Our Team

Mike Renner

Market Manager

Mike is originally from Lorain, Ohio and a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Theatre. Bringing years of retail operations management experience to the Market, he has worked both as a vendor and vendor coordinator at a variety of fairs and festivals in Columbus and beyond. Mike has served as a board member of the Italian Village Society and the Short North Alliance. He intends to build on existing relationships with the farmers and artisans, as well as seeking out additional vendors to sustainably grow the market for years to come.

He and his wife, Heather, lived in California for several years before moving back to Columbus in 2006 to start their own business. In the fall of 2022 they purchased their first home in Westgate. They enjoy walking their senior dog in the neighborhood and nearby Metro Parks. Some of Mike’s favorite things are traveling, craft beer, axe throwing, acting and miniature art!

Lucaas Secrist

Board Member - Chair

Lucaas Secrist is an Illinois native graduating from MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 2020. He then received his JD from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law. Lucaas moved to Westgate in June of 2023 and immediately wanted to be involved more in the community. Lucaas has been involved in farmers markets and community outreach projects since 2015 and has a deep passion for supporting entrepreneurs and local food options. In his free time, Lucaas enjoys spending time outdoors with his dogs and fiancée, Georgia, finding good restaurants, and tinkering on projects.

Kristina Rawson

Board Member - Events

Kristina moved to Westgate in 2015 and loves the neighborhood. She joined board around March 2020 because it's an amazing resource for the Hilltop. She wants to support the market in whatever way she can to help ensure local fresh produce was easily available.

Kristina works at Columbus College of Art & Design in their development department and teaches at Ohio Dominican University. She is also on the board of Summer Jam West and The Association of Fundraising Professionals- Central Ohio Chapter. She’s extremely passionate about art, conservation and gardening. In her free time, you can find her husband and their 5-year-old outside playing, hiking or traveling.

Shannon Crouch

Board Member - Treasurer & Social Media Lead

Shannon's journey to the Hilltop began in 2017, where she discovered a true sense of belonging through her volunteer work with the Westgate Farmer's Market. Hailing from a rural farm in Kentucky, Shannon initially engaged as a vendor, showcasing locally grown produce and fostering connections within the local community. Transitioning seamlessly between roles as a dedicated volunteer and an active board member has been a unique privilege for Shannon, particularly in the Westgate/Hilltop area, where consistent access to fresh food is not always a guaranteed amenity. This dual perspective allows Shannon to contribute meaningfully to both the market's operations and the community's well-being, embodying a commitment to enhancing the accessibility of fresh, local produce in the Westgate/Hilltop region.

Maddie Wilming

Board Member - Vice Chair / Programming

Maddie Wilming is Columbus born & raised and graduated from Ohio State in 2018 with her BA in Strategic Communications. She and her husband, Winfield, moved to Westgate in late 2022. Having grown up in Clintonville, she and her family always went to the farmers market on Saturday mornings. She joined the board to become more involved in the Westgate/Hilltop community as well as help to provide fresh, healthy food to those who may not have access to it otherwise.

She has worked in the community space professionally for a couple of years now, serving as a corporate community engagement lead, focused on programming and nonprofit support. She is currently in fundraising at Ohio State University.

In her free time, Maddie loves to be outside in any capacity - gardening, camping, walking, or simply lying in her backyard. She also cherishes time with her daughter, Eloise, whom she and Winfield welcomed in September of 2023.

Molly Donavan

Board Member

Molly has called Westgate home since 2003. She was contacted by the founders, Ruth and Juliette, as they looked to expand the foundation of the market. In 2019, she joined the board because her background in operations and her belief in the potential of this neighborhood and the greater Hilltop fit perfectly with the market's mission. She has greatly enjoyed working with and getting to know the farmers and producers who work so hard to bring such amazing products to our community.

Molly stays pretty busy keeping up with two active and energized boys and her musician/teacher husband, Mark. She is also active on the boards of the Westgate Neighbors Association and the Westgate Elementary PTA. In her free time, she enjoys riding on the bike trails, being outside, and gardening.

Brittany Stricklen-Hillyard

Board Member

Brittany has lived in Westgate since 2016. She is originally from Wadsworth, Ohio, and received her bachelor’s degree from BGSU in 2008. She lives in Westgate with her husband and 2 children. For almost 10 years, she has been a loyal customer of the Westgate Farmers Market and wanted to provide assistance to the organization.

She has worked in the non-profit sector in the Columbus area for over 15 years. Currently, Brittany works for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners under the Community Partnership Department. Brittany hopes to provide her knowledge and expertise in non-profit leadership and fundraising to help grow the Westgate Farmers Market.

Beth Kennedy

Board Member - Social Media

Beth has lived in the Hilltop area for 5 years, but she has been in and around the neighborhood since childhood. From her 5th birthday party at Westgate Park to painting planters at Clay Street Ceramics, Beth loves being part of this community. Thanks to the farmer’s market, they found the baker for their wedding cake and a farmer for their wedding favors (custom spice packets from Kerns Market Garden!) Now, she is excited to join the board and be more involved

Beth taught across all middle school grades for 10 years before taking a break from the classroom. For the last 10 years, she has worked in administrative roles at Office Depot and Uline. She recharges her introvert battery by reading, crocheting and trying to be a plant lady.

Tim Kennedy

Board Member - Marketing

Tim has lived in Westgate his entire life. Born and raised in the neighborhood, Tim was in Scouts in Pack 86, Pack 18, Troop 18, and earned his Eagle Scout from Troop 33. Tim attended Columbus State Community College and graduated with an Associate of Arts degree. He then immediately transferred to The Ohio State University graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography.

Tim currently works for Columbus State Community College as an IT System Administrator and is the Assistant Cubmaster of Pack 86. Throughout his life service to his neighbors has been instilled into him as a core value and when the opportunity presented itself to be on the board of the farmers market he couldn't say no. As a first year board member, he is excited for this new adventure in serving neighbors.