Gleaners Food Bank names new CEO

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana has chosen Cindy Hubert, the CEO of Indianapolis-based Second Helpings, to succeed longtime chief executive Pamela Altmeyer.

Hubert, 61, is a former banker who has worked in local not-for-profits for the past 10 years. She joined Second Helpings, which is also involved in feeding hungry people, three years ago as the first executive to take the reins from its founders. Hubert said she sees a similar opportunity with Gleaners.

Gleaners, which provides food and grocery items to more than 400 charitable programs in central and southeastern Indiana, this year moved into the former Monarch Beverage Co. warehouse on the southwest side of Indianapolis. It's near the end of a campaign to raise $11.6 million to purchase the building and related equipment.

"I'm terribly excited," Hubert said. In addition to overseeing the growing operation, Hubert said she'll be looking for more ways Gleaners can address the issue of hunger. "It's not just gathering food," she said. "It's how do we tackle the larger issues."

Altmeyer has led Gleaners since its beginnings in a three-car garage 30 years ago. She announced in July her plan to retire, but will stay with the organization for a while to advise Hubert.

Gleaners board Chairman Ron Talbot said Hubert was selected from a pool of more than 200 applicants after a national search. "She has particular insight into Gleaners' sector," he said. "We think she's a great choice and we're glad to have her here."

Second Helpings, founded by three chefs, has a dual mission of training people for culinary jobs and rescuing unused perishable food. Its kitchen and training center on Southeastern Avenue prepares hot meals and delivers them to shelters and other agencies.

Hubert will start with Gleaners on Nov. 8. Talbot declined to disclose what Gleaners will pay her. Hubert earned $73,150 in 2009 at Second Helpings.

Gleaners has about 48 employees and reported $31.6 million in income and $26.7 million in expenses for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2009. Altmeyer earned $88,016.