Team Spotlight: Admin & Finance Team

Behind every successful operation is a dedicated team ensuring efficiency, structure and financial integrity. Our administrative and finance team plays a critical role in supporting the company’s work of nourishing bodies, minds and cultures. From implementing strategic systems to managing financial operations and human resources, this team keeps everything running smoothly.

Katie Fairbanks, COO/Integrator

Katie Fairbanks is the first person to hold the position of Chief Operating Officer/Integrator at CKC Good Food. In this position, she is accountable for all business operations, including the implementation of the “Entrepreneurial Operating System” within the company. Since joining CKC Good Food in 2013, Katie has been an Administrative Assistant, Human Resources Manager, Financial Controller and Director of Human Resources.

The Entrepreneurial Operating System is an approach to internal operations that instills structure, systems and accountability into the company’s business and helps us work toward long-term goals. Katie, being very process-driven, is the perfect person to lead this effort.

“I’ve always found comfort in process and consistency,” Katie said. “Being able to share that strength with CKC Good Food is very rewarding – as is helping the company achieve its vision.”

With a master’s degree in public administration, Katie brings knowledge of government policies and procedures to CKC Good Food and helps oversee the company’s service to organizations operating under federal nutrition programs. “Although CKC Good Food is a private company, it really bridges the gap between public and private entities,” she said. “Every day, we provide a public service to thousands. Knowing what we are a part of and the support we bring, especially to those who are under-served or struggling financially, drives me every day.”

Outside of work, Katie and her husband, Tim, are raising their daughter, Emilia, and enjoy time outdoors, playing pinball and hanging out with their cats, Humphrey & Ada.

Meet Our Team Work for us

Steve Schnaser, Finance Coordinator

Finance Coordinator Steve Schnaser has gained a wealth of knowledge about CKC Good Food and our operations in his 20+ years with the company. Since 2002, he has held several mostly behind-the-scenes positions, including: Offsite Kitchen Manager, Co-Director (with Nancy Close) of Menu Planning, Director of Administration, Client Services Manager and now, Finance Coordinator. His current position is his favorite because it has structured responsibilities that help provide a regular rhythm to his days.

As Finance Coordinator, Steve handles accounts payable, accounts receivable and processing payroll. He took over the responsibilities from Katie Fairbanks, who put many processes in place to help streamline Steve’s responsibilities today.

Outside of work, Steve enjoys being outside and cycling. He often rides his bike to work when the weather allows, logging 10 miles round trip between home and work. He and his wife Christine have been married since 1996 and actually met at Caravan Serai, Nancy Close’s restaurant that launched CKC Good Food. They have two adult children, daughter Avery, who is a Tae Kwon Do instructor, and Ethan, a computer programmer, as well as Ozzy, their dog of many breeds, and Ginger the cat.

Shannon Lilga, Human Resources Generalist

Shannon Lilga was hired as our HR Generalist in September 2023, taking over duties from Katie Fairbanks and Steve Schnaser. Shannon was attracted to CKC Good Food for the opportunity to work with a team providing a great service to children in the metro area.

“I am excited to come to work each day to hire staff and help them start their careers with the company,” she said. “I get to work with managers to help give their teams a great place to work.”

Prior to CKC Good Food, she spent several years working in senior living. With the challenges in the health care industry the past several years, Shannon wanted a change. She came across the HR Generalist job post and thought it could be a good fit, since she went to school for hospitality management.

“School lunch is so important to children and being part of the team that provides them with healthy and delicious meals sounded like a great place to work,” she said.

She chose hospitality management for her career because she wanted to work for a large hotel chain and work anywhere in the country. She managed an office and staff for the first several years of her career before transitioning into human resources. She enjoyed working with employees and found it rewarding to help them.

Outside of work, Shannon loves to read, travel and spend time with friends and family. She and her husband Eric have been married since 1995. They have two adult sons: Michael, who is a chef, and Evan, who is a computer engineer. They also have two sweet little lap dogs.