Vermont Foodbank Announces Jeff Tieman as New Board Chair

Vermont (February 2, 2020) — The Vermont Foodbank’s Board of Trustees unanimously elected Jeff Tieman, president and CEO of Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (VAHHS), as its new Chair of the Board.

“Jeff’s years on the board have shown to me his unwavering commitment to our mission,” says Vermont Foodbank CEO John Sayles. “That passion, his strong leadership skills, and collaborative spirit make him the right person to lead our board through a time of both great challenge and opportunity. I’m excited to work closely with Jeff and the board to make noticeable progress toward a Vermont where no one goes hungry.”

At VAHHS, Jeff leads the association in representing all of Vermont’s not-for-profit hospitals. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic response, Jeff has led hospital engagement and partnership with state and federal officials – an effort that has been lauded as a best-in-the-nation response.

“Vermont hospitals are increasingly addressing the social determinants of health as we respond to COVID-19 and strive to transform health care in Vermont,” says Tieman. “The goal is to keep people healthy by focusing on wellness and prevention as much as illness and injury. That work has to include access to affordable housing, employment and healthy food. As we recover from COVID-19, these challenges are greater but I’m confident we can work together to build back stronger.”

Prior to VAHHS, Jeff served as chief of staff of the Catholic Health Association in Washington, D.C. Earlier in his career, Jeff spent two years as Washington Bureau Chief for Modern Healthcare magazine after writing for the publication from Chicago.

In his role as Vermont Foodbank chair, Tieman will help steer the Foodbank’s response to COVID-19 recovery to work toward the goal of Vermonters who are nourished and healthy financially, physically and mentally