NourishMKE Food Centers Welcome New Executive Director

(Milwaukee, WI, 12/3/2024) – NourishMKE Community Food Centers announced that Valerie MacMillan has been appointed to serve as the organization’s Executive Director effective November 1, 2024.

Prior to being named Executive Director, MacMillan served in other roles at NourishMKE as Interim Executive Director and Program Manager. MacMillan began at NourishMKE in 2019 as an Americorps Intern. She succeeds Sophia Torrijos, who led the organization through impressive growth and challenges over the last five years.

MacMillan brings a unique mix of skills and experience to this new role, combining her corporate expertise with restaurant and food service experience and her belief in the power of food to bring people together.

“I am grateful for the confidence instilled in me by our staff and board of directors and will work tirelessly to continue building communities through food,” MacMillan said.

She hopes to continue NourishMKE’s work of offering safe spaces for the community by providing “small, actionable opportunities for people seeking justice, fellowship, and kindness.”

Adam Cook, NourishMKE’s Board Chair, made the following statement, “Through an intentional succession planning process, we determined that Valerie was the perfect fit to be NourishMKE’s next leader.”

Cook noted MacMillan’s combination of experiences on NourishMKE’s staff and previous work in the broader food service industry as why she was fit for the role. Her passion for organization’s mission was also highlighted, as Cook stated she was “uniquely positioned to take on this leadership role and guide the organization forward.”

“We are grateful to Valerie and the rest of the NourishMKE staff, volunteers, and guests for their continued commitment to the mission of the organization and know that NourishMKE will thrive under her leadership,” Cook said.

NourishMKE was founded in 1978 as Friedens Food Pantries. Today, NourishMKE is Milwaukee’s largest network of community food centers, where neighbors can select free, quality food with dignity while building relationships that support wellness in all areas of life. NourishMKE operates across four locations and has a home delivery program, transcending the limits of traditional food pantry models.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.