Chief Operations & Impact Officer

Scion Executive Search has been retained to conduct an immediate search for the Chief Operating & Impact Officer of United Food Bank
, an organization on a mission to unite communities to alleviate hunger in Arizona. This is a full-time, onsite position based in Mesa, AZ.

United Food Bank is a mission-driven nonprofit uniting communities to alleviate hunger across Arizona. Through partnerships with more than 125 food pantries, mobile markets, and hot meal sites, the organization provides reliable access to nutritious food for neighbors facing hardship. United Food Bank views food security as the first step toward helping individuals and families achieve long‑term stability and opportunity. Grounded in the values of being Uniters, Cultivators, and Optimists, the organization fosters a collaborative, solutions‑focused culture and continues to expand its reach and impact across Arizona communities.

At a pivotal moment of growth, United Food Bank is advancing a dual strategy to support lasting stability. Through Food for Today, the organization ensures efficient distribution of food through a complex supply chain. Through Food for Tomorrow, United Food Bank leverages partnerships and programs to connect neighbors with resources that support long‑term economic stability.

The Chief Operating and Impact Officer (COIO) oversees the complex logistics required to source, store, repack, and distribute tens of millions of pounds of food across more than 19,000 square miles of Arizona, serving communities from urban centers to remote rural and tribal areas. In parallel, the COIO leads the programs, partnerships, and operational frameworks that ensure neighbors receive both immediate nutritional support and connections to resources that support long‑term stability.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the COIO shares responsibility for advancing United Food Bank’s mission and organizational success while ensuring strong operational systems and compliance with federal, state, local, and Feeding America requirements.

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team and senior operations leader, reporting to the President & CEO.
• Translate United Food Bank’s Stability First vision into a multi‑year operational roadmap aligned with strategic priorities.
• Anticipate industry trends and operational risks, providing insight that strengthens long‑term organizational direction.

• Lead the end‑to‑end food supply chain, including sourcing, inventory, warehousing, transportation, and distribution of tens of millions of pounds of food annually.
• Oversee logistics across a 19,000+ square mile service area, ensuring reliable distribution to urban, rural, and tribal communities.
• Ensure effective food flow, inventory control, and a nutritious product mix through strong cross‑functional coordination.
• Oversee warehouse and fleet operations, including food safety, cold‑chain management, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead operational response during emergencies and disasters in coordination with partners and public agencies.

• Lead the development and management of a large partner network, strengthening relationships and expanding partner capacity.
• Ensure equitable distribution of resources across the service area and identify opportunities to address service gaps.
• Maintain strong partner compliance with food safety standards and United Food Bank values.

• Oversee direct service programs that extend beyond food access, including benefits enrollment and client support services.
• Lead initiatives that advance long‑term food and economic stability.
• Build partnerships that connect neighbors to resources such as housing, workforce development, and health services.
• Implement systems and metrics to measure long‑term stability outcomes.

• Lead operational planning, performance management, and KPI tracking using EOS and other organizational tools.
• Oversee departmental budgets and financial performance, ensuring efficient use of…