About Us

Ethan Ash

Co-founder

Ethan has worked in the online health information field as a co-founder of Vertical Health for nearly 10 years until its acquisition by Remedy Health Media in 2019. His work has been primarily focused on business development, marketing and revenue growth. In a volunteer capacity, Ethan has served on a range of non-profit boards including the Tompkins County Tourism Board, and chair of the Agritourism Task force, responsible for developing and implementing a strategic plan for agriculture and food/beverage-based tourism initiatives for the Finger Lakes Region. Ethan currently sits on multiple boards and/or development committees including State Theater of Ithaca, Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming, and Planned Parenthood.

Michael Mazza

Co-founder

Michael is a 4th generation Ithacan with deep local roots dating back to the early 1900s, when his family immigrated from Italy and opened several local businesses, including an Italian bakery that would eventually grow into the Ithaca Bakery we all know today.

After spending nearly twenty years living, studying, and working in Vermont and California, Michael returned to Ithaca in 2009 with his wife and two daughters to enjoy the quality of life in the Finger Lakes. Since then, he's played an active role in the community, co-founding the Ithaca Reggae Fest (dedicated to protecting Cayuga Lake), leading community engagement initiatives in Ithaca, and co-founding YEM (designed to empower local youth to grow their confidence and creative potential).

Alongside his community work, Michael also serves as a Design Consultant at Renewal by Andersen. He approaches that role with the same creative thinking, curiosity, and commitment to people that shape his work with YEM and the wider Ithaca community.