Letter to the Food Lifeline Community
To the Food Lifeline Community with appreciation:
With mixed emotions of gratitude, sadness, and anticipation, I write to inform you of my decision to step down as CEO of Food Lifeline so that I can spend more time with my family in Tucson, where my children are enrolled in school and my family lives full-time.
This has been a very difficult decision, as I have truly enjoyed my work at Food Lifeline and deeply value the relationships I have built here. Together, we have analyzed our current position and are developing a lasting vision for our future. I am deeply grateful for the privilege to have worked with such a dedicated, passionate, and talented team.
Our Community Impact Plan, which reflects the valuable input of our neighbors, agency partners, and staff, represents a collective effort and embodies our shared commitment to food security for all in Western Washington. The plan outlines clear parameters and steps for its completion and provides the framework for our 5-year organizational strategy. The team is creating the Community Impact Plan in alignment with our core organizational values and is building upon the strong foundation established prior to my arrival.
Over the past months, we have been incredibly energized by meeting and listening to community and organizational partners, and we have received valuable feedback for meaningful and impactful collaboration moving forward.
My last day as CEO will be February 28th, and Megan Cooper (Bergman), our Chief Administrative Officer, will assume the role of Interim CEO, ensuring a seamless transition. I have full confidence in Megan to lead the organization during this time. She will focus on supporting the day-to-day management of the organization, helping to ensure the completion of the Community Impact Plan. Megan will manage the implementation of the Food Lifeline five-year strategic plan, and I will continue to support the organization’s leadership in an advisory role as needed through completion.
Over the next few weeks, the board will assemble a Hiring Committee and will launch a comprehensive search for Food Lifeline’s next CEO.
It has been an honor to work with all of you. I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished together and am confident that Food Lifeline will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on our community.
Megan and the Executive Team are available and willing to connect should you have specific questions, or feedback as we move through this transition.
Sincerely,
Robert Ojeda