Feeding the Gulf Coast has named Michael Ledger as its new President and CEO. Ledger has served as the Florida Branch Manager since June 2019 and will now oversee the organization’s three branches in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.
Under his leadership, the Florida Facility distributed nearly 15 million pounds of food throughout the Florida Panhandle, equating to nearly half of the food bank’s distribution service area. Ledger implemented strategies to serve those in need in the communities while overcoming challenges presented by limited facility space and ongoing Hurricane Michael and COVID-19 response efforts.
“I am excited to welcome Michael Ledger as the new President & CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast,” says Dave Reaney, retired President and CEO of Feeding the Gulf Coast currently serving as Interim CEO. “I have been impressed with Michael’s leadership over the past year and the broad range of experience in both business and organizational management he demonstrates. He’s a Navy Veteran and has been a private business owner as well as having experience in management positions in large warehousing and distribution organizations. I am confident in his leadership and capacity to continue the growth and good work of Feeding the Gulf Coast alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters.”
Ledger served four years in the United States Navy as an electronics technician and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Illinois. He has previously worked as Director of Sales and Marketing and Director of Operations for Design Ideas, Ltd. in Springfield, Illinois and Owner of VINE Wine Bar in Navarre. He brings more than 30 years of business development and operational strategy experience plus food bank experience and diverse management leadership to the new position.
Ledger said he is excited about taking leadership over the organization’s 24-county service area. In addition to the Milton warehouse, the organization has facilities in Theodore, Alabama and Gulfport, Mississippi.
“This organization does so much amazing work with such a dedicated team,” he said.
Last year the three branches distributed approximately 29 million pounds of food. Ledger expects that number to increase to 40 million pounds this year due to its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the food bank has distributed more than 11 million meals, a 48 percent increase over the same period last year.
“We continue to see an increased in food insecurity on an everyday basis, particularly during the time of COVID,” Ledge said. “We are trying to meet that need.”
Toward that end, the organization needs volunteers to help sort food, staff mobile pantries, assemble food boxes for seniors and other tasks. Additionally, donations are also welcome. To volunteer or make a donation, visit www.feedthegulfcoast.org.
