VERONA, Va. (WHSV) – Michael McKee, the CEO of Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, is set to retire in June after 12 years in the position and a total of 15 years with the organization.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank works to provide hunger relief throughout central and western Virginia and distributed 31 million pounds of food to those experiencing food insecurity in the past year, setting a record for the organization, according to a release.
McKee recently received the 2024 John van Hengel Fellowship Award from Feeding America, which the release calls the “highest honor in food banking,” for his leadership both at BRAFB and as chair of the Federation of Virginia food Banks.
As McKee looks back at his tenure, he said he feels “a deep sense of satisfaction” with what the food bank and its partners have accomplished.
“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,” McKee said. “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.”
During McKee’s time as CEO, the food bank has expanded its food storage capacity and grown its distribution, supporting an average of more than 170,000 guest visits each month. Other notable achievements include “food pharmacy” partnerships to ring medically tailored food to patients at Sentara, Augusta Health and UVA Health as well as establishing over 120 food pantry partners, delivering food to underserved populations with Neighborhood Produce Markets and helping provide children with access to food to take home from school, among others.
McKee will retire effective June 30 at the end of the organization’s fiscal year. In the meantime, the food bank’s board of directors has already begun a national search to find his successor and is “committed to ensuring a seamless transition, maintaining operational excellence, and continuing to serve the community without disruption.”
“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,” said Hatsy Vallar, board chair of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “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.”
Vallar also commended McKee’s advocacy and leadership, saying the organization is “well-prepared” for the future.
“His dedication and vision have greatly advanced our efforts to strategically combat food insecurity in Central and Western Virginia,” Vallar said. “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.”
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