Keynote Speakers — Good Food Finder

Emily Heller, Bene Vivendo | Farmer and Owner

Emily Heller is the founder of Bene Vivendo, a small-scale farm in Phoenix known for its specialty vegetables, herbs, edible flowers and unique produce grown using organic methods. A former journalist turned farmer, Emily launched Bene Vivendo in 2018 after training with the University of Arizona's ag extension programs. You can find her at the Phoenix Uptown Farmers Market on Saturdays or tasting her harvest through creative collaborations like the seasonal Roselle beer at Arizona Wilderness.

Keynote SpeakerLori CothrunJuly 7, 2025Good Food Forum, Emily Heller, Bene Vivendo

Kimberly Schonek, The Nature Conservancy | Arizona Water Program Director

Kim Schonek leads water policy and conservation efforts across Arizona for The Nature Conservancy. With over 15 years at TNC, she has advanced major projects to protect the state’s most critical and sensitive rivers and ecosystems. She recently served as Chairwoman of Arizona’s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Conservation Grant Committee and brings prior experience from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Oregon Water Trust.

J.D. Hill, R.City | Founder

J.D. Hill founded R.City in 2013 with a simple but ambitious goal: to be a small farmer in Phoenix and make local agriculture sustainable. Today, R.City connects thousands of households and businesses to local farming through a full-circle food waste collection and composting service. Food scraps collected from the community are composted and used to grow fresh, chemical-free produce, bringing the cycle full circle. With over 6,000 households and 200 businesses already participating, R.City is redefining what it means to grow locally and waste less.

Keynote SpeakerLori CothrunJuly 7, 2025Good Food Forum, JD Hill, R. City

Jonathan Buford, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. | Founder

Jonathan Buford launched Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in 2012, driven by a deep love for the state's wild landscapes and a desire to protect them. What started as a passion project has grown into a powerhouse with four locations, over 150 employees, and a national reputation for pairing craft beer with bold sustainability. Under Jonathan’s leadership, Arizona Wilderness has become a model for conservation-minded business: last year alone, the company helped save 66.5 million gallons of Verde River water, supported local farmers with $500,000 in purchases and diverted waste through partnerships with Heartquist Hollow Farm and R.City. Every pint of their beer, including the aptly named This Beer Saves Water, proves that good beer and good stewardship can go hand in hand.

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