Letisha Steele (She/Her)
Chief Executive Officer
Bio
Tish is a lifelong advocate for strong, resilient local food systems and an experienced nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to farmers and community. As Executive Director of Green City Market, she leads with a clear focus: secure the future of food by supporting sustainable Midwest farmers, expanding access to locally grown food, and strengthening connections between growers and Chicago communities.
Tish brings more than ten years of nonprofit leadership experience centered on food access, policy, and systems change. Prior to joining Green City Market, she served as Executive Director of Denver Food Rescue and co-chaired the Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council, working across sectors to advance equitable food access and align climate and policy efforts.
Her professional path began in the restaurant industry, where she spent twenty years working across all levels of operations, from her early days in front of house to building her career as a chef focused on locally sourced ingredients. That experience continues to shape her leadership today, grounding strategy in the practical realities of farmers, food businesses, and the communities they serve.
Originally from the Appalachian Mountains, Tish’s upbringing shaped her understanding of how access to food, jobs, and opportunity are deeply interconnected. She brings that perspective into her leadership, guided by the belief that strong regional food systems depend on trust, shared accountability, and long-term relationships that support both farmers and communities.
