The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties appointed Carlos M. Rodriguez as the organization’s new executive director.
Robert P. Brown, chairman of The FoodBank’s board of trustees, welcomed Rodriguez. “I know I speak on behalf of the entire FoodBank Board in welcoming Carlos to our organization to lead our excellent staff forward in our mission. Carlos brings with him an in-depth understanding of poverty and the impact food banking has on families. We are very excited to have him join us in our fight against hunger in Monmouth and Ocean counties.”
Rodriguez, recognized as one of the foremost voices in anti-hunger, brings 15 years of experience to the FoodBank. His most recent position was with the Food Bank for New York City (FBNY) where he served as vice president for agency relations and benefits access; he has also held high-level positions with the Children’s Defense Fund of New York and the Community Food Resource Center.
Throughout his career, Rodriguez has worked to improve policies and delivery of services to those in need. He was instrumental in increasing NYC’s nearly 1,000 hunger relief programs ability to end hunger by developing programs and providing resources to frontline providers that address the root cause of hunger – poverty. He has worked closely with officials, non-profit leaders, and funders at all levels to identify and implement strategies addressing hunger and poverty. He cites his South Bronx roots as one of his primary inspirations.
While he concedes that these are challenging times for organizations like the FoodBank, Rodriguez says he is eager to step into his new role and notes that the FoodBank’s strategic plan “dovetails quite nicely” with his experience and vision in its focus on energizing and supporting partnerships, encouraging community involvement, and strengthening awareness of the FoodBank’s mission.
“Food banks are hubs in a cohesive network that address families’ immediate needs as well as provide for a future with dignity and opportunity. Together with our community partners, we can make this a food secure community for all,” he said.
Rodriguez earned a master’s degree in urban policy and not-for-profit management from Milano Graduate School, New School University and a B.A. in sociology from the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. He served on Feeding America’s strategic planning committee and as treasurer of the Eastern Region Food Bank Association. He serves on the board of Legal Services of New York – Bronx.
The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, a member of Feeding America, secures and distributes 7 million pounds of donated food annually – as well as provides resources and technical assistance to a network of approximately 260 hunger relief organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties
