Kathy Zeman (She/Hers) 

Executive Director

Throughout her career, Kathy has worked to strengthen connections between farmers, consumers, markets, and communities. Her extensive experience in food and farming has helped MFMA build strong partnerships across the agricultural, public health, nonprofit, and government sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration and advancing policies that support farmers, farmers' markets, and local food economies throughout Minnesota.

Kathy is deeply committed to MFMA's mission of supporting vibrant farmers' markets and building a thriving local foodshed. Under her leadership, MFMA played a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping farmers and markets navigate unprecedented challenges while continuing to provide communities with access to local food. In recognition of these efforts, MFMA received the prestigious Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program Award from the Farmers Market Coalition for its leadership and innovation in supporting farmers and communities during the pandemic.

Beyond her work with MFMA, Kathy provides leadership and expertise to numerous statewide and regional initiatives focused on food systems, sustainable agriculture, and farmer success. She serves as a member of the Food Innovation Team of the Minnesota Food Safety and Defense Task Force, participates on the steering committee of Minnesota's statewide Local Food Advisory Committee, is a member of the Sustainers Coalition for the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, serves as Secretary of the Minnesota Grown Promotion Group, and is a founding member of The Wifery Livestock Skills Consortium.

Through her work as a farmer, advocate, and organizational leader, Kathy remains dedicated to strengthening Minnesota's local food economy, supporting farmers and market managers, and ensuring communities have access to healthy, locally produced food for generations to come.

Friendly Vang-Johnson, MPP (She/Hers) Government Affairs Director

Friendly@mfma.org

(206) 276-2284

Friendly Vang-Johnson is MFMA's Government Affairs Director, where she leads policy advocacy efforts that support farmers, farmers' markets, and resilient local food systems across Minnesota. Drawing from both lived experience and professional expertise, she works at the intersection of agriculture, public policy, economic development, and community empowerment.

Friendly grew up in Saint Paul's Frogtown neighborhood and spent much of her childhood farming in Rosemount and selling at farmers' markets throughout the Twin Cities. These early experiences instilled a deep appreciation for farming, entrepreneurship, and the important role farmers' markets play in connecting communities to local food.

She holds a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and spent more than two decades as a federal performance auditor and investigator. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded Friendly Hmong Farms, a social enterprise dedicated to supporting Hmong, immigrant, and other Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) farmers through market development, technical assistance, relationship-building, and economic opportunities.

Throughout her career, Friendly has worked in value chain coordination, public policy advocacy, applied research, and farmer coaching and mentorship. She is a passionate advocate for equitable food systems and believes that farmers' markets, local agriculture, and regenerative farming practices are essential building blocks for food sovereignty, community health, and economic resilience.

In addition to her work with MFMA, Friendly recently became a Minnesota Farm Advocate, where she provides guidance and support to emerging farmers navigating the challenges and opportunities of building successful farm businesses. She views her work as an act of community solidarity—helping farmers, families, and communities thrive through stronger local food systems and shared prosperity.

Pa Thao, MSW (She,Hers,Paj)        

Director of Communications & Operational Development

pa@mfma.org

(715) 497-9499

Pa Thao is a nonprofit leader, community organizer, farmer advocate, and small-scale flower farmer based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

She is the Founder and Managing Director of Power Up Eau Claire, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community power, advancing civic engagement, and supporting leadership development within historically underserved communities. Pa is also an elected School Board Commissioner for the Eau Claire Area School District. 

In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Pa is the owner of Maiv Flower Farm, a small family farm focused on specialty cut flowers and culturally relevant crops. She is a strong advocate for immigrant, refugee, Hmong, and beginning farmers, working to increase access to land, resources, training, and economic opportunities. Through her work with farmer networks, community organizations, and local food system partners, she helps support farmers in building sustainable businesses and thriving communities.

Pa brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, strategic planning, communications, and coalition building. She is passionate about strengthening local food systems, supporting small-scale farmers, and creating pathways for future generations to succeed in agriculture and community leadership.

Pa earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her Master of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.