Bernie is the current President of the Board as well as the Founder of Farming 4 Hunger. He is heavily involved in the direction of F4H programs and his passion for our mission is unrivaled. Through his unwavering dedication and vision, F4H continues to provide hope, unity, healing, faith, and love to our community and their loved ones.

“I have watched many friends and colleagues suffer from this downturn in the economy. Our business suffered greatly. One day while visiting a Maryland Food Drop, I recognized familiar individuals with their families getting food. Several individuals that did contract work on houses my company built. Many of them told me the food helped keep the lights on and the mortgage paid, even if for only a couple months. Only when unity is in CommUnity can we truly help those who have felt forgotten.”

Rachel is a native of Southern Maryland. She is a graduate of Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She has served as a mentor to youth in her community since 2002, worked for the United States Senate since 2013, and has served as the Chairperson of Missions at the Church of God in Anne Arundel County, MD since 2014. Rachel has traveled to Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba to aid the poor and meet their needs.

Rachel is the mother of two young sons, Aaron and Benjamin. She is passionate about service, volunteerism, and giving back to others.

Mark is a born and raised Southern Maryland resident who strives to not just live in his community, but to actively make a difference. His passions lie with his family, his church, and his real estate business. A graduate of Patuxent High School, Mark went on to study Business and Marketing at Towson University all while working and building upon his strong work ethic and desire for success. Fortunately, his uncle and successful leader of his own real estate team, Rick McNabb, recognized Mark’s drive, initiative and commitment to success, and took him under his Real Estate wing and, as they say, the rest is history. Mark has been a licensed realtor since 2009 and has successfully closed more than 1000 real estate transactions. He has built an award-winning real estate team consisting of full-time administrative staff, specialized Buyer’s Agents, Marketing, Transaction and Listing Coordinators, and Showing Assistants that have the education, experience and can-do attitude it takes to consistently provide a wonderful and satisfactory real estate experience that results in life-long relationships, both personal and professional. Mark has received recognition for his prowess as a top-notch Real Estate agent, including earning the prestigious Grand Centurion Award in 2020 and 2021. The Grand Centurion Team award is presented to sales teams of Century 21 in the top 1% who have earned $1.218 Million in gross commission or 294 closed transaction sides within a calendar year. Married to Lindsay Ann in 2015, his family has grown to four, with the addition of two beautiful sons. His close relationship with his parents, sister and family keeps him focused and anchored in his community and faith. Mark serves as the Chairman of the Board of the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce and actively works to help those in need in our community through his varied and numerous charitable commitments, one of which is to Farming 4 Hunger. He loves to travel, bowl, and fish off the dock in his backyard with his friends and family; his new favorite passion is riding his jet ski. As Mark says, “In Life I will attempt to be a good all around person, and when all is accomplished…I will attempt to be great!”

Barbara Ives was voted on to the Board in 2016. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table and has played a vital role in F4H’s relationship with the College of Southern Maryland where she is currently the Director of Strategic Partnerships. Barbara is also the CEO of GI Enterprises, an independent consultant providing innovative educational solutions for schools and the workplace.

Lacey is the Senior Vice President and Senior Lender for the Calvert County Branch of the Community Bank of the Chesapeake. She is currently the Secretary for our Board and is involved with partnerships, advising, and program insight. Lacey has been on the Board since 2016.

Rose is the love and light of the farm as well. She handles all that happens behind the scenes and coordinates community events, volunteering, as well as making sure the day to day operations are running smooth. Her care and compassion is a true inspiration to not only the volunteers and staff but to the youth and justice-involved individuals at F4H as well. “Momma” Rose is always good for a hug and a word of encouragement.

Linda has a passion and personal story directly related to F4H and has been pivotal in acquiring funding for the many different programs that we have to offer. She is always quick to help out where needed and always good for a hug and a smile. Linda works directly with Rose and is involved in many of the events and behind the scenes work that makes the farm tick.