Blue Ridge Area Food Bank CEO Michael McKee will retire at the end of the organization’s fiscal year, June 30, 2025, after 15 years of dedicated service.
McKee’s career with the food bank began in planning and development, and he became CEO 12 years ago. His early announcement allows the Board of Directors ample time to conduct a national search for his successor and ensure a smooth transition.
“I feel a deep sense of satisfaction with what we —our partners, donors, the entire community, and guests — have achieved together. We have deepened and expanded our impact beyond food distribution to address disparities in access and improve the health of our guests while growing and strengthening our network. And because of the outstanding staff and board, I have complete confidence that the food bank will continue to be even more successful and impactful in the coming years,” McKee said.
Since 2013, McKee has led the regional nonprofit, significantly expanding hunger-relief efforts across Central and Western Virginia. Under his leadership, the food bank has improved food distribution and nutritional quality, with a greater focus on fresh produce. He has driven substantial investments in capacity building and capability development to support partner organizations and has championed innovative programs to combat food insecurity.
In the last year, the food bank distributed 31 million pounds of food (an organization record) to individuals experiencing food insecurity. The food bank was able to meet the growing need for food assistance because of capacity building and strengthening.
McKee’s impact expands beyond the service area of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. He has had a recurring role as Chair of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, coordinating efforts among all Virginia food banks. For his leadership, he received the highest honor in food banking: the 2024 John van Hengel Fellowship Award from Feeding America.
The board is committed to ensuring a seamless transition, maintaining operational excellence and continuing to serve the community without disruption. With a former board chair leading the board’s search committee, the national search is currently underway, and the job posting and further details are available online.
“This is the most important task this board is going to do — find a CEO who can build on Michael’s legacy and lead the organization forward. We are working diligently to identify a dynamic leader with the experience, vision and dedication to guide the food bank into its next phase of strategic growth,” said Hatsy Vallar, Board Chair of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
According to Vallar, McKee has been an outstanding CEO and strong advocate for the food bank’s mission.
“His dedication and vision have greatly advanced our efforts to strategically combat food insecurity in Central and Western Virginia. His commitment to identifying and addressing areas of need has significantly improved our ability to support more programs, pantries, and partners, as well as individuals and families living with food insecurity. Michael’s legacy of innovation and dedication will continue to inspire us as we move forward. He leaves us well-prepared and ready for the next chapter of the Food Bank,” Vallar said.
During McKee’s leadership as CEO, the food bank’s warehouse expanded from a food storage capacity of 59,000 square feet to 81,000 square feet. Annual distribution rose from 15 million to 31 million pounds in the last year, and the food bank now supports an average of more than 170,000 guest visits each month.
In regard to the food bank’s future, McKee spearheaded two strategic plans, including the latest five-year strategic plan that centers guests in everything the food bank does. The focuses on four goals: eliminating disparities in access to nutritious food, improving guest health, supporting household financial security and maintaining a strong and sustainable food bank.
McKee’s leadership enabled the food bank to assist 122 food pantry partners in adopting healthier practices and improving access to nutritious food. The food bank established collaborations with UVA Health, Augusta Health and Sentara to operate at least 20 clinical sites that provide medically tailored food to patients.
A software platform developed with James Madison University sources nutrient-dense, culturally relevant foods based on evidence-based nutrition guidelines.
Fundraising has increased since McKee became CEO with contributions rising by 122 percent in the last 10 years, enabling the food bank to meet community need, to strengthen operations and bolster the partner network, and to envision ways to transform lives.
Operational efficiency has improved with 94 cents of every dollar spent directly supporting food and programs for distribution, per Charity Navigator’s metrics.
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Rebecca Barnabi
