Press Release
VERONA, VA, August 7, 2025 — The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is pleased to announce that accomplished nonprofit leader Kari Jorgensen Diener will serve as the next Chief Executive Officer, effective August 4, 2025. Diener succeeds Michael McKee, who retired this summer after 12 years of dedicated service as the organization’s fourth CEO.
The appointment follows a thorough national search led by the Board of Directors. They sought a visionary leader to build on the Food Bank’s strong foundation while guiding the organization to its next chapter of growth and impact for our community.
Diener brings more than 25 years of leadership in humanitarian aid, food security, and community resilience. She transitioned from her role as Executive Director of the Refugee Self-Reliance Initiative, an international network of more than 400 organizations. Her career also includes leadership positions with Mercy Corps in Jordan, advocacy work in Washington, D.C., and local community service in the Shenandoah Valley, where she resides.
“In Kari, we have found a leader who truly embodies our values and is committed to ensuring equitable access to nutritious food,” said Kim Blosser, the Chair of the Board of Directors. “We look forward to working alongside her—and our community partners—as we continue our focus on nourishing food and good health for everyone, every day.”
Diener is actively involved in her community. She serves as the board chair of Gift & Thrift in Harrisonburg, mentors refugee families through Church World Service, and plays the oboe in the Eastern Mennonite University community orchestra.
“I am honored to join the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and continue its impactful legacy,” said Diener. “I look forward to building on the strong relationships already in place and collaborating with staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters to eliminate hunger and support thriving communities.”
The Board of Directors is actively supporting Diener’s onboarding to ensure a smooth transition. Food Bank staff members look forward to introducing Diener to our community in the coming months.
To learn more about Kari Jorgensen Diener, visit www.brafb.org/new-ceo.
Media Contact:
Les Sinclair
Communications & PR Manager
lsinclair@brafb.org
434-962-5403
Photos, audio, video, and other media materials are available here.
About the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization serving Western and Central Virginia. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank serves 25 counties and 8 cities through distribution centers in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester, and its headquarters in Verona. Each month, the Food Bank supports an average of 148,200 guest visits, reaching record numbers of Virginians through a network of nearly 400 community partners—food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and program sites. As a partner food bank of Feeding America®, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank pledges to continue innovating and adapting to secure, store, and distribute more food to more individuals, families, children, and seniors experiencing hunger. For more information, visit brafb.org.
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