Jim Zullo to Leave Elijah’s Promise After Successful Tenure; Board Begins Search for New Executive Director

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Jim Zullo will step down as executive director of Elijah’s Promise following a three-and-a-half- year tenure as head of the nonprofit organization known widely for its soup kitchen, professional culinary school and array of social services for the community.

Zullo will remain with the agency through early fall and will assist with the transition to new leadership during the remainder of 2017, said Elijah’s Promise Board President Marylynn Matacera.

Zullo has served as executive director since February 2014. He had previously served on Elijah’s Promise’s Board of Advisors, an advisory group of local business people and community supporters. Zullo will to return full time to the field of urban planning and consulting.

“We are truly sorry to see Jim go, but wholeheartedly support him in his decision. We are pleased that he plans to remain engaged with the agency in a voluntary capacity in addition to assisting with the transition,” Matacera said.

“Under Jim’s diligent leadership, Elijah’s Promise has improved its financial capacity and focused on successfully delivering its core services to the community, while also expanding programming and initiatives,” she added. “Jim’s compassion combined with his business acumen have helped to strengthen the organization and enhance its ability to serve the community.”

Zullo noted that the organization has been able to meet the increasing demand for its core “safety-net” services, such as the Community Soup Kitchen. “We have also continued the agency’s legacy of implementing and expanding impactful programming focused on increasing access to healthy food, social services and job training.

“Serving as executive director of Elijah’s Promise and working with the staff, board of directors, community partners and supporters has truly been a privilege,” he said. “The commitment of the agency and its many stakeholders to helping our neighbors in need

is a testament to the organization’s founders, its past leadership and the thousands of volunteers and supporters who make our work possible.

“Elijah’s Promise is certainly one of the many vital institutions in New Brunswick, and it has been an honor to help lead this great organization.”

Founded in 1989, Elijah’s Promise strives to break the cycle of poverty in the community, ensuring that no one goes hungry for lack of food or funds. Guided by its motto, “Food Changes Lives,” the agency operates the Community Soup Kitchen on Neilson Street; Promise Culinary School, a New Jersey state-accredited educational program; Promise Catering; and Promise Community Garden. It offers instructional programs for children and adults and an array of social services in collaboration with the city and other organizations.

Matacera said the board has begun the search for a new executive director.