Kumke Selected New Food Bank Leader

After more than six years with the organization, Michaella Kumke has been named the new President and CEO of the Food Bank of Lincoln. On May 1, Kumke will succeed the current Executive Director Scott Young, who will retire on April 30. Kumke will be the fourth leader in the nonprofit’s 39-year history.

Kumke currently serves as the organization’s community engagement director and staff co-leader of the Food Bank’s Raising Our Response to hunger capital campaign, a $10 million project for a new Food Bank facility. Since joining the Food Bank of Lincoln in 2015, Kumke has coordinated the organization’s communications, collaborated with fundraising initiatives, expanded food insecurity awareness and advocacy and was selected to join the Feeding America LevelUp! Emerging Leaders program, an exclusive group of 13 participants from across the 200-member network.

Kumke is assuming the leadership role at a time when an estimated 57,510 (12.2%) people in Southeast Nebraska, including 16,980 (15.7%) children, are experiencing food insecurity—and during the organization’s capital campaign dedicated to hunger solutions. With the goals of connecting neighbors to more meals, increasing access to healthy food and shortening food lines through education and community stability, Kumke is poised to lead the Food Bank during a time of significant growth.

“Beginning with the community members who saw a need and rallied to respond, the Food Bank of Lincoln has had dedicated leaders. Our commitment to advance the work and nourish our communities remains as strong as ever,” Kumke said. “This work is personal to me, so it is my honor to listen and lead as we take our next big steps together to alleviate hunger in Southeast Nebraska.”

To read the full media release, click here.

*Photo Credit: Gwyneth Roberts, Lincoln Journal Star