- Vatske took the helm of the region’s largest hunger relief agency on June 1
- Was formerly Executive Vice President of Feeding South Florida
Austin, TX, June 7, 2022 – The Central Texas Food Bank (CTFB) has named Sari M. Vatske to be the sixth President and CEO in its 40-year history. Vatske assumed leadership of the region’s largest non-profit hunger relief agency on June 1.
An experienced food bank executive, Vatske comes to the Central Texas Food Bank from Feeding South Florida (FSF), where she served as Executive Vice President. Feeding South Florida is one of the largest food banks in the United States, serving 25% of Florida’s food insecure population.
Vatske takes the helm at the Food Bank at the onset of its crucial summer fundraising campaign. This time of year, kids are out of school and utility bills are on the rise, increasing the number of Central Texans in need. Inflation is also taking a toll, as reflected in an increase of more than 44,000 individuals served by the Food Bank from January to April of this year.
During her tenure with Feeding South Florida, Vatske was named a “Top 100 Most Influential Business Leaders” by Palm Beach Illustrated Magazine in 2021, “Top Workplace Professional” by the Sun-Sentinel in 2016 and was named to “40 Under 40” by the South Florida Business journal in 2014. Vatske also sits on Feeding America’s Network Fundraising Services Advisory Council. Prior to joining FSF in July 2011, Vatske served as the Florida Regional Manager for No Kid Hungry, a Washington, DC based organization working to end childhood hunger in the United States. Also prior to joining FSF, from 2006-2008, Vatske served as the District Press Secretary for a United States Congresswoman.
Vatske holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Florida State University. She also has a certificate in High Performance Leadership from Cornell University and is a Six Sigma Green Belt as well as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
“It’s an honor to bring my food bank and community-building experience to the Central Texas Food Bank,” said Vatske. “The Food Bank has established an incredible foundation to meet the persistent and growing need for food security. I look forward to working with the dedicated team, board, volunteers, donors, nonprofits and community at large to continue enhancing and expanding the services and programs provided by the Central Texas Food Bank in service to our neighbors in need.” At the Central Texas Food Bank, Vatske leads an organization on the front line of hunger relief, serving nearly 60,000 people each week in a 21-county service area twice the size of Massachusetts. Last year, the Food Bank distributed nearly 65 million pounds of food.
“Sari’s selection as the new President and CEO of the Food Bank caps an extensive nationwide search,” said Central Texas Food Bank Board Chair, Hari Jayaram. “We’re very excited about the leadership skills she’ll bring to the Central Texas Food Bank as the organization faces the challenges of a growing population of food-insecure neighbors.”
Vatske replaces Derrick Chubbs, who left CTFB at the end of 2021 to lead the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Orlando.
Getting Help and Donating
As always, those in need of food assistance can go to centraltexasfoodbank.org, and click on “Find Food Now” for the food distribution sites nearest them, including 40 sites in Travis and Williamson Counties providing summer meals for kids 18 and under. Thanks to generous matching gifts this summer, each $1 donated can provide eight meals. Donate today at centraltexasfoodbank.org.
For Media:
Sari Vatske will be available for media interviews at the Central Texas Food Bank (VISUALS of summer kids’ meal prep) or via Zoom on Wednesday, June 8. Please contact Paul Gaither at 512-684-2528 (O), 512-550-9030 (M) or pgaither@centraltexasfoodbank.org to make interview arrangements.
ABOUT THE CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK
Now in its 40th year of serving those in need, the mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. The Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of nearly 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 60,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.
