Che Ruddell-Tabisola

A first-generation American raised by a single dad, Che is a lifelong activist who wrote his first petition in fifth grade. His first restaurant job was at age 16 washing dishes, and at age 19 he ran his first business.

Che Ruddell-Tabisola

Che attended the University of Kent in Brussels and has a master's degree in international conflict analysis. He spent more than 10 years in community organizing and lobbying for LGBT rights. In 2011 Che opened the BBQ Bus food tuck with his husband Tadd. 

As Executive Director of the DMV Food Truck Association, Che leads the association’s growth from a small advocacy group into one of the country's leading food truck organizations. He directs the group's legislative agenda to advance policies that remove barriers to street vending, promote entrepreneurship and allow for an environment where food truck small businesses can thrive. Since joining the association Che has lead legislative efforts resulting in improved vending laws in Arlington, Fairfax, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, City of Alexandria, and Washington, DC, as well as to lift a statewide ban on mobile food businesses from operating state-maintained streets in Virginia.