Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets is shaped by a dedicated team of farmers, market professionals, creatives, and community advocates who work together to support local agriculture and vibrant market experiences.
Catherine Barr — Executive Director
Catherine has led Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets since 1993, guiding its growth from modest beginnings into a family of four thriving, award-winning farmers markets. She has been selected by her peers to serve on the board of the California Federation of Certified Farmers Markets, where she collaborates with market managers, growers, and government officials to advance the organization’s mission statewide.
In recognition of her long-standing service to the agricultural community, Catherine received the Al Smith Friend of Agriculture Award from the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau in 2010. Outside the markets, she enjoys quilting, baking, reading, watching K-Drama miniseries, and is currently studying the Korean language.
Kay Gatanaga — Assistant Market Manager
Kay has served as Assistant Market Manager for all four markets since 2010 and manages the seasonal Carmel and Del Monte Farmers Markets. A second-generation flower farmer, Kay is part of Gatanaga Nursery in Salinas, a longtime MBCFM vendor and member for more than 30 years.
When she’s not at the markets, Kay can be found with her four German Shepherds—or cheering on the San Francisco Giants.
June Uemura — Assistant Market Manager
June Uemura, Kay Gatanaga’s sister, is the other half of the Gatanaga Nursery team and a familiar presence at the markets. She often greets shoppers at the Information Booth and assists with market operations during busy days.
At the Monterey Farmers Market at Del Monte Shopping Center, the Gatanaga Nursery booth also serves as the EBT processing station. June enjoys watching K-Drama miniseries and connecting with market customers.
Judy Nagamine — Information Booth
After retiring from growing Asian vegetables for local farmers markets, Judy Nagamine returned in a new role—as the welcoming face of the Information Booth at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. She manages EBT and credit card processing for Farmers Market Big Bucks and helps shoppers navigate market offerings.
Judy is often joined by her father, Henry, who greets customers between rounds of golf and episodes of crime television. Judy loves to cook in her spare time.
Annaliese Keller — Marketing Director
Annaliese is a writer, graphic designer, and marketing communications professional who brings creativity and strategic vision to promoting Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. As editor and primary contributor to the monthly newsletter and the award-winning Edible Paradise blog, she shares recipes, the stories of local farmers, food producers, and seasonal ingredients.
She also serves as project manager and content coordinator for the markets’ website, helping strengthen community connections and attract new shoppers. Outside of work, Annaliese enjoys writing, gardening, teaching baking classes, product development, collecting vintage china and linens, and hosting gatherings.
Daniel Saenz — Creative Director
Daniel designed and developed the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets’ websites and oversees branding, visual identity, and creative production across all platforms. His display advertising appears regularly in Carmel Magazine, Wine & Travel Magazine, and Good Times. He also serves as the markets’ photographer and videographer.
Daniel is the founder and president of Artdoor, a full-service creative agency dedicated to design excellence and effective storytelling. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, painting, playing music, and working on video and local television productions.
Andrew Cohen — Chef in Residence
Andrew Cohen has served as Chef in Residence since 2006 and is a favorite guest chef for cooking demonstrations and knife skills classes. A devoted farmers market shopper for more than three decades, Andrew is known for helping customers discover underappreciated produce and creative ways to prepare seasonal vegetables.
He writes about cooking fundamentals and seasonal ingredients and generously contributes recipes and articles to Edible Paradise. In addition to his work with the markets, Andrew is a menu consultant, private cooking instructor, kitchen designer, and contributor to many local farms’ websites and publications.
