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Carrie Stoltzfus Appointed as Executive Director
Written by: Abigail Seiler
WASHINGTON, DC (September 18, 2018)—Food & Friends has named Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH, as its next Executive Director. In this capacity, she will lead the organization in its mission to improve the lives and health outcomes of Washington area residents living with serious illnesses through nutritionally-tailored meals and counseling.
Stoltzfus, a 15-year veteran of Food & Friends, follows longtime Executive Director Craig Shniderman, who has led the organization for nearly 24 years and who will retire at the end of 2018.
“Carrie brings passion for our work, deep concern for our staff, volunteers, clients and donors, and respect for everyone who is part of the Food & Friends family,” said Peter Glassman, President of the Board and head of the search committee. “Her commitment to diversity and inclusiveness reflects values that are at the heart of this organization. Carrie lives these values and champions them on every occasion. Her connection to Food & Friends is not a mere handshake, but is an embrace.”
Food & Friends’ Board of Directors undertook a vigorous national search for its next leader, with aid from search consultants at Russell Reynolds Associates who screened more than 100 applications. After meeting a substantial number of outstanding candidates from around the country, the Board of Directors determined that the best candidate was within the organization and selected Carrie Stoltzfus on September 13th.
Stoltzfus currently serves as Food & Friends’ Deputy Executive Director, Programs & Public Funding. In this capacity, she leads the team in client services, volunteer services, nutrition, kitchen and groceries, and delivery. Additionally, she is responsible for overseeing the organization’s government funding and contractual relationships with health insurance companies and medical providers. Both areas have seen significant growth and innovation during her time at the organization. Her unique vantage point has engendered a bold and ambitious vision for Food & Friends and how the organization can increase its service to the community.
“I have seen first hand the change that a Food & Friends meal, a friendly face at the door, or a call from a dietitian can make in the life of a person battling a disease,” said Stoltzfus. “I am excited to take on this new opportunity as Food & Friends continues to fill an essential role in our community and as it evolves to work in lockstep with the broader public health sector to serve even more of our Washington area neighbors.”
Stoltzfus holds a master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University and is a longtime resident of the District of Columbia. She begins her new role as Executive Director January 1, 2019.
About Food & Friends:
Established in 1988, Food & Friends is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides nutritionally-tailored, home-delivered meals to people facing a life-challenging health crisis. We believe that food heals and each year we prepare and deliver nearly 1 million meals across 5,300 square miles to our neighbors – at no charge. We help our clients feel better, connect them to their community and empower them to manage their illnesses. Over 8,500 volunteers touch more than 2,800 lives annually. At Food & Friends, we are driven by a simple premise: anyone can get sick and everyone can help.