VERMONT FOODBANK ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 3, 2008
For More Information, Contact:
Judy Stermer
(802) 477-4108
VERMONT FOODBANK ANNOUNCES RESIGNATIONBARRE—The Vermont Foodbank, the state’s largest hunger-relief charity, Board of Trustees is announcing that Chief Executive Officer, Douglas O’Brien, has tendered his resignation and will be leaving the Vermont Foodbank for personal and family reasons.
Board Chair Lynne Jaunich had this to say: “We are deeply saddened by Doug’s decision to resign. His decision to leave the helm of the Foodbank is an unfortunate consequence of a failing housing market and his family’s difficulty maintaining a home to sell in Illinois while living in Vermont. During Doug’s tenure at the Vermont Foodbank, we have experienced unprecedented strides in the fight against hunger and more needy Vermonters are being provided food assistance than ever before. His vision of a hunger-free Vermont propelled us to think outside the box—to find new and creative ways to address hunger and its root causes. From purchasing a farm to grow produce for low income Vermonters, to merging operations with Salvation Farms to expand farm gleaning statewide, and through his work to strengthen and better assist our network partners around the state, Doug’s leadership and guidance has offered real and tangible hope for a hunger-free Vermont.”
The decision to leave was difficult for O’Brien, whose love of Vermont and his dedication to serving the hungry were evident from the beginning. “If ending hunger in our lifetime will be accomplished anywhere it will be here in Vermont. The dedication and concern of Vermonters one for another – neighbor helping neighbor in need – has been truly the most rewarding work in my professional life. I will always hold a deep affection for the people I’ve met and worked with here. Vermont is a very special place.”
“The Vermont Foodbank is extremely well positioned to continue the work of fighting hunger and feeding hope during this time of transition. We are on solid ground and the good work to feed hungry Vermonters and nurture an environment to end hunger will continue. The Board continues to be extremely impressed by the Vermont Foodbank staff and volunteers who provide quality services and support to our hungry neighbors. And during a time when we anticipate a sharp increase in demand for our services, I am confident that the Foodbank will continue to respond these challenges” added Jaunich.
The Vermont Foodbank will soon begin a nationwide search to fill the CEO position.
###About the Vermont FoodbankThe Vermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving communities in all 14 counties of Vermont through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food to the more than 66,000 needy Vermonters who request charitable food assistance. The Vermont Foodbank is a nationally recognized as one of the most effective and efficient nonprofits and food banks in the nation. For facts and figures on hunger and poverty, to sign-up to receive our newsletter, to find a food shelf in your community, and to learn about the Federal Nutrition Programs, visit us on the web at www.vtfoodbank.org
