University of Maryland Appoints Jason Cohen to Business School’s Board of Advisors

FAIRFIELD, N.J.– The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park named Jason Cohen, founder and co-CEO of Halen Brands, Inc., to its Board of Advisors for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2017.

Cohen, a 1996 alumni of the University of Maryland, is a leading food innovator having co-founded Mamma Says Biscotti, Inc. three years after graduation and is known for his co-invention and co-founding of Veggie Straws and partnership with food startups such as SkinnyPop Popcorn. A leading food and beverage entrepreneur with more than 15 years of experience, Cohen is the recipient of the 2014 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the state of New Jersey.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Board of Advisors at the Robert H. Smith School of Business,” said Jason Cohen, founder and co-CEO of Halen Brands, Inc. “I am eager to help young professionals find their passion for business just as I did in my first class as an undergraduate at the University of Maryland.”

In fall 2016, Cohen was named to the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship Board of Advisors and set up the Jason and Jamie Cohen Entrepreneurship Fund to benefit the Center.

“Jason will be a tremendous addition to the Board of Advisors, bringing both his years of engagement with the Smith School and his perspective and experience with start-ups and innovation,” said Mark K. Lewis, chair of the Smith School’s Advisory Board. “We appreciate his active involvement and ongoing commitment to his alma mater.”

About Halen Brands, Inc.

Halen Brands, Inc., founded in 2015, is a privately held operating company focused on the food and beverage industry. Current investments include Road Crew Crunch, Chef’s Cut Real Jerky and Core Hydration. Company executives also played a key role in formulating and bringing to market Mamma Says Biscotti, Inc. and Sensible Portions Veggie Straws, as well as investing and partnering with Dippin’ Chips, Mrs. Thinster’s, Rickland Orchards and SkinnyPop Popcorn.

About The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate; full-time, part-time, online and executive MBA; specialty masters; PhD; and executive education programs, as well as executive and leadership development for the corporate community.