Meet Our Board Of Directors

Justin Thomas is the founder and Executive Director of Once Upon a Thyme RVA, a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to reducing food insecurity through chef-quality, ready-to-eat meals. With more than 20 years of experience in culinary and hospitality operations, Justin combines deep kitchen expertise with a strong commitment to community care. Known as the “Mad Hatter,” he launched Once Upon a Thyme RVA to ensure every neighbor has access to nourishing food prepared with dignity and intention

Mallory Seal is a dedicated and compassionate Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chesterfield County, where her early experiences as a youth soccer player sparked a lifelong passion for physical therapy. After earning her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in 2010, she received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in Denver, Colorado, in 2014. Since then, Dr. Mallory has built a well-rounded career in both outpatient and acute care settings, where she is known for her patient-centered approach an

Kevin Liu is a Richmond-area restaurateur who owns and manages multiple award‑winning bar and restaurant concepts. He currently serves as treasurer and board member at Once Upon a Thyme, where he leverages his hospitality and foodservice experience to strengthen the organization’s operations and impact. Kevin joined Once Upon a Thyme to help improve food security in his community and to build deeper connections between local restaurants and neighbors in need.

Sean is a physical chemist and materials scientist in Regulatory Sciences at Altria Client Services. A graduate of Hampden-Sydney College and Virginia Commonwealth University, he has called Richmond home for more than 15 years. Sean is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen community connection and access to essential resources, which is why he is proud to support Once Upon a Thyme and its mission to provide nutritious food to those in need and help ensure everyone has access

Trevor is a fundraising professional with over 15 years of experience. He is the current Director of Leadership and Planned Giving at the Richmond Symphony.He currently serves on the Board for VAFRE, VFRI, his alma mater UNC Asheville, and Once Upon a Thyme. 

Michael is the Director of IT & Operations Services at Potomac Family Dining Group, bringing a professional career deeply rooted in the restaurant industry. Also a former Commissioner of Stonewall Sports Richmond, Michael has a passion for building seamless network infrastructure, building relationships and fostering inclusive recreational communities. They are just as comfortable deploying complex hospitality tech systems as they are captaining a local kickball game.