I have been on the Advisory board for 4 years. I first became involved with Pilot light when Matthias Merges invited us to the Gala in 2014. I have a degree in Statistics (probability) and Economics from the University of Wisconsin. In the late 1990s, I worked on the Chicago Board of Options. Later I went to start up 3 trading groups. The 1st group was just me and 2 partners. We were taking advantage of the early electronic trading anomalies. The 2nd group was me and 4 partners. We formed a group called Riverbank Capital and financed 50 traders. The last group I started was a quant-based group called Lantana with a good friend. This last one lasted 5 years and was dissolved in 2016. Currently, I trade my own proprietary product but am in the middle of building an algo-based fund with 2 awesome partners. This algo which will be running as a bot (robot) is something that is very exciting in my world.

Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #1 – Food connects us to each other. 

I 100 percent believe food connects us to each other. I have always been fascinated by anthropology or the study of cultures. Food is definitely one way to seeing this. So intriguing how different cultures behave.

A favorite food memory:

I have so many memories: from my wife Ellen’s ribs (which are the best in the world, let me tell you she smokes those for 4 hours) to having Nyoma Choma in Nairobi. But my favorite food memory by far was this Chef in London Called Jesse Dunford Wood. Him and Matthias used to work together at Charlie Trotters back in the day. He sat me and Ellen and 2 friends at a table. Come dessert time, he gives us all headphones, he starts making this insane dessert spread on the table that took about 20 minutes to make. While he was making the spread the headphones were playing Imagination from Willy Wonka. Totally felt like I was a kid.

Why I Support Pilot Light: 

Ellen and I have always supported groups that help out kids. Especially inner city kids. When I was in college, I was a competitive powerlifter and took 6th place in a nation contest. I started a weightlifting program to help out underprivileged kids in Madison. Ellen and I on that 1st year won a prize to sit in the Classrooms. When I saw Jason Hammel teach these kids about emulsification, Paul Kahn sling his tacos El Pasto and teaching about the history of the El Pasto and seeing these kids in awe. Well that got us hooked. We will be lifelong donors and supporters of Pilot Light and other groups that help out kids.

President/COO of DNO Produce

He/Him

Alex DiNovo is the President and COO of DNO Produce (DNO), a thriving family-owned business based in Columbus, Ohio. DNO specializes in cutting, packaging and delivering fresh, ready-to-eat produce to school districts, making nutritious options such as kiwi, kumquats, rainbow cauliflower, apple slices, orange wedges, and baby carrots both accessible and exciting for children. Driven by a passion for food education, Alex played a key role in the creation of Pilot Light’s SnackTime Explorers Program, which integrates hands-on learning with healthy eating.

As a father of seven, Alex is deeply invested in promoting robust child nutrition programs and policies. Under his leadership, DNO Produce was recognized as the 2022 Industry Advocate of the Year by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Alex also serves as Chair of IFPA’s Foundation for Fresh Produce, furthering his mission to bring fresh, healthy foods to schools across the country. His dedication to advancing fresh produce in school nutrition has helped cement DNO’s reputation as a leader in the produce industry and a champion of children’s health.

Favorite Food Education Standard: FES #1 – Food connects us to each other. 

Food has a unique way of connecting us to one another, transcending its role as mere sustenance. While it’s often seen as fuel for the body, food is so much more—it’s culture, family, love, and a sense of belonging. Every meal we share tells a story, reflects traditions, and strengthens relationships. The act of preparing, sharing, and enjoying food creates bonds and brings people together, whether around the family table or in larger communities.

Teaching how food connects us is not only powerful but essential. It deepens our understanding of one another and fosters empathy, making it clear that food is a reflection of who we are, where we come from, and how we relate to the world. By recognizing the importance of food in our lives, we can cultivate stronger connections and appreciation for both the food we eat and the people with whom we share it.

A favorite food memory:

When I was young, my father often took me hiking through the Midwestern woods, especially in late April and early May, my favorite time of year. We spent days fishing for white bass and foraging morel mushrooms and ramps, fully immersed in the rhythms of nature. I loved the thrill of discovering morels and pulling fresh ramps from the soil, knowing we’d soon turn our finds into a meal.

After long days of exploring, we’d cook the fresh fish alongside the mushrooms and ramps, savoring every bite. The food always tasted better because we had worked for it, gathering each ingredient ourselves. These experiences taught me that the best meals aren’t just about the flavors—they’re about the connection to the land, the journey to find the ingredients, and the shared memories of the process. Those days in the woods fostered my lifelong respect for nature and the food it provides.

Why I Support Pilot Light: 

I support Pilot Light because its approach to teaching through food fosters curiosity and empowers children to make informed choices. In today’s world, it’s more important than ever for kids to develop a deeper connection to the food they eat, understanding that food is not just sustenance, but a reflection of culture, family, community, and love. This philosophy resonates with me deeply, as I believe educating children about food goes beyond nutrition—it builds lifelong habits, strengthens relationships, and cultivates a meaningful relationship with what nourishes us.