As Food Recovery Network (FRN) has evolved, we have deepened our understanding of our values, how we define them, and the impact we strive to achieve. We prioritize being a student-centered movement, embrace inclusion, and actively listen to incorporate diverse voices into how we do our work, our partnerships, and our commitments. We've witnessed the transformative effect our initiatives have on student leaders year after year—into their lives after graduation. And we’ve recognized and taken action on opportunities for FRN to create a more systemic impact on our society.
With these insights, we introduced FRN10X in 2020—a strategic framework designed to expand FRN’s impact over the next decade. For the past 3 years, these initiatives and this growth have been initiated with Tina Gooch, Vice President in Legal for ATT, as our Board President. During her tenure, we’ve expanded our budget to pilot new initiatives, including partnering with elementary schools to distribute surplus produce and expanding our community reach by strategically expanding our chapter presence in Community Colleges.
It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge Tina’s exceptional leadership as she steps down from her board service with Food Recovery Network. In that same spirit, we are committed to building on the increased impact she has helped establish.
We are pleased to announce our Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Jessica Lautz as our next Board President. As a proven strategic leader with a strong commitment to our mission and values, the Board is confident that her leadership will continue to guide us through this next phase of exponential growth. Dr. Lautz's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment will enhance collaboration among board members and strengthen our connections with the broader community. As Dr. Lautz assumes the Presidency, we believe her strategic vision and commitment to our organization’s financial sustainability will ensure our continued success and stability in the years ahead.
Along with a transition in board leadership, FRN is pleased to welcome two additional new voices to our Board: Russ Taylor from SecureCPG and Christian Stanley from Greenspring Advisors. The entire Board is dedicated to securing the financial and partnership support necessary to achieve the strategic growth outlined in FRN10x.
"Over the past nine years as Executive Director, I have witnessed our board take on increased responsibilities to build our organizational sustainability and base of support. During this same time period, FRN has greatly expanded its reach and impact. We are grateful to Tina Gooch for shepherding this growth at the board table. At this current stage of our programming, supported by our deepening board involvement, I am confident Dr. Jessica Lautz, who has been a longtime supporter of FRN even before joining the Board, will transition us into the future and help ensure FRN continues to feed more people faster in ways that our communities want. At Food Recovery Network, we believe no one should be hungry. The act of food recovery honors the hard work of food growers and producers, initiates a more equitable food system, and has a measurable impact on the future of climate change.” Regina Harmon
For media inquiries or more information regarding board transitions or Food Recovery Network Impact please contact Sarah Corbin, Director of Communications.