The Food Trust’s board of directors recently announced that it has appointed Aaron Felder as its interim chief executive officer.

The board has also retained Diversified Search/Koya Leadership Partners to conduct the search for a permanent CEO. The firm has placed leaders at other food access organizations including Feeding America and the Community Food Bank of New Jersey; the search will start in late January.

After Yael Lehmann — the Food Trust’s CEO for 18 years — abruptly left in September 2019, the board had tasked founder Duane Perry with guiding the organization through the immediate aftermath. A dozen jobs were cut a week after Lehman’s departure. Felder has been tapped to lead the organization through what the board describes as a period of transition and stabilization.

According to the emailed announcement, Felder “has worked with organizations providing a diverse portfolio of services, including food security, healthcare, housing, vocational training, addiction treatment and music education.” He recently moved to Philadelphia from Brooklyn, but has previously worked with the Food Trust on grant writing and program development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aaron to The Food Trust,” said board chair Angel Rodriguez. “His strategic mindset, operational focus and background in community-based nonprofits will be assets to the organization as we continue to evolve and grow.”