Rise Against Hunger Appoints Richard Kearney as Chief Executive Officer

Kearney has served as Interim CEO since August 2022 and has been with the organization since 2007.

RALEIGH, N.C., March 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Rise Against Hunger, the international hunger nonprofit, announced the appointment of Richard (Rick) Kearney to the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 27, 2023. As CEO, he will oversee the organization's work to end hunger in remote, last-mile communities around the world.

Rick Kearney's appointment to CEO continues his rich tenure at the organization. He first joined Rise Against Hunger in 2007 as a community engagement manager, launching the organization's second meal packaging market location. He has subsequently strengthened the mission of ending global hunger in roles across logistics, distribution, operations and community engagement. Rick has also played a pivotal role in the collaboration of Rise Against Hunger's global network in the United States, Italy, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and South Africa.

"Over the past 16 years, Rise Against Hunger has grown so much and faced challenges head-on to exponentially increase our impact and serve real people in remote communities affected by food insecurity due to systemic and socioeconomic challenges as well as crisis," said Rick Kearney. "The organization has never wavered in its commitment to ending world hunger, and I am honored to step into the role of CEO and further Rise Against Hunger's global work, walking alongside local leaders as they design solutions to their own food security challenges."

In addition to his years of knowledge and commitment to Rise Against Hunger's mission, Rick also brings diverse experience from a background of banking, teaching, ministry and missions. He is skilled in nonprofit management, team building and fundraising. He also has extensive leadership experience within the organization, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Global Operations. Gregory Belt, board chair, said, "During his tenure, Rick Kearney has become a trusted and respected leader among our global partners, employees and other stakeholders. Rick's appointment builds on the success and continuity of executive leadership, positioning us well for achieving our strategic plan objectives, including increased impact, volunteer and donor engagement."

Rise Against Hunger has four Pathways to End Hunger: nourishing lives by supporting nutrition-based safety net programs, empowering communities through sustainable agriculture and income-generating initiatives, responding to emergencies through distributing food and assistance to those affected by crises, and growing the movement to end hunger by encouraging volunteerism and engagement. In 2022, Rise Against Hunger served nearly 4.5 million people in 38 countries and engaged a volunteer base of more than 176,000 worldwide.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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About Rise Against Hunger
Rise Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organization, is growing a global movement to end hunger by empowering communities, nourishing lives and responding to emergencies. Through a global network based in the U.S. and with six international offices, the organization provides immediate nourishment for those facing hunger today and implements sustainable solutions that will lift entire communities for years to come. Rise Against Hunger has facilitated volunteer meal packaging of more than 600 million meals to be distributed to countries around the world. To learn more about Rise Against Hunger's efforts to end hunger worldwide, please visit http://www.riseagainsthunger.org.

Media Contact

Hannah Payne, Rise Against Hunger, 1 (919) 839-0689, [email protected]

SOURCE Rise Against Hunger