photo by: Just Food

Aundrea Walker

Just Food announced a new interim executive director Friday evening, and the leader of the food bank’s board of directors says the previous leader’s role ended days ago.

In a press release, Just Food announced that Aundrea Walker, who has worked at the food bank for eight years and most recently served as its impact director, has been appointed its interim leader.

Jacki Becker, President of Just Food’s board of directors, told the Journal-World in a follow-up message that Brett Hartford, who last served in the role, was no longer with Just Food effective June 20.

“It didn’t work out and we wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Becker said in an email response to the Journal-World.

Why Hartford, who was hired for the role in late 2022, was replaced is still unclear, though. Becker didn’t elaborate on the circumstances behind that decision, and there was no previous announcement that Hartford was leaving prior to Just Food’s release announcing Walker’s new role Friday.

Becker added that Just Food’s mission remains the same as it has been — to assist community members experiencing food insecurity who depend on the assistance Just Food provides.

“All of us at Just Food deeply appreciate the support our community shows us, and we hope that our community continues to show up and help us ensure that none of our neighbors are hungry,” Becker said.

This is Just Food’s third leadership change since last May, when long-time director Elizabeth Keever stepped away for a role at Heartland Community Health Center. Keever was replaced by an interim executive director, Brett Salsbury, who left the role in October of 2022. Hartford was hired a couple of months later and stayed in the role for about seven months.

As to Walker’s appointment, Becker is quoted in the press release as “thrilled” to have Walker step into the important leadership role.

“Aundrea Walker has consistently demonstrated her dedication to advancing our mission and creating a positive impact in our community,” Becker said in the release. “… Her vision, expertise and unwavering commitment to ending hunger will guide Just Food in its pursuit of building a more equitable and nourished community.”