The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana today announced the creation of a new management team. Effective immediately, Harry J. Vande Velde will be serving in the role of Interim Executive Director, replacing Arleen Peterson, who recently resigned. Vande Velde will be working closely with Stephen Beekman, Deputy Director and Head of Development at the Food Bank, as well as the Board of Directors, to analyze and plan for the future of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.
“We want to thank Arleen for her hard work over the past three years, and we wish her well in her new endeavors,” said Kris Parker, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Food Bank. In accepting Peterson’s resignation, Parker went on to say, “Arleen has helped the Board of Directors create a strategic plan that is focused on fighting hunger in the Region. The Board is intent on fulfilling every action item in our plan as quickly and appropriately as possible. There is no time to waste, as the impact of hunger on the Region is ever-present.”
The new Interim Executive Director says he is excited for the opportunity to be a part of such a great mission-driven organization. Vande Velde has served as a successful leader in the not-for-profit arena for more thsn 30 years, and is familiar with the Food Bank and the Northwest Indiana community.
“The fight against hunger is critical in the Region,” said Vande Velde. “I look forward to ensuring that the needs of this community continue to be met and that the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is in a proactive position to fight hunger.”
The Board of Directors is energized by the possibilities that this new management team and the subsequent reorganization of roles and responsibilities creates for the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana.