Josh Hammann, Chair

Josh Hammann is an industrial engineer and senior operations executive with more than 30 years of corporate experience across multiple global manufacturing sectors. Over the past decade, he has led major agricultural development initiatives in seven African countries, applying engineering discipline, large-scale supply-chain management, and commercial production systems to emerging markets.

Josh has worked directly with more than 25,000 small-scale producers, building integrated supply chains, deploying improved plant genetics, and strengthening R&D and breeding programs to increase yield reliability and product quality. His leadership has supported the production of more than 1.5 million tons of agricultural commodities annually, representing commercial value exceeding $400 million per year.

His career reflects a proven ability to manage complex operations, optimize production environments, and deliver consistent year-over-year performance in demanding markets. Josh brings deep expertise in systems engineering, supplier development, and high-volume agricultural logistics—skills that continue to shape the long-term commercial success of the ventures he supports.

Jacob Lake, Director

Jake Lake is an agricultural operations executive and supply-chain specialist, currently serving as the Global Head of Agriculture at Kraft Heinz. He brings extensive experience managing large-scale procurement systems, grower relations, and production logistics for major food manufacturers.

Before joining Kraft Heinz, Jake was the Agricultural Operations Manager for McCain Foods’ largest global manufacturing facility, where he directed raw-potato sourcing and oversaw all supply-chain and logistics functions to maintain consistent, high-quality supply from farming partners. Earlier roles at Campbell Soup Company included leading procurement across multiple agricultural commodities and managing data-driven manufacturing, cost-reduction projects.

Jake has worked extensively in Africa and is fluent in Portuguese, having lived in Mozambique for three years. Raised on a family farm, he has also participated in several entrepreneurial ventures, including vegetable processing, agricultural equipment manufacturing, and agro-chemical development.

He holds a Master’s in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor’s in International Agribusiness from Utah State University. Jake lives in Southern Idaho with his wife and four children.

Ryan Kirkham, Director

Ryan Kirkham is President of Gorongosa Ventures LLC, where he leads the growth of durable, socially responsible enterprises tied to the broader Gorongosa region. With a career that combines rigorous financial leadership and a long record of mission-driven management, Ryan helps build ventures that strengthen local livelihoods, expand private-sector opportunity, and deliver measurable, long-term value for communities and stakeholders.

A licensed CPA with a Master’s in Accounting from Utah State University, Ryan began his career in public accounting, advising organizations on financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and strategic planning. He later joined the Gorongosa Project and the Carr Foundation, serving as Chief Financial Officer for the past 15 years. In these roles, he has directed multi-year financial strategy and cross-border operations for major infrastructure and enterprise development, hospitality and tourism growth, workforce and community programs, and complex international organizational structures—ensuring strong governance, accountability, and results. He is a life-long resident of the State of Idaho and enjoys outdoors activities. 

Gabriela Curtiz, Director

Gabriela Curtiz is a results-driven operations leader with a business degree from Boise State University and extensive management experience in central Mozambique. Fluent in Portuguese, Cisena, English, and Chiduma, she is highly effective at coordinating teams, navigating local markets, and building trust across a widespread workforce.

In her current role, Gabriela manages a large, multi-year education initiative with more than 20 ongoing development projects and 150 employees, where she oversees budgeting, staffing, logistics, and performance delivery. Her track record in running complex field operations and maintaining cost discipline has made her a key contributor to Gorongosa’s expanding portfolio.

Gabriela’s insight into workforce dynamics and regional supply chains directly supports product quality, production efficiency, and the company’s long-term commercial growth..

Josh Phillips, Director

Josh Phillips is an experienced investor and operator with 14 years of work across Mozambique and the United States, focused on building and scaling commercially viable businesses.

In 2014, he co-founded MicroMoz Investments, an investment firm active across multiple Mozambican industries. Josh worked directly with business operators to increase efficiency, improve management practices, and drive sustained growth. He led investments in poultry, transportation, and agriculture, and oversaw projects that supported local asset development, including housing.

In 2021, Josh founded JPAK Ventures, a U.S.-based supplier of whole peeled onions to American food manufacturers. The company generated more than $5 million in revenue within its first two years, reflecting strong market demand and disciplined operational execution.

Josh holds a Finance degree from Utah State University and lives in Boise, Idaho, with his wife and four children.

Dennis Wedd, CEO, Gorongosa Products

Dennis Wedd is a senior agricultural executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale commercial operations across America, Africa, and Europe. Dennis has built a career managing high-value crops and complex production systems in demanding environments.

His expertise spans a wide range of commercial sectors—including tea, fresh produce for export, floriculture, desert agriculture, and specialty crops such as blueberries, avocados, macadamia, and eucalyptus—demonstrating strong versatility and technical depth.

Dennis currently serves as Director of Agriculture for the Gorongosa Restoration Project and CEO of Gorongosa Products, where he oversees end-to-end agricultural operations, supply chain development, and workforce management. He is responsible for driving production efficiency, expanding crop portfolios, and ensuring the long-term commercial performance of the company’s agricultural ventures.

Throughout his career, Dennis has worked with major industry players such as Unilever, East African Growers, Kakuzi, and Elite Agro. His international leadership experience has strengthened his ability to adapt to varied market conditions, manage large teams, and deliver consistent, results-driven agricultural outcomes.