Chew On This
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is proud to welcome Kari Jorgensen Diener as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With more than 25 years of leadership experience working in humanitarian organizations around the world, Kari brings to her new role a powerful combination of robust collaboration experience, deep compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service.
Throughout her career, Kari has led efforts to end poverty, strengthen food security, and build community resilience in diverse settings—from rural South Sudan to refugee programs in Jordan and social service agencies in the United States.
Kari discovered her passion for humanitarian activities at an early age. Raised in a family that valued volunteerism, she recalls collecting canned goods for school food drives as a child, helping with Habitat for Humanity, or playing music for residents at a local retirement community.
“As a professional, I have endeavored to give back to my community whenever possible, and to focus on mutual respect and service to others in everything that I do,” Kari said.
“I regularly reflect on these values as a personal north star for my work and interactions with others. My work as CEO of the Food Bank will also reflect this commitment.”
“In Kari, we have found a leader who truly embodies our values and is committed to ensuring equitable access to nutritious food. 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.”
A global connector
Kari’s professional path has taken her around the world—from supporting teenage mothers in Maine to working on food security and poverty reduction in Jordan and South Sudan.
“I enjoy meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life and cultures,” Kari, who is fluent in Arabic, explained. “Throughout my career, my work has focused on forging partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders to prevent and combat poverty. Central to that has always been helping people leverage their own strengths and helping communities build resilience and self-reliance.”
A personal connection to the region and the Food Bank’s work
After nearly 15 years abroad, Kari and her family settled in Harrisonburg just shy of four years ago. Her husband’s family has deep roots in the city, and it didn’t take Kari long to become involved in the local community, volunteering with organizations like Gift and Thrift and Church World Service. Through this work, she was introduced to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and saw firsthand the critical role it plays in supporting families across the region. Volunteering at a local food pantry provided her with even more context for the work she will now lead.
One family in particular left a lasting impression. Recently resettled in the United States, they relied on local food assistance while searching for employment and navigating an unfamiliar world.
“The support they received—delivered with dignity and care—gave them the breathing room they needed to get on their feet during a transitional time in their lives,” Kari shared. “I think about them often, and about the many others who rely on charitable food assistance services when I reflect on the Food Bank’s mission.”
"Throughout my career, my work has focused on forging partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders to prevent and combat poverty. Central to that has always been helping people leverage their own strengths and helping communities build resilience and self-reliance."
A great fit
When the CEO position opened earlier this year, Kari saw it as the perfect opportunity to bring her global experience home.
“The timing felt right to pivot to mission-driven work here in the United States,” she said. “The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank felt like a great fit.”
Kari describes herself as an empowering, collaborative connector. In the short time she has gotten to know the Food Bank, she has been inspired by the organization’s scale, its strategic priorities, and the strength of its partnerships across sectors.
When food cultivates connections
Kari identifies Thanksgiving as her favorite food-centered holiday, and while living abroad, always tried to cultivate connections that are forged through the simple act of sharing a meal.
One such Thanksgiving meal in South Sudan remains a cherished memory to this day.
“We couldn’t find any turkeys,” Kari recalled. “So, we ended up feasting on goat meat instead and splitting our one precious can of cranberry sauce among 20 or so guests.”
Making an effort to set the table for everyone was also instilled in her at a young age.
“My paternal grandmother Virginia Jorgensen always made room at her table in rural South Dakota, even when times were tough. I endeavor to welcome a wide range of people at my table not just at Thanksgiving, but throughout the year.”
Setting the table for everyone is exactly what the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank aims to do. As Kari steps into her new role as CEO, she brings with her a deep commitment to service, a global perspective, and a genuine love for the Blue Ridge region.
We’re excited for what’s ahead—and grateful to have a compassionate, experienced leader guiding the way.
Learn more
Read more about Kari’s professional background here.
