PRESS RELEASE: Oregon Food Bank President Transition
PRESS RELEASE: Oregon Food Bank President Transition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2024
Contact: Morgan D. Dewey, press@oregonfoodbank.org
Oregon Food Bank President Transition
PORTLAND, OR — Susannah Morgan has announced that she will transition from her role as the President of Oregon Food Bank in December 2024. The Oregon Food Bank Board of Directors will undertake a national search to find a new leader.
Morgan will relocate with her family to the Philadelphia area. She has not accepted a new professional position yet. Morgan's wife, Dr. Jocelyn Krebs, will be joining the Armellino Center of Excellence on Williams Syndrome at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Morgan and Krebs have two sons, Rhys 15 and Frey 12.
Morgan says, "I have loved my more than 11 years at Oregon Food Bank. I have loved leading this effective, ambitious, learning, thought-leading organization within the vast collaboration that is the Oregon Food Bank Network. But family always comes first."
Morgan’s leadership has created a strong community at Oregon Food Bank to continue the fight against hunger and its root causes. Together, our community has established the first in the nation Policy Leadership Council, a team of community leaders to shape the vision for Oregon Food Bank's policy and advocacy work. We have also expanded the organization’s statewide field organizing program to activate people's power for movement-building campaigns like Food for All Oregonians — legislation to create a state-funded program that ensures access to food for 62,000 Oregonians excluded from accessing federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to immigration status.
Innovation during Morgan’s tenure has also increased Oregon communities’ access to fresh and culturally flexible produce, meats, and dairy while Oregon Food Bank facilities introduced green energy solutions to combat climate change.
“Oregon Food Bank has earned renown for centering equity while promoting nutrition and community-based solutions in deep partnership with people experiencing food insecurity. Susannah Morgan has been a major influence in achieving that well-earned status,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “For decades she has been a stalwart in getting nutritious foods to those who have turned to the food banks in which she has served in pursuit of resources. But, her impact has also extended far beyond the geographic boundaries of those communities and her focus has extended far beyond ‘food for today.’ She has worked tirelessly to unravel the systems that perpetuate hunger itself. It’s no surprise that she is the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by the Feeding America Network, the John van Hengel Award. And, though she will certainly be missed, we should all take comfort in the immense capabilities of the team that remains at Oregon Food Bank. Buoyed by Susannah’s leadership, they will continue to advance the cause of food justice with no loss of focus on the critical work yet to be done.”
"I am particularly proud of the way that Oregon Food Bank has built our commitment to and capacity for diversity, equity and inclusion. Today, 60% of our staff identify with one or more of our primary equity constituencies — Black, Indigenous and People of Color; immigrant and refugee communities; transgender and gender expansive folks; and single mothers and caregivers disproportionately harmed by unfair systems rooted in racism, classism and sexism; 45% identify as BIPOC, and 62% have lived experience of hunger," says Morgan.
“Hunger never takes a moment off. And neither did Susannah. She has earned a size 7 halo for her round-the-clock work to help fight hunger affecting children, families and far too many people here in Oregon,” Senator Ron Wyden said. “I will very much miss having my friend’s wise counsel guiding compassionate and effective anti-hunger policies. But I will always be grateful for her success making Oregon Food Bank an even stronger community institution that vulnerable people can count on for help.”
"Susannah is a nationally regarded leader. Under her leadership, Oregon Food Bank has pursued a bold vision to build resilient communities that never go hungry with a deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion," says Oregon Food Bank Board Chair Wayne Graham. "The Board is committed to conducting a national search to ensure that Oregon Food Bank's next leader continues this transformational work."
Morgan calls on the community for continued support to strengthen our mission. She says, "I leave with confidence that Oregon Food Bank is strong and our community has our back. Please continue giving, be active in moving Food for All Oregonians to victory, and support our ability to source and distribute dietary and culturally appropriate food."
Morgan will share more about her transition at Oregon Food Bank's gala, Bloom on April 20, 2024. To livestream, purchase tickets, or sponsor visit: avstream.me/ofb today
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Susannah Morgan at Oregon Food Bank statewide warehouse. Photo courtesy Oregon Food Bank
Susannah Morgan stands in front of Oregon Food Bank sign in Portland, Oregon. Photo courtesy Oregon Food Bank
Group of advocates, led by Susannah Morgan, enter the Oregon State Capitol to advocate for policies that help end hunger and its root causes. Photo courtesy Oregon Food Bank
ABOUT OREGON FOOD BANK
Oregon Food Bank is a member of the Nation's largest food banking Network, Feeding America. As the central hub of a statewide network of 21 regional food banks and 1,400+ food assistance sites, Oregon Food Bank collects and distributes food across Oregon and Southwest Washington, helping to ensure free food is available to those experiencing food insecurity — especially Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color; immigrants and refugees; transgender and gender expansive communities; and single parents and caregivers disproportionately harmed by unfair systems rooted in racism, classism and sexism. Oregon Food Bank works across systems to help people access nourishing food today and build community power to eliminate the root causes of hunger for good. Join us online at OregonFoodBank.org and @oregonfoodbank on social media.
