Zachary has worked in community and economic development over the past 10 years in Ottawa. He has served as a Federal lobbyist on Post Secondary Education, the Executive Director for the Wellington West Business Improvement Area, and the Director of the Ottawa Centre constituency at the Federal level. Needless to say, Zach loves Ottawa!

Jeanne joined the team after completing a master's degree in business strategy in Montreal. She has taken an interest in social and environmental sustainability, which led her to develop throughout her professional experience and education strong critical strategic analysis and metrics evaluation to support decision-making. Jeanne grew up in Europe and supporting local producers at the public markets rooted in her culture. This also aligns in her beliefs that eating locally is the most environmentally friendly step one can take.

Melanie is all about markets! She has over 10 years in market management experience in Ottawa and beyond and is passionate about working with producers and creating opportunities for the community to engage with local makers.
Having studied Environmental Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia, her focus was on local food systems and food security. Melanie is the Eastern Region Representative on the Board for Farmers’ Markets Ontario as well as a recent speaker at the InTents: International Farmers Market Conference.

Samson comes to the team with 8 years of experience in both commercial and residential property management. Having Studied Business Administration at Yorkville University in Fredericton New Brunswick, Canada. He is also a student member of the Real Estate Institute of Canada pursuing the certification to become certified as a property manager (CPM designation). Samson’s primary responsibilities include overseeing the day-to-day operations of the commercial properties managed by Marchés d’Ottawa Markets. In his free time, Samson enjoys playing soccer and listening to gospel music.

Craig is part of the team responsible for the outdoor vending program. Craig has been working with local small businesses for the past 10 years, helping develop public markets that strengthen the region's local farmers and entrepreneurs. Craig's goal is to reinvigorate Ottawa’s markets as community spaces that foster health and well-being while being accessible to all.

Bringing years of project management and communication experience, Taylor’s love of all things local led them to working as a Market Coordinator at BMDA. Overseeing vendor coordination, office management, and seasonal staff supervision, Taylor is passionate about cultivating community and supporting local BIPOC businesses.

Valentina’s appreciation for public spaces and marketplaces started in London, ON at the Covent Garden Market. Travelling and pursuing her degree in International Studies and Modern Languages at uOttawa, has taken her from the bustling stalls of the Plaza Minorista José María Villa in Medellín, Colombia to the Mercado de La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain. Valentina has experience in farmers’ market management and has enjoyed working at local businesses such as Equator Coffee Roasters and The Hot Potato Company.

Tina Barton, the owner of Hungry Babe, has been a vendor at the Parkdale Public Market since her business's inception. This experience has provided her with valuable insights into the workings of a public market, offering a unique perspective from both the vendor and market management sides.
Tina also has an extensive background in food retail. This, combined with being a small business owner, makes her an invaluable member of the market team!

Asieh Adnani is the Maintenance Supervisor and handles everything handy at Byward and Parkdale Market. You will find her setting up our seasonal stands, decorating the building and countless other hidden tasks around the market to keep this place humming!

Victoria, a former radio anchor and news director, brings extensive experience in writing and communications to her role at the BMDA. With over a decade in local news, her passion for community engagement has evolved into a keen interest in municipal governance and affairs. In her current position, Victoria is tasked with shaping and improving the market's public image, developing and executing the corporation's branding and marketing strategy and responding to media inquiries.

TEAM