Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, the largest hunger relief organization in the state of Wisconsin, is excited to announce the appointment of Michelle L. Ford as Director of Health System Partnerships. Ford has over 20 years of experience in executive leadership and healthcare innovation and transformation across corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and foundation sectors.

In this newly created role, Ford will lead Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s strategy to strengthen partnerships with health systems and stakeholders to address food insecurity as a key social determinant of health. Her expertise in building cross-sector collaboration will be critical in implementing new programs, policies, and partnerships to drive advancements and improve access to nutritious food for communities throughout Eastern Wisconsin. This new role will facilitate stronger collaborations with healthcare providers throughout the state, ensuring food access is integrated into patient care and community health initiatives. By strengthening collaborations with hospitals, clinics, and insurers, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin can better identify those most at risk of hunger and connect them with nutritious foods, vastly improving health outcomes.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin team,” said Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin President and CEO, Patti Habeck. “Her extensive background and deep commitment to advancing health in our community will be invaluable as we continue to expand partnerships with health organizations and address the intersection of hunger and health.”

Prior to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Ford served as a national thought leader and principal consultant. She has advised health ecosystem stakeholders – including managed care organizations, state and local governments, community-based organizations, and health systems – on healthcare transformation projects. As the National Director of Health and Well-Being for the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities and the Council on Accreditation, Ford led efforts to advance health and strengthen the community health worker workforce.

“I am honored to join the wonderful staff at Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and work alongside so many passionate colleagues who are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Director of Health System Partnerships, Michelle L. Ford. “Together, we will strengthen the connection between healthcare and hunger relief, creating sustainable solutions that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Ford’s career includes executive leadership roles at several nonprofit organizations. As Executive Director of the United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee, she oversaw operations, financial management, and community engagement, while advancing the organization’s mission and outcomes. She also held multiple leadership positions at the American Cancer Society, Midwest Division, where she built statewide community health worker networks and developed diversity training programs at regional and national levels.

Ford holds a bachelor’s degree in business and management from Alverno College and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University, where she served as an adjunct instructor in the College of Business and Management. Ford was recently awarded an honorary doctorate in humanities from the Medical College of Wisconsin, in recognition of her contributions to the field.

A dedicated servant leader, Ford has been actively engaged in several national advisory roles, including the Social Interventions Research Network (SIREN), Morehouse School of Medicine’s National Resiliency Network, and Camden Coalition’s National Center for Complex Health and Social Needs. Locally, she serves as President of the Board of America’s Black Holocaust Museum, supports the African American Women’s Fund, the Cinderella Project, and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Upsilon Mu Omega Chapter.

To connect with Michelle L. Ford directly, email [email protected].