A Smoke Signal That Ignited a Movement

There are people who run into the fire. Lindsey Brown is one of them. As the Executive Director of the Southern Smoke Foundation, she didn’t come from the kitchen — but she arrived with open eyes, a deep understanding of crisis communication, and a heart tuned to the people who keep restaurants alive. She met her husband, a chef, while working in hospitality PR. Then a call came from a friend — a sommelier recently diagnosed with MS — asking for help. That moment sparked what is now one of the most impactful relief organizations in the food and beverage world.