President & CEO

About Ozarks Food Harvest

At Ozarks Food Harvest, we’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of others – especially those who are food insecure. We believe everyone deserves enough to eat so they can lead a full and healthy life. All members of our team are proud of their work because we know we are making a real impact. Our mission has helped us build strong careers and a culture dedicated to working smart and efficiently.

We are a member of the Feeding America network, which is the nation’s largest domestic hunger‑relief organization. Ozarks Food Harvest is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace a philosophy that recognizes and values all. As a Feeding America member food bank, our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented, diverse workforce in a culture where all employees contribute to their fullest potential.

In 2027, Ozarks Food Harvest will welcome its next leader as part of a planned succession for current President & CEO, Bart Brown, who has led the organization for 26 years. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and values‑aligned leader to guide a nationally respected food bank through its next chapter—building on four decades of impact while addressing the growing and evolving needs of communities across Missouri.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President & CEO will be responsible for Ozarks Food Harvest’s strategic vision, oversee its ~$50M annual budget (~$12M cash), and lead a dedicated team of 88 employees, including six direct reports (Director of Communications;
Director of Development;
Director of Finance & HR; Director of Full Circle Gardens; Director of Member Services; Director of Operations). Ozarks Food Harvest is fortunate to have a separately incorporated supporting organization, the Ozarks Food Harvest Foundation. The foundation ~ $12 million, exists to provide a perpetual income stream to Ozarks Food Harvest. The foundation has its own board of directors and governance.

This opportunity will allow the CEO to work with foundation to grow its assets through planned giving and additional donor programs. The new President & CEO will join Ozarks Food Harvest at a time of strength and opportunity. With a strong financial position and operational foundation, a modern facility, a robust network of supporters, a clear strategic framework in place, the organization is well‑positioned to deepen its impact.

At the same time, the President & CEO will be charged with navigating a dynamic funding and policy landscape and advancing scalable, sustainable solutions to food insecurity.

While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill, quality, and characteristic, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile:

• Authentic, Mission-Driven Leader with a Commitment to Southwest Missouri – Brings humility, empathy, and a deep personal commitment to Ozarks Food Harvest’s mission and values. Demonstrates a strong commitment to the 28 counties Ozarks Food Harvest serves and a genuine passion for serving the region’s diverse communities. Inspires confidence through a balance of head and heart, connecting naturally with staff, donors, partners, and neighbors.
  
  Demonstrates strong listening skills, valuing institutional history while empowering staff and fostering a positive, inclusive culture. Approaches challenges with optimism and a belief in what is possible for Ozarks Food Harvest, its communities, and its team. Comfortable engaging authentically across politically, economically, and geographically diverse communities. Able to unify staff around a shared mission and help translate Ozark Food Harvest’s strategic vision into practical, day‑to‑day priorities and behaviors.
• Skilled Operational, Financial, & Organizational Leader – Brings strong operational skills appropriate for a complex, multi-site nonprofit. Demonstrates the ability to assess organizational structure, strengthen performance, and steward resources responsibly. Experienced in leading diverse teams—across identities, skillsets, roles, and lived experiences—and committed to…