Second Harvest Foodbank: Announces selection of new CEO

Contact: Kris Tazelaar
608-216-7206, krist@shfbmadison.org

MADISON, Wis. – After an extensive nationwide search, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin announced today that Michelle Orge has been named as the new president & CEO of the organization. Orge takes over for Dan Stein who is retiring at the end of the year after 11 years at the helm of one of the area’s largest and most recognized nonprofit organizations.

“Eliminating hunger is something I am deeply committed to and passionate about,” said Orge. “I’m honored to be chosen as the next CEO of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. I look forward to the opportunity to lead the organization into the next successful chapter while continuing the work that led to its many accomplishments thus far.  I’m excited to return to the Midwest and to engage with everyone in the community!”

“The past 11 years as president & CEO of Second Harvest have been the most rewarding of my 43-year career,” said Stein. “I was honored to have been part of the search process for my successor. Michelle’s energy, leadership style, and strong commitment to ending hunger will be a perfect fit to lead the amazing group of employees at Second Harvest. I am excited for the future of Second Harvest and, more importantly, for those facing hunger in southwestern Wisconsin.”

Orge comes to Second Harvest with more than 20 years of experience working in a variety of leadership roles for food banks in Michigan and Colorado. Her most recent position was as the Executive Director of Community Food Share in Louisville, Colorado.

“Michelle’s breadth and depth of experience in fighting food insecurity makes her an ideal choice to lead a very dedicated team of employees at Second Harvest,” said Mark Thompson, Second Harvest Board member and leader of the executive search committee.

Orge will become the sixth leader in Second Harvest’s 33-year history as of August 5, 2019. She will work closely with Stein the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

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.