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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowJennifer Vigran, the CEO of hunger relief not-for-profit Second Helpings Inc. since 2010, announced on Monday that she will step down later this year.
“My decision to retire is bittersweet,” said Vigran, 58, in a media release. “The work that Second Helpings does is so important–particularly during these trying times–and I look forward to assisting the new CEO transition into their new role.”
The Indianapolis-based group has hired an executive search and strategic advising firm to help recruit a new CEO. Vigran doesn’t have a specific departure date, and she hasn’t specified any future plans, according to a Second Helpings spokeswoman.
“[Vigran’s] leadership, dedication and service were instrumental in expanding Second Helpings’ impact in Indianapolis,” said Second Helpings Board Chair Ellen Butz. “She played a key role in the organization’s continued growth and our ability to serve Hoosiers in need.”
Vigran started serving the organization in 2001 as a volunteer. The former labor relations manager for Thomson Consumer Electronics and chief negotiator for Gov. Evan Bayh’s administration was looking to spend more time with her family and connect in a volunteer capacity in her community.
A board position at Second Helpings led to Vigran’s becoming interim CEO, but “interim” was dropped in 2010.
In 2014, Vigran was among the honorees for IBJ’s Women of Influence program.
Second Helpings is one of the area’s largest hunger relief organizations. More than 100 other not-for-profit organizations rely on food from Second Helpings to strengthen their programs and address food insecurity among their clients.
Its food rescue and hunger relief programs recover more than 3 million pounds of food annually. In the last year it distributed 2 million prepared meals for children, families and seniors in central Indiana.
Second Helpings also addresses the underlying causes of poverty through its culinary job training program, which helps unemployed and underemployed adults build careers in the food-service industry.
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Congratulations Jennifer. Thank you for your leadership at Second Helpings and across the spectrum of food insecurity.
Thank you, Jennifer for your commitment to serving the people of Indianapolis who are hungry. Best to you!
All who participate in feeding the hungry in America and our community are to be congratulated, especially Jennifer at this time. They serve all, without regard to race, income, social status or other identifying markers. They are truly doing God’s work on earth.