Today, I’m writing to share the news of my upcoming retirement at the end of our fiscal year, September 30, 2022. As a strong supporter of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, I wanted to share this news with you directly.Our Board of Directors has formed a search committee to lead the process of selecting my successor and I am working with that committee. The position will be posted today. If you know someone who might be a fit, please refer them to gleaners.org/CEO for more information.This year, I am honored to mark 6 years as leader of the most exceptional food bank team in the Feeding America network. These past six years have marked a high point in my professional career. From the creation of a dynamic, community-focused strategic plan and building the team and resources to achieve that strategy, to the launch of our regional perishable food co-op (now Fresh Connect Central, sourcing and distributing not just fresh produce, but also meat and dairy), I firmly believe we are on the right path for success, both now and in the future. While the impact of our distributing five times as many meals now as in 2016 is phenomenal, the improvements in the quality and variety of food we offer and the diversity of those we serve is even more noteworthy. The combination of dozens of new collaborative partnerships and new approaches to existing partnerships, including historic investments in our partners, has had very noticeable impact on our neighbors across all 21 counties. With a strong emphasis at the convergence of hunger and health, we are having a strong impact on both hunger and chronic health conditions. Never before have so many Hoosiers in need had access to such quantities and nutritious variety of food thru so many points of access.
The past two years challenged us in unprecedented ways, yet the groundwork laid by the strategic plan and by carefully planned and sequenced investments in workforce, programs, equipment, fleet, facility and process flow improvements were clearly the right investments at the right time. Gleaners has a strong team, led by a highly-functioning senior leadership team of six, supported by a highly-skilled implementation leadership team of 10 directors – all firmly committed to our mission. Our employees, board and other volunteers strongly support each other and will ensure the success of Gleaners’ next CEO.
As I look to my own future, I envision extended time with my wife and family who have supported me over the course of my career, as well as travel and more time enjoying the outdoors. Having invested so much in Gleaners, and as part of the multi-year task force that is redesigning the Feeding America national network, I plan to be an active volunteer in hunger relief for years to come. The future is full of possibilities, both for the Elliott family and for Gleaners. I firmly believe that future includes closing the meal gap for our Hoosier neighbors – and keeping it closed.
Thank you all for your continued support.
With gratitude,
John Elliott
President/CEO