Dominique Dawes
Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024. Dominique served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which was nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.
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Three-time Olympian, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Gymnastics Academy Owner
Owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies, Dominique opened the gyms to continue her commitment to developing a healthy and compassionate culture in the sport of gymnastics. Her first academy opened in the midst of a global pandemic, in July 2020, her second location opened in 2023, and third Academy in 2024 located in Columbia, MD. Dawes holds minority ownership of the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League, and she also became part of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons ownership group as a Limited Partner in 2024. Dominique served as the co-chair of the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition under the Obama administration alongside Drew Brees. Alongside LeBron James and Maverick Carter, she served as Executive Producer of the Peacock docu-series “Golden”, the journey of USA’s elite gymnasts on the road to the Tokyo Olympics, which was nominated for a Sports Emmy.
Dawes holds her degree from the University of Maryland and was inducted into UMD's prestigious Hall of Fame in 2022. In 2024, her hometown of Montgomery County, Maryland honored her career and legacy with a life-size statue to continue inspiring the next generation to follow in her footsteps.
As a wife, mother of four, Olympian, and business owner, Dominique Dawes has transcended the world of sports, politics, entertainment and culture.
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Jennifer Strailey
Editorial Director
Jennifer Strailey is the editorial director, produce for Farm Journal/The Packer. Prior to joining The Packer, she was editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business. Strailey brings two decades of experience covering the competitive grocery, produce, natural products and specialty food and beverage landscape. In previous roles her focus has been to provide retail decision-makers with the insight, market intelligence, trends analysis, news and strategic merchandising concepts that drive sales. Strailey began her journalism career at The Gourmet Retailer, where she was an associate editor and has been a longtime freelancer for a variety of trade media outlets. Additionally, she has more than a decade of experience in the wine industry, both as a reporter and public relations account executive.
Editorial Director
Jennifer Strailey is the editorial director, produce for Farm Journal/The Packer. Prior to joining The Packer, she was editor in chief of Winsight Grocery Business. Strailey brings two decades of experience covering the competitive grocery, produce, natural products and specialty food and beverage landscape. In previous roles her focus has been to provide retail decision-makers with the insight, market intelligence, trends analysis, news and strategic merchandising concepts that drive sales. Strailey began her journalism career at The Gourmet Retailer, where she was an associate editor and has been a longtime freelancer for a variety of trade media outlets. Additionally, she has more than a decade of experience in the wine industry, both as a reporter and public relations account executive.
Cristie Mather
Vice President, Marketing
Cristie Mather is Vice President of Marketing for the Mushroom Council, the nonprofit marketing organization that supports U.S. mushroom growers and importers. Dedicated to increasing fresh mushroom demand, the Mushroom Council's marketing and communications programs engage consumer, retail, foodservice, and nutrition audiences with education and inspiration about delicious, nutritious, and sustainable fresh mushrooms. In 2026, the Mushroom Council is launching a new campaign platform, "It's Not Magic. It's Mushrooms.” aimed at cultivating the next generation of mushroom lovers.
Vice President, Marketing
Cristie Mather is Vice President of Marketing for the Mushroom Council, the nonprofit marketing organization that supports U.S. mushroom growers and importers. Dedicated to increasing fresh mushroom demand, the Mushroom Council's marketing and communications programs engage consumer, retail, foodservice, and nutrition audiences with education and inspiration about delicious, nutritious, and sustainable fresh mushrooms. In 2026, the Mushroom Council is launching a new campaign platform, "It's Not Magic. It's Mushrooms.” aimed at cultivating the next generation of mushroom lovers.
