearted.

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

Over 20 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Marketing, communications, public relations

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

"Expertise" might be a stretch, but the coffee region I have spent the most time in is Guatemala.

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

1) Writing. 2) Writing. 3) Writing. Coffee history, industry analysis, profiles, anything and everything related to coffee, including several coffee related short stories for Sprudge.com, and even a coffee poem or two (see awards below). I also collect cast iron pans, vintage cutlery, and ephemera.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Fragile by Yes

COMPETITIONS JUDGED:

Sometimes they let me run the stop watch at barista competitions.

COFFEE RELATED AWARDS RECEIVED:

Only award related to coffee in 20 years: second place in the 2009 "Davis Demitasse" a contest for coffee related poetry. The poem was titled, "The True Story of Kaldi."

CHASE GOLOVAN

TRADING ASSISTANT

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW CHASE GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

After college I got a job as a barista and fell in love with the specialty coffee community. I always enjoyed coffee and the food industry so diving into the coffee world made total sense. I wanted to learn everything I could about the coffee industry.

WHY CHASE WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

I am continuously inspired by the expansive reach and closeness of the specialty coffee community. I am fortunate to work in an industry that is filled with great people. There is always something new to learn and I also enjoy drinking coffee.

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

4 Years

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

My degree is in Interior Design/Interior architecture. I enjoy cooking, gardening and trying new restaurants. I am an expert in quoting Parks and Rec and The Office.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

NSYNC / No Strings Attached

MELISSA GOMES

LOGISTICS COORDINATOR

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW MELISSA GOT INTO COFFEE:

I originally started as a part time barista when I was 16 and continued through college until I settled in my logistics career.

WHY MELISSA WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Coffee was always a big deal in my family, I remember everyone bringing my Grandmother a cup of coffee whenever they visited; it was considered a kind gesture to stop by with a cup of coffee. I also grew up spending summers in my parents home land of Cape Verde and a normal day would include a mid afternoon break and we would sit at the table with a cup of coffee & some pastries and just talk and enjoy each others company. Coffee has been a huge part of my culture, and many memories I hold dear to my heart.

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

6 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Barista, Logistics

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE/ OR EXPERIENCE:

N/A in coffee, however, I have traveled to Dominican Republic, Mexico and Cape Verde and loved their Coffee

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Make-up application, fashion, cooking, & Do It Yourself projects.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Blaque, 1999. Favorite song "Bring it all to me"

ELI HAMILTON

ECOMMERCE DIRECTOR

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

HOW ELI GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

"I'm still new to the world of coffee (and specialty coffee for sure). I do like both coffee and special things, so it's inevitable that I'll fall deeply in love with specialty coffee."

WHY ELI WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“I work in specialty coffee because of the people I've met here. I choose to work with the other people on this page and it just happens to be specialty coffee.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

New to the coffee world!

SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Backyard grilling, boy bands, sports, bad action movies

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Wayne's World Soundtrack

BYRON HOLCOMB

MANAGER OF CA&A SPECIALTY COFFEE

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +502 30144518

HOW BYRON GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

After two years in Peace Corps, I realised that all I want to do can be done in coffee. So I started by sweeping the floors at Batdorf and Bronson in Atlanta Georgia and a few months later puchased a small farm in the Dominican Republic where I served as a volunteer.

WHY BYRON WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Working in Specialty Coffee is like building bridges between rural mountain top farms and cafes in New York City. Humanity needs more bridges.

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

15 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Roaster, Barista, Exporter, Small Business Owner, Quality Control, Mill Manager

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Dominican Republic, Brazil, USA

AWARDS RECEIVED:

The farms I managed placed in the Brazil cup of excellence as an Internatinoal Finalist 4 years and National Finalist 2 years.

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Post harvest management (wet-mill), cycling, and rock climbing

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Smashing Pumpkins - Saimese Dream

IAN KLUSE

SOURCING DIRECTOR & SENIOR COFFEE TRADER

OFFICE: OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500

HOW IAN GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Ian started his career in coffee working in the Cupping Lab at Holland Coffee California, back in 1999

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

17 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Coffee Trader, QC

COMPETITIONS JUDGED:

Cup of Excellence – El Salvador, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia; Gems of Aruku - India

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Village People/ 'Go West'

HOBBIES:

Spending time with his wife, four children, mastiff, chickens, and occasionally a mountain lion (or something big) that eats his chickens before he can.

TODD MACKEY

TRADER

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710 x116

HOW TODD GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Todd needed a flexible job as a 'starving artist' musician and found himself making espresso. From there he was bit by the specialty coffee bug and had to learn everything he could and go as deep as he could go.

WHY TODD WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“I work in specialty coffee because of people. I am continually moved by the quality of individuals I find myself working alongside within the trade. My hope is to build prosperity in partnership with and for all stakeholders within the specialty coffee value chain, farmer to barista.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

11 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Roaster, Barista, Small Business Owner, Quality Control, Trainer

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

USA, Uganda, Costa Rica

COMPETITIONS JUDGED:

USBC, Brewer's Cup, the fabled "NERBC", and many a Providence Coffee society Latte Art Throwdown.

AWARDS RECEIVED:

No awards, but a handsome list of certifications: CQI Q Grader, CQI Q Grader Instructor, SCAA Specialized Lead Instructor, SCAA Coffee Taster Levels 1&2, SCAA Roaster Level 1&2, SCAA Barista Level 1&2.

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Small business startup, capacity building with teams, coffee quality evaluation, roast development, coffee brewing, training strategies and program development.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Boyz II Men/ ‘Cooleyhighharmoney’ (on cassette)

HOBBIES:

Spending time with his daughter Ayla Mae, and son August – gardening, cycling, throwing Frisbees, running, playing music, and listening to records.

JOSH MARSCEAU

TRADER & QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500

HOW JOSH GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Josh got into coffee at a family owned café in Iowa. Initially a short term project, he quickly developed a passion for coffee and never looked back.

WHY JOSH WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“It's a challenging and rewarding industry that offers adventure and unique opportunities to develop relationships with people all over the world. And coffee offers so many enjoyable facets including flavor.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

12 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Roaster, Barista, Quality Control, Q Grader

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, Uganda

COMPETITIONS JUDGED:

SCAA Regional Barista Competition

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Mariah Carey/ ‘Emotions'

HOBBIES:

Roaming the California coast, especially Point Reyes.

CHARLEY REQUADT

DIRECTOR OF SALES

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710

ROB STEPHEN

GENERAL MANAGER

OFFICE: PROVIDENCE, RI

PHONE: +1 (914) 920-2710 x101

HOW ROB GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Rob met a girl. She told him that being a musician wasn't a job, so he got a job at a coffee shop. The rest is history.

WHY ROB WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“It engages all of my senses, challenges all of my preconceptions, exercises all of my strengths and pushes on my weaknesses. And the people are nice. And there's free coffee.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

27 years

POSITIONS HELD:

Roaster, Barista, International Development, Small Business Owner, Quality Control, Buyer, Trader, Co-Author of SCAA Green Coffee Defect Handbook, Plant Manager, SCAA President, Coffee Kids President, US Rep to the ISO

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, Jamaica, Nicaragua

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Supply chain management, 80’s movie references, QC, Quality Standards, Karaoke

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Kiss/ ‘Destroyer’

HOBBIES:

Boston Red Sox

SIVA SUBRAMANIAN

VP COFFEE INNOVATION

OFFICE: FRESNO, CA

PHONE: +1 (559) 446-6436

HOW SIVA GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Early morning Coffee was magical from childhood. As I trained to become a Food Technologist, I became more curious to learn about the science behind the magic of coffee flavors. Olam needed a person to jump into coffee science & technology. I raised my hand. I am here!!

WHY SIVA WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

Early in my career, I was paid to taste ice cream and I loved it. Now I am paid to work in coffee & I love it!!

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

I am just starting in coffee, had exposure to coffee in my early career in Unilever and Olam

POSITIONS HELD:

I served the role of Food Scientist & Technologist for evaluation of acquisition opportunities for Olam. Played the lead role in innovation for many food products including my favorite ice cream, Chocolate & coffee products.

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

I have lived in India, Singapore & USA and experience working in UK, Italy, West Africa, Russia and Middle East

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Food Science & Technology, Food Engineering. Food Chemistry & Microbiology. Sensory Sciences. Traveling, meeting people & experiencing cultural diversity. Indian Classical Music & Percussion.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

East meets West - L.Subramaniam & Yehudi Mehunin

MILKA TESFA

QUALITY CONTROL ASSISTANT

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500

HOW MILKA GOT INTO SPECIALTY COFFEE:

"I grew up with coffee being a huge factor in my culture. Being Eritrean, coffee is a necessity. Its a tradition to have coffee at least 2 -3 times a day as well as at our festivities with family and friends. It gives us the time to enjoy each others company."

WHY MILKA WORKS IN SPECIALTY COFFEE:

“I have grown a newfound love for coffee and each day I am learning and growing in this coffee world.”

TIME SPENT WORKING IN COFFEE:

1 1/2 months

POSITIONS HELD:

Quality Control

COUNTRIES OF EXPERTISE:

Eritrea

OTHER SUBJECTS OF EXPERTISE:

Music, food, traveling, basketball and movies.

FIRST ALBUM EVER BOUGHT:

Destiny's Child/ 'Survivor'

COLLEEN WALSH

LOGISTICS MANAGER

OFFICE: HEALDSBURG, CALIFORNIA

PHONE: +1 (707) 431-9500

Colleen has over 20 years experience in international and domestic logistics. Since she's been a coffee lover since the tender age of 8, she is thrilled to bring her experience to the Olam Specialty Coffee team (and the free coffee doesn't hurt).