Meet our staff
Jack McKay, Executive Director (he/him), is one of the founders of Food AND Medicine, and has been the Director since 2001. Jack oversees the day-to-day operation of the organization, as well as strategic planning, finances, budgeting and ensuring FAM's long-term sustainability. He was previously a school teacher in New York City and spent decades as a union organizer and activist. Jack is a graduate of the University of Maine; he and his family live in Bangor, where he was born and raised.
A member of the UAW, Jack has served as President of the Eastern Maine Labor Council for over 20 years, as well as the executive board of the Maine AFL-CIO.
Melissa Smith, Deputy Director (she/her) started with Food AND Medicine in 2015, when she was hired as Office Manager. She was promoted to Deputy Director in 2022; her responsibilities include finances, grant management, communications, data management, event planning and administrative duties. Melissa grew up in New Jersey but spent summer vacations in Maine and is a graduate of Rutgers University. She had a 15-year career as a compliance manager in the credit card industry in Phoenix, from which she was laid off in a workforce reduction prior to moving to Maine to be closer to her family.
A member of UAW since 2018, Melissa is an active member of the UAW Maine CAP Council, and was elected Secretary of the Eastern Maine Labor Council, AFL-CIO.
Johnny Sanchez, Gardens & Volunteer Coordinator (he/him)
Johnny was born in Albuquerque, NM and grew up on the Ohkay Owingeh reservation in northern New Mexico where he gained a passion for growing food and feeding people. After graduating undergrad from Dartmouth College, he further developed this passion by obtaining his Masters degree in sustainable agriculture from the University of Maine and managing a farm in central Maine before coming to FAM. At FAM, he has utilized these skills to help coordinate the annual Solidarity Harvest as well as outreach to farmers. Johnny joined FAM staff in October 2021.
Joleen Fagan, Peer Workforce Navigator (she/her)
Joleen’s work as a Peer Workforce Navigator is rooted in lived experience. She knows what it’s like to navigate poverty, unstable housing, and systems that can feel confusing, overwhelming, or stacked against you. Her approach is grounded in Intentional Peer Support, which centers connection, mutuality, and shared power rather than hierarchy or judgment.
She draws on both peer support training and hard-earned life experience to walk alongside others as they navigate challenges, explore options, and build stability on their own terms. Joleen believes that meaningful support comes from listening deeply, honoring each person’s expertise in their own life, and creating space for people to define their own goals.
At Food AND Medicine, her work reflects a core belief: lasting change happens when people support one another, build community, and recognize their collective strength. Joleen joined FAM staff in March 2024.
Meredyth Waters, Community Organizer (she/her)
Meredyth is a recent graduate of the University of Maine. She comes to Food AND Medicine after 3 campaign cycles and previously working for SEIU and Maine Peoples Alliance. When she is not working you can find her watching hockey or spending time in the woods. Meredyth joined FAM staff in May 2025.
Sandy Joy, Civic Engagement Organizer (she/her)
Sandy worked as a Community Organizer for FAM for many years and stepped back to care for her partner as he battled ALS. A licensed social worker, Sandy started and currently manages the crisis line for Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness. In 2017, Sandy started FAM's Civic Engagement program, including holding our members of congress accountable. She returned to FAM in 2025 part time to organize our civic engagement group once again. Sandy lives with her rescue dog Gigi in Orono. She is the proud mother of her son Joe, a Harvard graduate.