Erika Polmar brings over two decades of food, policy and state & federal advocacy experience to her role as Executive Director and founding member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC). Her much-needed voice and strong organizational style led her to the forefront of the grassroots movement of chefs, restaurant & bar owners, operators, employees and other industry supporters working to secure vital protections for the nation's 500,000 independent restaurants and more than 11 million employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the March 2020 establishment of the IRC, Erika founded Plate & Pitchfork with the mission to reconnect diners with the people and places that grow and craft their food through a series of farm dinners. Erika utilized her extensive background in tech, marketing, product development and corporate intelligence to grow Plate & Pitchfork into an organization that brings complex issues to the forefront of conversation while supporting farmers, ranchers and chefs in growing their businesses. Under Erika's leadership, Plate & Pitchfork has been recognized by a host of media for its community efforts to fight hunger as well its unique dining experiences, including being named one of the 50 Most Amazing Wine Experiences by FOOD & WINE Magazine; an Authentic American Experience by TIME Magazine; one of the world's best secret dining clubs by Travel + Leisure; and more.