Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the largest hunger relief organization in Wisconsin, today announced the appointment of Monique (Ellsworth) Kelley as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume the role on June 1, 2026.

Kelley was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search conducted in partnership with Kittleman & Associates. She brings more than 14 years of leadership experience across nonprofit organizations, with a strong track record of advancing equitable food access, strengthening community partnerships, and driving organizational growth.

Most recently, Kelley served as Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest of the Big Bend, a regional food bank in Tallahassee, Florida. Under her leadership, the organization distributed more than 20 million pounds of food annually, expanded its service area from 11 counties to 16 counties, completed a successful capital campaign and facility renovation, and advanced initiatives designed to increase equitable access to nutritious food across the region.

“Monique is exactly the leader this moment calls for,” said Barclay Ferguson, Chair of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Board of Directors. “She brings deep nonprofit expertise and a genuine passion for mission-driven work. Her leadership will strengthen our ability to build new partnerships, expand our reach, and deliver meaningful, measurable impact for the communities we serve.”

Prior to her work in the Feeding America network, Kelley served as Chief Executive Officer of CESC, Inc., where she oversaw a $5 million budget and a team of 70 staff delivering emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive health services across eight counties. Her earlier career includes leadership roles focused on program development, community engagement, and volunteer management.

Kelley’s experience reflects a deep understanding of the complex challenges surrounding food insecurity, housing instability, and access to care, paired with a consistent ability to scale solutions that respond to evolving community needs.

“I’m honored to join Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and to work alongside the dedicated staff, partners, and volunteers who make this work possible every day,” said Kelley. “Together, we have the opportunity to build on a strong foundation and move forward with purpose, innovation, and a shared commitment to ensuring every neighbor has access to the food they need to thrive.”

Kelley holds a Master of Social Work from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences from the University of Florida. She is actively engaged in community leadership, currently serving on the boards of CareerSource Capital Area, Feeding Florida, and United Partners for Human Services. She has also contributed as an instructor at Florida State University’s College of Social Work, teaching courses focused on homelessness, substance use, and public policy issues.

As President and CEO, Kelley will guide Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s strategic direction, operations, and community impact initiatives. Under her leadership, the organization will continue to expand access to nutritious food while advancing innovative, community-centered solutions that address both the immediate need and the root causes of hunger across Eastern Wisconsin.

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About Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin:
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the largest hunger relief organization in Wisconsin, with food banks in Milwaukee and Appleton. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the organization is a locally led and independently operated member of the national Feeding America network of food banks. In collaboration with nearly 600 hunger relief partners and trusted community-based programs, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin provides healthy, nutritious food to neighbors facing hunger across 35 counties in Eastern Wisconsin. Committed to building stronger, healthier communities, the organization works to address the root causes of hunger through education, strategic partnerships, and innovative community-centered solutions. Learn more at FeedingAmericaWI.org.