MANNA FoodBank this past week announced that Claire Neal will be the organization’s next CEO, becoming the sixth leader in almost four decades of the organization’s existence.
“It is with tremendous excitement that we welcome Claire Neal as the new CEO of MANNA FoodBank,” said Jim Mathews, president of MANNA’s Board of Directors, and a member of the CEO search committee. “The committee appointed by the board to identify a new leader conducted a deliberate, inclusive national search for an individual with the experience and strategic vision to guide MANNA in the coming years.”
Neal returns to her home state to helm the regional nonprofit in a time of great change, bringing deep experience in health equity, food services and a proven track record of achieving positive outcomes through collaboration focused on supporting people’s basic needs to live a better life.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead an organization so well-loved and supported by the community,” Neal said. “I look forward to continuing MANNA’s long history of bringing people together to meet the needs of those experiencing hunger and food insecurity.”
She joins in a time of significant organizational work. As MANNA continues to stretch every resource to meet the daily need for food for more than 100,000 Western North Carolinians each month, the organization continues its strategic work towards addressing the health impacts of food insecurity, equity in accessing resources and continuing to sustain and build the vital partnerships that help bridge the food gap of thousands of families across the mountains.
“I couldn’t be happier to be returning to my home state of North Carolina, and I am excited to begin listening, learning and working closely with our community to end hunger in Western North Carolina,” Neal added.
To ensure a smooth transition in MANNA’s vital work, current CEO Hannah Randall will stay on for several weeks to help onboard Claire following her arrival on Jan. 31.
“We found in Claire someone with not only the skills to navigate the many challenges and opportunities ahead but also the personal grace that has always been a hallmark of MANNA’s leadership,” Matthews said.