Person of the Year

John Foraker, CEO and Co-Founder, Once Upon A Farm

As co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm, John Foraker continues to redefine what a modern, mission-driven food company looks like at scale – and as a soon-to-be publicly traded enterprise. Under his leadership, the brand has surged past major milestones, expanded its footprint across retail, and cemented itself as a next-generation childhood nutrition brand championing access to nutrient-dense food for families nationwide.

But Foraker’s impact extends beyond the success of a single company. A longtime leader in the natural and organic food industry, he has become the rare executive who bridges entrepreneurial scrappiness with institutional credibility. 

During a period when capital tightened and early-stage brands faced unprecedented headwinds, Foraker has used his platform to educate and advocate for founders, elevate conversations around supply chain transparency, and push the industry toward higher standards in nutrition and sustainability. His voice — equal parts pragmatic and optimistic — has helped reset expectations for what responsible leadership looks like in a challenging market.

From championing regenerative agriculture initiatives to forging partnerships that bring high-quality children’s nutrition to mainstream retailers, Foraker demonstrates how large-scale impact is built: steadily and inclusively.