SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Veteran nonprofit executive Kevin Winge has been selected as the next Executive Director of Project Open Hand following a nationwide search. Laura Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors of Project Open Hand made this announcement today. Kevin will begin his tenure with Project Open Hand on January 16, 2012.
“When we embarked on this search a year ago, we hoped for someone who could honor the vision of founder Ruth Brinker’s meals with love, while leading Project Open Hand into the next frontier of that vision,” said Laura Smith. “We have found that leader in Kevin Winge. We are very excited about the future of the organization under his guidance.”
Kevin will be replacing longtime Executive Director, Tom Nolan, who has led Project Open Hand for 17 years. During that time, Tom expanded the agency’s original mission, consolidated its San Francisco operations, and grew the programs in San Francisco and the East Bay. Nolan set an example of compassionate leadership that has made Project Open Hand a model non-profit in the Bay Area and nationwide.
Kevin Winge comes to Project Open Hand after serving 12 years as the Executive Director of Open Arms of Minnesota in Minneapolis. During his tenure at Open Arms Kevin grew the organization to provide daily nutrition services not only to people with HIV/AIDS, but also to people with MS, ALS, breast cancer, and more than 60 other life-threatening illnesses.
As a board member and former board president of the Association of Nutrition Services Agencies, Kevin Winge has worked to promote food justice and the availability of plentiful and healthful food for individuals and communities both in Minnesota and nationally. He has also led Open Arms to create international partnerships to provide nutrition services to people affected by HIV in Ethiopia, Namibia, and South Africa.
Tom Nolan, current Executive Director of Project Open Hand, said, “I am delighted that Kevin Winge will be Project Open Hand’s next Executive Director. I have known and admired Kevin for many years. He is a kind, compassionate person and he will bring years of experience in nutrition work to the agency. He is a real leader and we are extremely fortunate to have Kevin come to Open Hand. The Board has chosen wisely and well. Additionally, we will have an overlapping period where we will work together to ensure a smooth leadership transition for the organization.”
“It is an honor to follow Ruth Brinker and Tom Nolan as Executive Director of one of the most respected and loved non-profits in San Francisco,” said Mr. Winge. “Project Open Hand has led the nation in its response to the AIDS pandemic and its willingness to expand its mission to serve even more people. I am eager to be a part of such a visionary organization and vibrant community.”
About Project Open Hand
Since 1985, Project Open Hand has been providing meals with love to neighbors in need. Thanks to the commitment of countless volunteers and supporters, the agency offers daily, dependable meal and nutrition services to people with serious illnesses and to seniors in San Francisco and Alameda County. To help support Project Open Hand, please visit the organization online at www.openhand.org.
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