Feeding Northeast Florida President and CEO Susan King will retire this year after a successor is identified and in place, the organization announced June 11.
King, a founding board member of the nonprofit food bank and hunger relief network, has been its top executive since 2019, the release said.
A search committee appointed by the organization’s board will oversee recruitment of King’s successor. The release said day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives would continue uninterrupted through the transition.
“During my time at Feeding Northeast Florida, I have been privileged to work alongside an extraordinary team, dedicated partners and a community that deeply believes no neighbor should face hunger alone,” King said in the release.
“Together, we have built something far bigger than a food bank. We have built a mission-driven organization focused on dignity, innovation and hope. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished and excited for the next leader who will carry this mission forward.”
The food bank employs 96 people and partners with more than 420 agencies that distribute food throughout its service area.
Under King’s leadership, Feeding Northeast Florida expanded its service area from eight to 12 counties while increasing amount of food distributed and the number of people served.
Her accomplishments include Project SHARE, a pandemic-era effort that brought together restaurants, Florida Blue and community partners to prepare and distribute meals and support displaced hospitality workers.
She also led strategic initiatives such as the launch of the Corner Market mobile pantry program, the 2023 merger with Gainesville-based Bread of the Mighty Food Bank and the development of the organization’s new $27 million Jacksonville headquarters. The campus more than doubled Feeding Northeast Florida’s storage and positioned it for future growth.
“Susan has helped transform Feeding Northeast Florida into one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations,” said Dipak Rajhansa, chair of the Feeding Northeast Florida board, in the release.
“Her leadership, compassion and vision strengthened our ability to serve neighbors facing hunger while building a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation and service. Because of Susan’s leadership, Feeding Northeast Florida enters this transition from a position of strength.”