Community FoodBank of New Jersey Announces New President & CEO

HILLSIDE, N.J., Feb. 26, 2018 - The Community FoodBank of New Jersey today announced the selection of Carlos M. Rodriguez as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, following a nationwide search to replace outgoing CEO Debra Vizzi. Rodriguez will be the Community FoodBank of New Jersey’s third CEO since the organization’s founding in 1975.

Rodriguez, who will assume his new position on April 9, previously served as the Executive Director of Fulfill (formerly the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties). In that role, he focused on providing food-insecure neighbors with nutrient-rich food resources, as well as identifying innovative partnerships and approaches to ending hunger. His focus on addressing the root cause of hunger connected families with $16 million of resources annually through various food bank programs. In 2015, Rodriguez led the creation and launch of a 21st century town square, the B.E.A.T. Center, demonstrating how collaboration can address the complex problem of hunger in New Jersey. Earlier in his career, Rodriguez served as Vice President for Agency Relations and Benefits Access at the Food Bank For New York City. He also held high-level positions with the Children’s Defense Fund of New York and the Community Food Resource Center.

“I’m excited to join the Community FoodBank of New Jersey family and look forward to leading our team to provide food and resources to our hungry neighbors,” says Rodriguez. “There are nearly one million people across New Jersey who struggle with hunger. It’s a privilege to work with our neighbors in need and witness the generosity of our supporters, volunteers and partners in action.”

Josh Weinreich, Chairman of the Board of Directors, says, “We are very excited that Carlos will be leading the Community FoodBank of New Jersey into a new era. We are confident that our organization will benefit greatly from Carlos’ impressive knowledge and experience, coupled with his passionate commitment to those we serve.”

CONTACT: Karen Leies
Vice President, Resource Development
(908) 845.8684
kleies@cfbnj.org

The Community FoodBank of New Jersey, a member of Feeding America®, provides people across the state with food, help and hope. The FoodBank distributed more than 50 million pounds of food last year to its more than 1,000 community partners including pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, mobile pantries, and child and senior feeding programs. More than 4.7 million times a year, someone in need is fed by the FoodBank’s network of partners. For our neighbors, especially families, and for the volunteers and donors who support them, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey is the powerful change agent that fills the emptiness caused by hunger with the basic human essentials people need to survive.