In June, Cheis Garrus was elected to HBI’s Board of Directors, and John Cannistraro Jr. joined the Council of Advisors.

Mr. Garrus has also founded and operated several companies in the food supply and distribution chain with the aim of creating wealth for individuals and families in economically distressed environments.

In 2013, he started two new enterprises: Nana’s Soul Sides, a manufacturer of ready-to-eat food products for local retail food companies, and Local 360 Food Brokers and Distributors a distribution, marketing and retail company that encourages local manufacturing of food products in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Mr. Garrus is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

John Cannistraro, Jr. is president of Cannistraro LLC, Mr. Cannistraro provides the mechanical construction firm with its overall strategic direction with a concentration in pre-construction.