Meet Our
Talented Team

Discover the dedicated professionals at Artisan Coffee Imports. We are committed to customer service and building a sustainable, transparent coffee supply chain.

Ruth Ann Church

President/Founder

Ruth Ann Church (pronouns she/her), based in Ann Arbor, MI, loves a cup of fresh crop decaf coffee, decaffeinated within the country where it was grown. She founded Artisan Coffee Imports in 2009. Today she leads the wonderful team of professionals you see here. She’s a Q Grader and frequent presenter at coffee events. EMAIL RUTH ANN.

Shaa'ista Sabir

Sales -West

Shaa’ista, "Like Barista", Sabir (pronouns she/her) is based in San Diego, CA and enjoys pour-overs of funky naturals and special process coffees that sparkle! She’s a Q grader, former Glitter Cat, an NKG PACE graduate and frequently judges for USCC. If you’re a green buyer located West of the Rockies, Shaa’ista can help you decide which Artisan coffee will be a good fit! EMAIL SHAA’ISTA.

Ryan Garnier

Sales -East

Ryan Grenier (pronouns he/him) is based near Grand Rapids, MI and enjoys pouring a light-roasted Rwandan he’s roasted himself for his morning brew. If you’re a green buyer located East of the Rockies, Ryan can help you decide which Artisan coffee will be a good fit! When Ryan isn’t talking to other roasters, he can often be found outside cycling. EMAIL RYAN.

Marie Hucal

Senior Logistics Manager

Marie Hucal (pronouns she/her), based in Detroit, MI, enjoys a freshly brewed cup of Ejo Heza, Rwanda fully washed coffee. She brings over 15 years of experience in specialty coffee to her logistics role at Artisan Coffee Imports. Marie’s calm approach helps the most tangled transport issues become relaxed and manageable. She also brings her creativity to many of Artisan’s marketing projects. EMAIL MARIE.

Jonathan Miller

Logistics Manager

Jonathan Miller (pronouns he/him), based in Grand Rapids, MI, enjoys a traceable, ethically traded single origin pour over. He brings over 15 years of specialty coffee experience to Artisan’s logistics team. Planning and tracking samples, trucks on land and vessels at sea all come with a smile and an open mind to learn more. EMAIL JONATHAN.

Lane Mitchell

Marketing

Lane Mitchell (pronouns she/her), based in Raleigh, NC, loves her daily cup of women-grown single origin Ethiopian coffee. Lane supports Artisan’s marketing strategy and implements our communications plans with the skill and ease that comes with over 10 years in specialty coffee and 30+ years creating consumer-driven marketing success. Lane is a Q Grader and judges for the UCCC and Cup of Excellence.

Marcia Higgins

Office Manager

Marcia Higgins, (pronouns she/her), based in Ann Arbor, MI, enjoys a fresh hot brew of Limu Seka Atnago Ethiopian coffee. She ensures Artisan’s processes are optimized and she does it with a gentle smile and a strong work ethic. Marcia’s extensive background brings our small team a versatile set of management skills that keeps our office culture welcoming and our customer service at an unparalleled level of excellence.

Portia Almendras

Accounting

Portia Almendras, (pronouns she/her), based in Ypsilanti, MI, helps us all appreciate Filipino coffee with samples of her favorites! Portia is known for her expertise in Quickbooks and accounting methods. She combines consistency and solid skills as she oversees Artisan’s financial processes and provides daily updates on cash flow. Thanks to Portia, our customers and vendors can be assured payments are handled properly.

Jenn Green

Bookkeeping

Jenn Green, based in Ann Arbor, MI, enjoys a mocha latte with whipped cream when she can! Jenn gives bookkeeping at Artisan the steady, consistent hand needed to balance the books every month. Jenn began helping with Artisan’s books in the earliest days of the company. We couldn’t be more grateful for her dedication and patience to get everything correct, right down to the last cent!