CONTACT: Kris Tazelaar, Communications Manager, Second Harvest Foodbank, 608-216-7206, krist@shfbmadison.org
MADISON, Wis., February 15, 2019 – Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief organization, announced today that after leading the organization for more than 10 years, president and CEO, Dan Stein is retiring at the end of the year. In addition to performing the duties required by his current role, Stein will use his remaining time with the organization to help ensure a smooth and successful transition for his successor.
“For the past 10 years, Dan has provided outstanding leadership to Second Harvest and its mission to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin,” said Mark Thompson, Second Harvest’s Board Chair. “I am confident because of his demonstrated passion to serve those challenged by food insecurity, that Second Harvest will be well served with Dan’s guidance through this transition.”
Stein is the fifth leader in Second Harvest’s 33-year history. During his tenure at the helm, the organization experienced unprecedented growth; nearly tripling the number of meals it provides each year to those facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. In 2018 they provided 14.2 million meals to those most vulnerable in our community, including children, seniors, families and those with a disability.
Under Stein’s leadership the organization implemented numerous innovative ways to serve individuals facing food insecurity, including FoodShare (formerly known as food stamps) Outreach, the HungerCare Coalition, School Food Pantries, Mobile Pantries, Field to Foodbank, and the Diabetes Wellness Program.
Additionally, in the last 10 years Second Harvest has been recognized nationally by Feeding America for their SNAP (FoodShare) Outreach, and their Adopt-a-Dairy-Cow promotion (a creative approach to raising funds to provide milk to those served by Second Harvest). Second Harvest is a member of Feeding America – the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief organization.
“The past 10 years have been the most rewarding of my 43 year business career,” said Stein. “I am grateful for having the opportunity to lead this organization with such an important mission. I am confident in the continued success of the organization because the next CEO will get to work with our strong and focused Board of Directors, and our dedicated and creative staff who are driven to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin. Finally, I am humbled when I think of the thousands of incredible volunteers, partners and generous food and financial donors who have advanced our mission over the years.”
The Board of Directors for Second Harvest will conduct a search for Stein’s successor in the coming months.
About Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin began working with local hunger-relief agencies in 1986. It helps end hunger in 16 southwestern Wisconsin counties through food distribution to its partner agencies, promotion of outside food assistance programs like FoodShare, and raising awareness of hunger. As southwestern Wisconsin’s largest hunger-relief charity it meets nearly one million requests for help each year. From July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 Second Harvest, together with its partner agencies and programs, provided 14.2 million meals. It is one of 200 members of Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity. For more information, visit SecondHarvestMadison.org.
