Meet Our Staff 

Farmer Bob Jones
Executive Director, Founder

In the farming business for more than 50 years, Bob Jones, Sr. has led The Chef's Garden to innovate new methods in how vegetables are grown, harvested, packaged and delivered to the kitchen door of top chefs around the world. It was Mr. Bob, as he's fondly referred to on the farm, who recognized the value in meeting the needs of chefs that were driving a return to sustainable agriculture, a reconnection with food producers and a focus on quality and flavor.

In 2003, one of Bob Jones, Sr.'s dreams became reality when The Culinary Vegetable Institute® opened its doors to chefs as a culinary retreat, research and teambuilding facility. He was also instrumental in the vision and creation of Veggie U®, a nationwide not-for-profit children's program.

Bob Jones, Sr. attended The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and Bowling Green State University. An avid reader, he has amassed a personal library of several thousand copies of old and new agricultural and business volumes, all of which he has personally read. Jones regularly attends American Management Association (AMA) seminars and is a member of several area chambers of commerce, in addition to serving as a wellness committee member for the Berlin-Milan school district.


Barb Jones
Assistant Director & Co-Founder of Veggie U

Barb “Mom” Jones is the matriarch of a fifth generation farming family that founded The Chef’s Garden Farms in Huron, Ohio, and The Culinary Vegetable Institute and Veggie U in Milan, Ohio. As Co-Founder of Veggie U, she helped develop the curriculum and create the organization that is literally transforming how children learn about sustainable agriculture, making wise food choices and developing healthy lifestyles. In addition to her work on the family farm and raising a family, her work background includes journalism and social services. Mrs. Jones holds a degree from Bowling Green State University.







Amy Liles
Manager of Business Development

Amy Liles has recently joined Veggie U in the role of Manager of Business Development. Amy is a native of Rocky River, Ohio, and a proud graduate of Kent State University. Prior to joining the Veggie U Team, Amy served The Cleveland Cavaliers Organization for five seasons as the Manager of Suite Services. Amy currently serves on the Board of The Greater Cleveland Fisher House and volunteers with The Slomberg Foundation and Our Patriotic Duty. Her free time is dedicated to helping and improving the lives of Veterans and their families. 

Vicki Jenkins
Marketing Coordinator

Vicki was hired to increase the visibility and recognition of the Veggie U program, both locally and around the country. Veggie U has benefitted from this exposure and our name recognition continues to grow in media, funding and education circles. With a BS in Journalism from Bowling Green State University, Vicki has over 20 years of marketing experience including non-profit, business to business and consumer marketing. She is the past president of the board of directors of the local YMCA-- committed to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities-- closely aligned with the Veggie U mission. With a special interest in nutrition and health, Vicki's background, experience and enthusiasm  is a strong asset to the Veggie U program.





Lynne Eirons
Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Lynne comes from a long line of educators and knows that teachers have the ability to reach children in a special way. Lynne has seen students beg to try more veggies during Veggie U in their classrooms. She looks forward to working with even more teachers and students to spread the word that it’s fun to eat healthy. Lynne holds a BS in Applied Science in Engineering Technology from Miami University. She’s spent 25 years planning events, coordinating volunteers and marketing to the community. She’s also been a preschool activity planner for 10 years and loves to find fun activities for kids to do. Lynne is on the Board of Firelands Positive People, a scholarship program for high school students who have overcome adversity.





Kelly McCabe
Assistant Education and Volunteer Coordinator

Kelly was hired on a part time basis to assist in the education area due to the increased demands for the Veggie U program nationwide. Kelly has a strong background in computer technology including several certifications, and is also skilled in customer service and support. She will be instrumental in the growth of the program and guiding the Veggie U staff in all matters related to technology needs.








Carol Groo
Office Coordinator

Carol has an extensive small business and office management background, including nine years as sole bookkeeper and office administrator for a law firm in San Francisco. She takes care of basic bookkeeping and records management for Veggie U and also contributes to a variety of other initiatives. Carol brings years of experience working with community organizations, as well as two years of undergraduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Philadelphia College of Art.