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| SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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| Reputable Non-profit Leader, James H. Jackson, Jr., Brings Extensive Experience to SDFB |
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San Diego, Calif. – Aug. 15, 2007 – The San Diego Food Bank (SDFB), a critical resource for alleviating hunger throughout San Diego County, today announced James H. Jackson, Jr. as its new executive director. The former president and CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM), Jackson’s knowledge and understanding of the non-profit sector will be of great value as SDFB completes its critical transition to becoming an independent 501-c3 non-profit organization and begins expanding its reach and role in San Diego County.
A selection committee comprised of SDFB board members spent months reviewing applicants before finally selecting Jackson for this important position. Participants in this committee included: Mitch Mitchell, Chairman of SDFB’s board of directors; Mitchell Berner, president of Public Solutions; Richard Friedlen, president and CEO of SYSCO Food Services; Larry Cleary, vice president and general manager, Construction Equipment for Qualcomm Inc.; and Steven P. Cushman, president of Cush Enterprises.
“The executive director plays such a significant role in determining the success or failure of an organization and I am confident that Jim is the right person for the job,” said Mitchell. “I am certain of his ability to lead the Food Bank and am excited about the opportunity to work with him.”
As the new Executive Director, Jackson is aiming to revitalize the Food Bank and transform the organization into a model agency within the next five years. “In order to achieve our goals, I made a promise to the board of directors and staff that I will run the Food Bank with a unique leadership style based on four pillars of organizational ethics,” said Jackson. “In my work and life experiences, I’ve developed these core values that I believe should be the goal of every interaction -- to be truthful, fair, serve in goodwill and to seek mutual benefit for parties involved.”
A highly educated and accomplished leader in San Diego, Jackson has been widely-recognized for his achievements as president and CEO of SDRM. Over the course of his seven years at SDRM, Jackson compiled a lengthy list of successes and achievements on behalf of the organization, proving he holds an undeniably thorough understanding of the non-profit sector. He transitioned the focus of SDRM from short-term shelter to year-long clinical substance abuse recovery, resulting in an impressive 70 percent increase in clients served (from 200 clients daily to more than 340 clients daily). Jackson also opened a night emergency shelter for women and children, which now serves as San Diego’s portal for homeless family services, and obtained license from the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs to implement a men’s program.
“Jim’s plans for the future of SDFB both immediate and long-term, are perfectly aligned with what we had in mind, prior to his involvement,” said Mitchell. “I am confident that the Food Bank will enjoy a successful transformation and achieve all of our goals with Jim at the helm.”
Jackson’s experience in fundraising will also be extremely beneficial when directing the Food Bank’s fund-raising activities. At SDRM, Jackson almost doubled the total budget for the organization, obtaining $3.9 million in capital grants and more than doubling donor income. Under his leadership, the Rescue Mission also purchased and renovated a 94,000 square foot former hospital for clinical program and a 40,000 square foot warehouse to support program and retail sales operations.
A recipient of the “Humanitarian of the Year” Alonzo Award in 2004 and Zanville Award from United Way of San Diego in 2002, amongst others. Jackson is a co-founder of the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, chair of the downtown Community Court Advisory Committee; co-chair of city’s East Village Homeless Redevelopment Committee; co-chair of Outreach, Early Intervention & Engagement Sub-Committee of the San Diego Plan to End Chronic Homelessness; member of San Diego Rotary Club #33; and more.
Prior to entering the non-profit sector, Jackson served as professor of history at Point Loma Nazarene University for 20 years. He earned a doctorate in philosophy in history and family sociology as well as a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in history. With his extensive academic background and first-hand experience in the non-profit sector, Jackson will undoubtedly be a vital asset in rebuilding SDFB.
About San Diego Food Bank
Established in 1977, the San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of government programs and partnerships with more than 260 San Diego County non-profit charities, SDFB acts as a central repository and distribution point for government and donated food. Funded by foundations, grants, USDA, corporations, sponsors and individual donors, SDFB distributes more than 10 million pounds of food annually to individuals, families and a network of non-profit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. For more information, please visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org. |
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