Holly Aker has spent the last several years working to support small local businesses throughout Maine by working to build bridges between retailers, producers, farms, distributors, and community organizations serving the food systems throughout the state. Along with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois, she holds certificates in HACCP and PCQI, and has partnered with suppliers to support best practices for retail, wholesale, and food safety. Holly brings a strong ability to build networks, a passion for small business, and a commitment to serving past and present military personnel and their spouses to the Veteran’s Business Outreach Center of New England.