Blending Tradition
with Innovation

Brian Fox serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Miniat Family of Companies, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across the food industry. Prior to joining Miniat in 2025, Brian served as CEO of Richelieu Foods and previously held executive leadership roles with Zentis U.S.A., TreeHouse Foods, ConAgra Foods, and Ralcorp Holdings.

Throughout his career, Brian has been recognized for driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence while building strong, collaborative cultures. At ConAgra, he helped pioneer the first U.S. cereal lineup free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Today, he leads Miniat’s family of businesses with a focus on long-term growth, customer partnerships, and continuing the company’s 130+ year legacy of quality and innovation.

Brian earned his MBA from Rockhurst University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is passionate about fostering an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and equipped to thrive.

Garrett joined Miniat Holdings in early 2024, bringing extensive financial expertise and strategic leadership to the organization. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, Garrett oversees financial operations for Miniat Holdings and collaborates with other leaders to drive company performance and deliver value to shareholders.

Before joining Miniat, Garrett served as CFO of the Prepared Foods division at Tyson Foods, where he played a pivotal role in driving strategic growth, optimizing revenue management, and implementing cost-saving initiatives. His experience spans business unit finance, corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, international finance, and financial planning and analysis.

Garrett holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. His deep financial expertise and commitment to excellence position Miniat for continued growth and innovation.

Matt Miniat serves as Division President of Miniat Meats, leading all aspects of the business with a focus on operations, pricing, innovation, and growth strategy. A member of the Executive Leadership Team since 2021, Matt joined Miniat Holdings in 2011 and has held leadership roles across supply chain, business development, and operations—including serving as President of South Chicago Packing, where he strengthened manufacturing performance, led a major capital expansion and built a foundation for growth.

Matt has a strong track record of driving operational turnarounds, delivering meaningful cost improvements, margin expansion, and volume growth. At South Chicago Packing, Matt established a new Business Development function and launched the Wagyu product line, creating the company’s first direct-to-consumer channel and one of its fastest-growing divisions. His experience spans P&L management, strategic planning, capital investment, and commercial development.

Matt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Duke University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He serves on the Executive Council of Author Capital Partners and is a guest speaker at Loyola University and Chicago Booth on supply chain and family business topics. A fifth-generation member of the Miniat family, Matt previously worked with Dawn Farm Foods in Ireland and Agentis Energy in Chicago.

Patrick Walsh serves as Chief People Officer of Miniat Holdings, leading the company’s people strategy and Human Resources function. With more than 20 years of experience, Pat has built his career helping organizations strengthen leadership capability, shape high-performing cultures, and build people strategies that support business growth and transformation.

Prior to joining Miniat, Pat served as Chief People Officer of Potbelly Sandwich Works, where he led the people agenda for more than 5,000 employees and partnered with executive leadership and the Board on talent, organizational strategy, executive compensation, and governance. He previously led the Human Resources function at Oil-Dri Corporation of America and held senior HR leadership roles at PepsiCo and Pizza Hut, a division of Yum! Brands. His experience spans talent and leadership development, organizational design, workforce planning, culture and change management, labor relations, compensation, HR technology, and mergers and acquisitions.

Throughout his career, Pat has focused on connecting people strategy with business performance. His experience includes developing leadership and talent systems, leading large-scale organizational change, building strategic workforce planning capabilities, and supporting manufacturing, field operations, and consumer businesses through periods of growth and transformation.

Pat holds a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, summa cum laude, from the University of Illinois. He is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), a certified Hogan coach, and serves on the University of Illinois School of Labor & Employment Relations Alumni Board.

Sue Schwartz brings more than 30 years of food industry experience to her role as Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety at Miniat Holdings. Since joining Miniat in 2016, she has led with a focus on excellence in quality, safety, and sustainability. Before Miniat, Sue held progressive leadership roles in Quality and Food Safety at Kraft Foods within the Oscar Mayer business unit.

At Miniat, Sue chairs the Crisis Response Core Team and champions the company’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. She is also passionate about developing future leaders—founding Miniat’s women’s employee resource group in 2022 and continuing to serve as its sponsor.

Beyond the company, Sue has advised Valparaiso University’s Women in Leadership Program, is an active member of the Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN), and belongs to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Sue earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University.

Dave Wojtowicz joined Miniat Holdings LLC in 2016 and has since been instrumental in advancing operational excellence and strategic growth across the company’s two divisions. Over his tenure, he has built and led the operational excellence function, introduced world-class productivity and performance management systems, and restructured Miniat’s logistics network to strengthen efficiency and customer responsiveness.

In his current role as Vice President of Supply Chain, Dave leads global sourcing and supply chain strategy, oversees the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process, and ensures that customer orders are consistently produced and delivered on time and in full. His leadership emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and sustainable value creation across the end-to-end supply chain.

Before joining Miniat, Dave held key roles with Nestlé across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, led multiple fulfillment centers for Amazon, and managed multi-site plant operations for Dawn Foods. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Larry has 30 years of diverse food manufacturing experience across both FDA and USDA-regulated facilities, Larry has held leadership roles at Seaboard Farms, Conagra Brands (following Seaboard’s acquisition), and Schwans Brands. His expertise spans multi-site responsibilities in food service and prepared foods manufacturing platforms. Larry joined Miniat after the company acquired the Carrollton plant in 2020, where he continues to lead operations with a focus on quality and efficiency.

A proud alumnus of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Management, Larry is deeply rooted in the Carrollton community, where he resides. His passion for serving extends beyond his professional life, as he actively contributes to local economic and workforce development. He represents Miniat through his service on several boards, including the Carroll Tomorrow Economic Development Board, the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce Board, the Carroll County Industry Workforce Development Committee, and the West Georgia Technical College Advisory Board.

Bob joined Miniat in 2015 and brings exceptional leadership in continuous improvement and operations. Bob is currently the strategic leader responsible for the profitable and safe operation of the South Holland, IL facility. This involves coordinating production schedules, managing resources, overseeing equipment maintenance, and ensuring gold standard product quality.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Iowa and an MBA from Depaul University’s Kellstadt School of Business.

Rachel joined Miniat Holdings LLC in 2003 and has built a career defined by strategic leadership, operational execution, and people-first engagement. Over her 20+ year tenure, she has advanced from Executive Assistant to senior leadership, consistently broadening her impact across administration, pricing strategy, customer service, and employee engagement.

Promoted to Director, Customer and Employee Engagement in 2020, Rachel strengthened cross-functional alignment, led Board and governance preparation, and played a pivotal role in the integration of the company’s Georgia facility. She co-led the launch of Miniat’s Women’s ERG, curated engagement campaigns that boosted employee scores by 20%, and advanced community outreach through Miniat Serves and regional partnerships. In her current role as Senior Director, Customer and Employee Engagement, Rachel provides enterprise-wide leadership spanning customer service, costing and pricing, engagement, and philanthropy. She has led governance transitions, including the adoption of the OnBoard platform, spearheaded crisis communications during operational disruptions, and partnered with key customers to mitigate $1M+ in risk exposure.

Rachel completed Loyola University’s Mini MBA program and has pursued advanced leadership and DEI training. Known for her discretion, integrity, and inclusive leadership style, she is a trusted partner to executive leadership and the Board, committed to strengthening culture and driving long-term organizational success.

Scott Mordell has led various organizations as chief executive for more than 25 years. He currently provides strategic business advisory for leaders through Forrader Group LLC and serves on boards. Scott’s extensive background in varying industries, geographies, types of organizations and business disciplines has helped him develop important leadership lessons and collaboration skills for success.

Scott is more widely known from his previous role as CEO of YPO (known also as Young President’s Organization). YPO is a global leadership organization of more than 35,000 chief executives in more than 150 countries who are connected by the shared belief that the world needs better leaders. YPO members’ companies are diverse across industries and add to more than $9 trillion in revenue annually.

During Scott’s tenure as YPO’s longest serving CEO, YPO membership grew more than 50% and expanded its global reach by 20% while achieving record member retention rates greater than 95%. YPO members claim YPO as the #1 reason members change their views on leadership. In 2022, YPO presented Scott with its first ever individual Outstanding Leadership Award. Team members rated Scott in the 95th percentile of CEOs on Glassdoor.

Prior to YPO, Scott worked in the Duchossois Group, leading five business segments within the private family-owned portfolio of businesses headquartered in Chicago.

Scott and his wife Vicki currently live in Traverse City Michigan, though travel frequently to Chicago where their three grown children live.

David Miniat serves as Chairman Emeritus of Miniat Holdings LLC, following nearly three decades as Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO, he led the fifth-generation family-owned business through significant growth and transformation while remaining committed to the company’s core values, people, and customers.

David earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences from Colorado State University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School. He has continued his lifelong commitment to learning through executive education programs focused on leadership, family business, and corporate governance at Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and Harvard Business School.

A respected leader within the food industry, David has dedicated his career to advancing both the industry and the Chicago community, where his family’s business has been headquartered for more than a century. He is an active member of the Meat Institute and previously served as Chairman of its Board of Directors. He currently serves as Chairman of the Protein PACT and is a member of the boards of Brush Creek Ranch and Fair Oaks Foods. David joined the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) in 1999 and remains actively engaged as a member of YPO Gold.

David and his wife, Lisa, have four grown children—three sons and one daughter—and are the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. As Chairman Emeritus, David continues to provide strategic counsel and guidance while supporting the next generation of family and company leadership.

Susan Miniat Kolavo is a fourth generation Shareholder of the Miniat Companies where she serves as the Board Liaison on the Board of Directors.

Susan grew up surrounded by her grandfather, father, uncle and brothers as owners and operators of the more than 100 year old protein and animal fat processing businesses.
Her role as Board Liaison is to be a representative between the Family and the Board, as the majority of the family members are not employed in the business. The goal of the Liaison is to promote family inclusion, offer educational opportunities, and provide stewardship for family members. Susan has attended and presented at seminars and networked with other family business owners through Northwestern’s John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises, the Loyola Family Business Institute and the Family Business Network.

The Family Committee is a Board appointed committee chaired by Susan and made up of a Family Leader (Renee Botelho) and two Subcommittee members (Caroline Cordes and Jenna Feminis). The FC continues to offer educational and interactive opportunities for both G4 and G5 through family meetings, webinars and networking with other family business owners. The Family Committee is responsible for all family ownership related matters and promotes alignment and engagement among the Miniat family.

Susan and her husband Jerry, who is an orthopedic surgeon, were born and raised in the Chicago area and have five children and four grandchildren. Two of their sons are working in the family business.

Susan is currently serving as the Treasurer on the Board of Tampico Condominium Association and graduated from Miami University with an Economics degree.

Charles is an accomplished leader known for his strategic vision and exceptional growth initiatives in consulting firms. His expertise lies in establishing enduring partnerships and driving profitable cultures through industry-leading services.

As the Senior Managing Director and Chairman of the Board at Crowe Capital Markets, which he founded, Charles left a significant legacy of growth and prosperity. He played a key role in the firm’s expansion, leading to over $800 million in transactions, catering to diverse clientele ranging from small businesses to blue-chip companies.

Previously, he served as the Partner in Charge of Crowe’s Oak Brook office, overseeing the firm’s M&A Transactional Services group and contributing significantly to its international affiliation.

Charles began his career at KPMG Main Hurdman, where he rose to the position of Partner before joining Crowe. His strategic insights and leadership were instrumental in propelling Crowe to its current standing as one of the top ten largest public accounting and consulting firms in the United States.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Accountancy) from Western Michigan University and certifications as a General Securities Representative (Series 7 & 63) and General Securities Principal (Series 24). Charles is a respected member of the AICPA and Illinois CPA Society, showcasing his dedication to professional excellence and continuous learning.

Shane Miller has spent over three decades in the protein industry, most recently as a Group President for Tyson Foods leading their Fresh Meats Division. He had the opportunity to lead Tyson Foods’ largest business unit, with over $26B in annual revenue, representing their fresh beef, pork, and case ready businesses and reporting to the CEO. Over his 31 years between Tyson Foods and IBP, inc. he also gained valuable exposure to all the businesses by leading each (beef, pork, case ready) individually and giving him the strong knowledge base necessary to drive superb results.

Shane currently provides strategic business consulting for companies within the protein industry, looking to advise on many facets of their operating structure. His extensive background in varying segments within the industry have helped him offer creative, effective, and practical solutions to businesses of various sizes and geographies. Shane enjoys collaborating with leadership teams by supporting and advising them on their business and helping them deliver improved results.

Shane and his wife Julie currently live in Sioux City, IA and have three children. His oldest son was born with a rare genetic disorder and has been a focal point for the family and a passion for Shane in helping others in similar situations. Shane is involved with a local non-profit, Camp High Hopes, and is very supportive in their growth. His middle son is studying in college, and the youngest daughter is still in school and lives with Shane and Julie.

Scott Miniat serves as Chief Commercial Officer at United Dairymen of Arizona, where he leads commercial strategy, trading, sales, and risk management operations for one of the country’s premier dairy cooperatives. UDA processes approximately four billion pounds of milk annually and generates nearly $2 billion in revenue across its member-owned network.

Scott has more than 14 years of experience in the dairy and food industries, with expertise spanning commodity markets, strategic business development, and commercial operations across both B2B and B2C channels.

In May 2026, Scott was elected to the Miniat Holdings LLC Board of Directors, where he brings a unique combination of commercial leadership, industry expertise, and next-generation family perspective to the Board.

Scott earned his degrees from Southern Methodist University. He resides in Scottsdale, Arizona, with his wife, Dominique, and their three children, Bristol, Maverick, and Presley.

Chuck Nalon has had a long and successful career as an seasoned sales professional. Chuck got his BA in Communications from Purdue University in 1986. He began his career as a Sales Representative at Gen Pak, where he learned about sales and how to work with customers until 1988.

Then he moved to Packaging Corporation of America as a Sales Representative in the Specialty Products division. Over three years, he became an expert in niche product marketing and sales.

In 1991, he officially started his career in the Cooked Meat Industries. His early sales experience helped him understand the market and become a strategic thinker. With his leadership skills and determination, he moved up the ranks quickly.

Chuck’s leadership became more evident over the years as he took on various managerial roles. He guided the company through changes and challenges, leading it to success and innovation.

When Chuck retired in 2021 as the division president, he left behind a legacy of achievement. His journey from a sales associate to an executive is inspiring, showing the power of hard work and dedication.

Shawna Lecuyer is a seasoned Executive and Board Member with strong experience working with privately held family businesses. Throughout her career, Shawna has held several leadership positions. At present, she serves as Corporate Secretary for The Miniat Companies, Inc., ensuring the integrity of corporate governance and implementation of Board decisions. Her prior role for more than a decade was Senior Vice President, Legal and Human Resources for Miniat. As a member of the Executive Team, she was responsible for the Human Capital, Legal, and Risk Management functions for two operating entities, Ed Miniat LLC, and South Chicago Packing LLC. She served as the management resource for the Family and Compensation Committees of the Board and was the founding member of the Family Mentoring Team. She continues to support the fifth generation through educational programming. Before joining the Miniat team, Shawna worked at Sara Lee Bakery and The Chicago Board of Trade.

Today, Shawna serves enterprising families through her consulting practice with The Family Business Consulting Group, where she specializes in board and family governance, continuity planning, conflict resolution and next gen leadership development. Shawna is also an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago, Quinlan School of Business, in support of their Family Business Center where she teaches board and family governance and serves as a coach in their Next Generation Leadership Institute.

Shawna holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Business Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University. An avid learner, Shawna also holds certifications from DePaul University, the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Liautaud Graduate School of Business, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, in areas including Coaching Leaders, Organizational Development, Emotional Intelligence Leadership, and Executive Development.

Shawna currently serves on the Board for PrimeCare Health and The Family Office Exchange.