Our Team

Hey food lovers, chefs, and culinary adventurers! I’m Derak Green, home chef, food entrepreneur, and co-creator of Cooking with Greens. You might know me from MasterChef, my online cooking community, or from events and collaborations right here in Hampton Roads. Now, I’m launching NoshFest—a two-day celebration of all things delicious, and I need your help to bring it to life! What is NoshFest? Imagine walking into a vibrant marketplace, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of gourmet dishes, the energy of passionate chefs, and the excitement of discovering new flavors. NoshFest is all about celebrating local chefs, food businesses, and culinary creators in a dynamic and interactive way.

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Our Team

Derak K. Green Sr.

Director
- Oversees the entire event and Team
- Manages partnerships, sponsorships, and vendor outreach
- Ensures overall vision and execution

Ike Owens

Creative Director
- Handles logistics, scheduling, and day-of execution
- Coordinates setup, breakdown, and on-site troubleshooting
-Manages staff and volunteer assignments

Byron L. Edwards

Social Inpact & Communications
- Develops and executes social media, email, and PR campaigns
- Coordinates with influencers, media, and press outlets
- Manages ticket sales and audience engagement
- Works with influencers to maximize reach
- Develops post-event recap content

TBA

Sponsorship & Partnerships Manager
- Secures sponsors, brand partnerships, and funding opportunities
- Manages sponsor contracts, deliverables, and promotional benefits
- Oversees fundraising and crowdfunding efforts

TBA

Volunteer & Staff Coordinator
- Recruits and trains volunteers for event operations
- Assigns roles such as ticketing, crowd control, and customer service - Ensures volunteers are properly briefed and supported

TBA

Ticketing & Registration Manager
- Manages online ticket sales and event check-in
- Oversees wristbands, access control, and attendee lists

TBA

Production Manager
- Oversees stage setup, audio/visual needs, and demo areas
- Coordinates with rental companies for tents, tables, and equipment
- Manages power, Wi-Fi, and technical logistics

John Fennell

Safety & Compliance Officer
- Ensures compliance with health, fire, and city regulations
- Works with local authorities on crowd control and emergency plans
- Manages permits, insurance, and food safety requirements