Meet CEO Kari Diener

Her Story:

Kari Jorgensen Diener joined the Food Bank as Chief Executive Officer in 2025, bringing more than 25 years of experience leading mission-driven, community-centered organizations with a focus on humanitarian response, food security, and building stronger, more resilient communities. She exemplifies a deep commitment to service and has a proven track record of visionary, collaborative leadership.

Before joining our team, Kari served as Executive Director of the Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative, where she led a global network of more than 400 organizations dedicated to improving the lives of refugees through effective policy, research, and practice. Though her work has taken her across the globe, Kari lives here in the Shenandoah Valley and is actively engaged in our local community. She serves as Chair of the Board of Gift and Thrift in Harrisonburg and volunteers as a mentor to refugee families supported by Church World Service.

Prior to her work with RSRI, Kari held senior leadership roles with international nonprofits, including Mercy Corps and Global Communities. While with Mercy Corps in Jordan, she oversaw a $90 million portfolio of humanitarian and development programs, many focused on food security and supporting vulnerable families.

Kari holds a B.A. in Political Science from Bates College and an M.A. in Arab Studies with a certificate in Refugee and Humanitarian Emergencies from Georgetown University, where she is also an affiliated Scholar at the Institute for the Study of International Migration. She is fluent in Arabic and conversant in Turkish.

Outside of work, Kari enjoys playing oboe with the Eastern Mennonite University community orchestra and cheering on her sons at baseball games around the Valley.

Get In Touch

Reach out to ceo@brafb.org with questions or to arrange a tour with the Food Bank.