Stuart Haniff has been named executive director of Hunger-Fee Pennsylvania following the retirement last month of its long-time leader, Sheila Christopher.
Christopher has led the Harrisburg-based nonprofit since she helped launch it 40 years ago at the peak of a sharp national recession. It oversees a statewide network of food banks that serve people at risk of going hungry.
“She has dedicated her whole life to this organization and the individuals and families we serve,” said Jennifer Brillhart, the nonprofit’s board chair, who is also president and CEO of the York County Food Bank. “We’ll miss her but wish her all the joy and happiness she deserves.”
A native of Scotland, Haniff worked most recently in leadership and development roles for two of the largest food banks in south Florida. Before that, he was CEO of The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
He also has been an advocate on issues related to child hunger and food insecurity.
“My goal is to do more than simply feed people,” Haniff said is a statement. “Hunger is big, but the compassion, commitment and contributions of our community are bigger. I believe it’s our responsibility to help our vulnerable neighbors who face the anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing where their next meal is coming from.”
Haniff is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, with a degree in political science. He also has a master’s degree in healthcare administration.
Hunger-Free Pennsylvania retained The Batten Group Executive Search & Consulting to conduct a national search for a new executive over the course of several months.
