MANAGING PARTNER, THE OBERON GROUP

Henry has opened and managed nine food businesses since he started his first company out of college at age 22. As managing partner of Purslane, Rucola, June, Rhodora, Anaïs, and the Accord Market, Henry has been working towards providing sustainable, healthy, delicious, and affordable food in Brooklyn since opening Rucola in the Spring of 2011. More recently, Henry has focused on climate advocacy, neutral carbon operations, zero waste practices throughout the food supply chain, and sustainable building. He recently finished an MSt in environmental engineering at the Cambridge Center for Sustainability Leadership.

PARTNER, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER,
THE OBERON GROUP

Originally from the Hudson Valley, Ian moved to Brooklyn in 2004. A pivotal meeting with Henry Rich about his new restaurant project, Rucola, inspired Ian to transition into the hospitality industry. As CFO, Ian has been instrumental in growing Oberon's bookkeeping business to 13 companies, guiding clients through audits without penalty, and acting as a fiscal liaison for a corporate acquisition. With over 12 years of experience mastering financial management in the hospitality sector, Ian now leads Oberon's bookkeeping and financial services, driving the company's continued success.

PARTNER, EXECUTIVE CHEF, PURSLANE

With classical training from the French Culinary Institute and over a decade of experience, Alonso brings a global perspective to his role at Purslane. Having visited more than 60 countries by the age of 13, Alonso fearlessly combines multiple cuisines within a single menu, united by a subtle Latin twist. His accessible approach to high-end dining ensures quality and originality without pretension, a philosophy that extends to his management style, fostering impeccable service and a professional kitchen environment. Before joining Purslane, Alonso held leadership positions at various renowned establishments, including Black Fox Coffee, The Standard Hotel Meatpacking, Le Bernardin, and Creative Edge.

PARTNER, SALES DIRECTOR, PURSLANE

Kendra's 15+ years in the hospitality industry began as a server and bartender during college before transitioning to a successful career in event management. After five years as a corporate event planner in the Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Chicago areas, she pivoted to event sales, serving as the Director of Catering & Special Events for a startup and later, Sales Manager at a Washington, DC-based winery. At Purslane, Kendra has consistently increased sales year-over-year, managing over $30M in event revenue while developing strong client relationships and providing expert guidance on achieving event goals within budget. Outside of work, Kendra enjoys Peloton classes, snowboarding trips, and spending time with family in the Outer Banks.

CHIEF OF STAFF, THE OBERON GROUP

Natalie, a Mexico City native, views food as a central shared experience and an opportunity to create community. While studying Science, Technology, and Society at Stanford University, she focused on design thinking and sustainability. Natalie applied her skills to develop a mapping system for The Farmlink Project, connecting farmers with surplus produce to communities facing food insecurity, and created a cookbook to share the organization's mission. With experience in consulting and digital marketplace e-commerce, Natalie brings creativity, passion for food and culture, and a commitment to sustainability to disrupt and improve the hospitality industry.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, PURSLANE

Sebastian, a seasoned professional from Sweden, serves as the Director of Operations at Purslane, bringing extensive experience in staffing events to ensure seamless operations. Passionate about sustainability, he fosters an eco-conscious workplace culture, driving positive impact on the planet. Specializing in crafting unforgettable weddings and events, Sebastian infuses each occasion with creativity and elegance, leaving a lasting impression on clients and guests. With his leadership, Purslane continues to set the standard for excellence in event management, rooted in a commitment to sustainability and impeccable service.

OPERATIONS MANAGER, PURSLANE

With a passion for creative problem-solving and streamlining operations, Kris brings adaptable, solutions-oriented expertise and a strong communications background to Purslane. Her interest in reducing waste and centering sustainability as a fundamental business practice aligns with Purslane's mission to create memorable food and beverage services while serving the planet. Kris has honed her skills through various dynamic roles in New York City, from a library reference desk position following her time at Columbia University to her most recent role in production management at a small creative studio.

SALES MANAGER, PURSLANE

Victoria brings over 15 years of diverse experience in the hospitality industry to her role as Sales Manager at Purslane. Her passion for food and sustainability was cultivated through various positions, including event sales and planning for renowned restaurants such as Tribeca Grill, Gertie, Momofuku, and Riverpark, where she was actively involved in the development of their on-site urban farm. Inspired by seasonal and farm-to-table dining, Victoria developed a deep appreciation for the importance of sustainability in the industry. At Purslane, she combines her extensive event expertise with a commitment to positively impacting the culinary world through the company's mission-driven approach.

SENIOR EVENT PRODUCER, PURSLANE

With a diverse event portfolio spanning large-scale galas, Broadway opening night parties, branded trade show activations, and national multi-city culinary and marketing events, Matt has led initiatives that give back to the culinary community. He has organized thought leadership panels with renowned institutions such as the Culinary Institute of America, BentoBox, the Art Institute, and Drexel University's Hospitality Management Program. Additionally, Matt has collaborated with Food Bank For NYC and Careers Through Culinary Arts on pop-ups and regional events, and created an annual bake sale alongside National Queer Theater in NYC to raise funds for the Ali Forney Center.

EVENT PRODUCER, PURSLANE

A restaurant and management industry professional with roots in New England and a degree from the French Culinary Institute, Elena has over a decade of experience in bar and restaurant management, including the successful launch of several establishments in New York City and beyond. She is renowned for adeptly navigating the intricacies of project management and production and providing insightful consulting services. Beyond the culinary realm, Elena also acquired experience in flower farming and floral design, elevating events with her creative eye for design. Whether orchestrating event logistics or overseeing production, Elena is committed to delivering excellence and creating unforgettable experiences.

EVENT ADMINISTRATOR, PURSLANE

Ivi Uman brings boundless enthusiasm and almost a decade of hospitality expertise to her role as an Event Administrator at Purslane. With a passion for orchestrating seamless logistics, Ivi has a proven track record of delivering exceptional experiences for a range of clients, from weddings to corporate gatherings. Prior roles in the film production industry have honed her ability to optimize operations and manage diverse teams, making her a valuable asset in the event industry. With a talent for navigating the intricacies of event production with finesse and flair, Ivi is dedicated to ensuring each event she touches is an unforgettable success.

SALES COORDINATOR, PURSLANE

Jessica brings a passion for client service and sustainability to her role as Sales Coordinator at Purslane. Joining Purslane from a Staten Island-based caterer and with experience coordinating sales, planning, and day-of execution, she is excited to help social and corporate clients achieve their dream events sustainably. Raised with the idea of caring for 'Mother Earth,' Jessica is thrilled for this opportunity to combine her love of working with people and her commitment to the environment. When not showing clients what's possible with Purslane, she enjoys spending time with her elderly cocker spaniel at home or traveling and tasting new cuisines around the world.

CREATIVE AND DESIGN CONSULTANT,
THE OBERON GROUP

Working with clients across industries focusing on higher education, cultural institutions, and hospitality, Carmen has over a decade of experience as a graphic designer and creative director. Carmen was a practicing fine artist before pivoting to a career in design, studying Communication Design at Parsons School of Design. She has a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of the power of design. Apart from her professional work, Carmen is a passionate cook and avid diner. As such, she is grateful for the opportunity to play a pivotal role in forming and refining creative concepts for The Oberon Group.