Earlier this month, our Executive Director, Gary Miles, announced he will retire from the organization at the end of the year.
Gary was hired in 1998 and has served as Executive Director for 18 years. During his tenure as Executive Director, our organization has significantly expanded its services with new programs, including the BackPack program for school-age children, Senior Commodity Distribution, Agency Delivery, Mobile Food Pantry, Farms to Food Banks, Retail Store Pickup, and the establishment of a stand-alone Volunteer Center.
Over the past 20 years, we have distributed over 250 million pounds of food to over 200 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelter and other partner agencies in the 42 Kentucky counties we serve, assisting more than 174,500 Kentuckians annually.
“Gary has steered the organization extremely well through the years, and I am proud of the direction in which it is going. He has set the bar high for good stewardship and professionalism, and continues to do so. His passion supports the vision of Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland – no one will go to bed hungry in our service area. I have enjoyed knowing and working with Gary during the past 20 years.” stated Jim Weise, past president of the FAKH Board of Directors.
Gary has served as treasurer and board member with the Kentucky Association of Food Banks, and is a long-time, active member of the Elizabethtown Lions Club. He was recognized for his philanthropy and named a Finis Davis Fellow by the Lions in 2018. Prior to beginning his career with FAKH, Gary served in the U.S. Army and retired after 21 years.
Originally from Marion County, he and his wife, Helen, reside in Elizabethtown. Gary looks forward to his retirement days filled with time with his family and grandchildren, traveling, camping, and golf.
The FAKH Board Executive Search Committee will begin recruitment for the Executive Director’s position immediately.
