Abby M. Shackelford

As Business Development Director, Abby is focusing on increasing community awareness of Edible Education Experience, developing new earned income possibilities, and the expansion of Programming at the Emeril Lagasse Foundation Kitchen House & Culinary Garden. She reports to President/CEO Janice Banks.

Abby comes to us from Junior Achievement of Central Florida, where for over three years, she distinguished herself as Operations Manager. Before that, she lived in Texas and worked as the manager of a large bank. While her background is in innovative ideas to keep a business at the top of its game, it’s the garden and kitchen that captured her heart.

Abby has a great passion for food, and has a Baking and Pastry Arts degree from the Culinary School of Fort Worth. Having been in the Central Florida area for over three years now, she spends her free time exploring Orlando and all it has to offer in the way of culinary adventures, entertainment, and unique experiences. In addition, she is apprenticing under a Master Beekeeper and loves learning more about the garden & local Florida produce every day. Brad might make her a green thumb, yet!

Quote that Abby lives by: “A party without cake is just a meeting.” - Julia Child