Mike Zelkind
About Mike Zelkind
Mike Zelkind is the CEO of 80 Acres Farms, a company focused on vertical farming and sustainable agriculture. He has held various leadership roles in multiple organizations and has a strong background in engineering and business.
Current Role at 80 Acres Farms
Mike Zelkind serves as the CEO of 80 Acres Farms, a position he has held since 2015. Under his leadership, the company has focused on innovative vertical farming techniques and sustainable agriculture practices. Zelkind has played a crucial role in expanding the company's operations to include fully automated indoor farms that leverage robotics and artificial intelligence. His vision includes creating farms capable of producing a variety of crops year-round indoors, enhancing food security and resource efficiency.
Board Memberships and Advisory Roles
Zelkind is actively involved in several board positions. Since 2020, he has been a member of the board of directors at Cintrifuse in Cincinnati, Ohio. He also serves on the board of directors for Infinite Acres since 2019, contributing to advancements in agricultural technology in the Netherlands. Previously, he was a member of the board of directors at Vigilistics, Inc. from 2007 to 2010, where he provided strategic insights during his tenure.
Professional Background
Zelkind has a diverse professional background, having worked in various capacities across multiple industries. He began his career as an engineer at Honeywell Inc. and later held management consultant roles at ATKearney. His experience includes senior leadership positions at ConAgra Foods and Bumble Bee Foods, where he focused on operations and inventory management. He also served as Managing Director at ICG Commerce and held various engineering and supervisory roles at General Mills.
Education and Expertise
Zelkind earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Minnesota, completing his studies in 1990. He furthered his education at Emory University - Goizueta Business School, where he obtained his MBA in 1996. His educational background supports his expertise in technology and management, which he applies in his current role at 80 Acres Farms and in his board memberships.
Contributions to Sustainable Agriculture
Mike Zelkind has been a vocal advocate for sustainable farming practices. He has contributed to the development of proprietary technology at 80 Acres Farms that optimizes plant growth and resource efficiency. His efforts include securing significant investments to enhance the company's technological capabilities and expand its market reach. Zelkind actively promotes the benefits of vertical farming, particularly in urban environments, to address food production challenges.