Food Bank of Waterloo Region names new CEO

“A profound legacy of innovation, progress, and impact.”

That’s what Wendi Campbell is leaving behind according to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

It was revealed Thursday morning that she will not be returning to the organization from her medical leave. Campbell has spent the last 24 years as Chief Executive Officer, but has been battling cancer since last June.

Kim Wilhelm, previously Vice President of Philanthropy and Partnerships, absorbed the responsibilities of the CEO in an interim capacity. In an effort to make the transition seamless, Wilhelm will continue as CEO permanently.

Wilhelm told CityNews 570 that she is pleased that the Food Bank of Waterloo Region Board of Directors trusted her to carry on Campbell’s legacy.

“Working with Wendi for so many years under her leadership was a phenomenal experience. She was a great mentor to me,” said Wilhelm. “I’m thrilled to be able to take this position now. I certainly wish it was under different circumstances, but it’s a great honour.”

The food bank stated in a release that Campbell influenced the development of the provincial distribution network, and helped bring 40 million pounds of food to Waterloo Region through her robust procurement plan.

According to Wilhelm, her operational duties will remain the same, yet the job will be much different, given the current landcape of food security.

“This is a pivotal time for the food bank’s history,” said Wilhelm. “The cost of living has never been higher and we’re seeing the highest need for food assistance in our 40 year history. The reality is, we cannot continue the way we are. Something has to change because each and every month we’re seeing a 30-35 per cent increase over the previous month because there are so many people in our community having to access food assistance.”

Wilhelm added that the food bank will continue to work with all levels of government to try to make that number go down, not up.