About Us

OFFICERS

Warren Weber, Board Chair, PNC Bank
“Rich Boehne, chairman of the board, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company, introduced me to the Freestore Foodbank and I continue to be inspired through helping our hungry neighbors.”

Ramon Rodriguez, Immediate Past Board Chair,  Fifth Third Private Bank
“I view hunger, especially childhood hunger, as completely unacceptable especially in a country as bountiful and as blessed as ours. The Freestore not only works to feed those in need, but beyond looks to lend a hand towards lifting up these families and in doing so breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger. I can think of no best mission to personally engage in!”

Tom Kirkwood, Vice Chair Development, Thompson Hine LLP
“I wanted to get involved with an organization dedicated to helping people. After doing some research, I knew that the Freestore Foodbank is where I wanted to focus my attention. The more I have learned about hunger in our community, the more passionate I have become about giving back. On top of my Board involvement, I now regularly serve as a volunteer at the Madisonville Education and Assistance Center, a partner food pantry of the Freestore Foodbank.

Julie McGehee – Vice Chair – Governance and Trusteeship,  The E.W. Scripps Company
“The Freestore Foodbank, whose mission is to provide food and services, create stability and further self-reliance for people in crisis, speaks to me and touches my soul. The services the Freestore offers uplifts people. It looks at the whole person and all of their circumstances to find the right solution for them. Whether using the services provided by the Customer Connection Center, the nourishment provided via the Foodbank and mobile services or the job training through employment programs, the Freestore offers hope and compassion that changes lives. I am in awe of the many employees and volunteers who make this place so special.”

Anne Lilly Cone, – Board Secretary,  Anne Lilly Cone, LLC
“My personal beliefs are part of what inspired my involvement in the Freestore Foodbank. My family also has a history of giving back to the community.”

Richard P. Vaughan, – Treasurer, Peoples Bank
“Kurt Reiber’s passion inspired me to get involved in the Freestore Foodbank. That passion is felt throughout the entire organization and ensuring over 94% of all donations go to those in need.  I’m inspired by the entire team at the Freestore Foodbank.  Seeing and hearing the stories of how the Freestore has helped change lives, for the better.  Giving people hope in their fellow man and treating people with respect and dignity.”

BOARD MEMBERS

Damon Allen, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati
“I once heard Dr. O’dell Owens speak about a child that was lactose intolerant. However, he came to school each day so hungry that he ate the free breakfast, including the free milk, despite how sick it made him. That inspired me to get involved in the Freestore Foodbank and help make a difference in the lives of hungry children.”

Brett Blackwell, Central Bank
“Hunger is a fundamental problem that can be a byproduct or cause of many social/economic issues that our region faces. Attacking that problem is paramount to improving our region as a whole. The Freestore has a long history of addressing the issue of hunger in our region and has made great strides in eliminating this problem. Its mission, coupled with its stellar reputation, is what attracted me to get involved with Freestore Foodbank.”

Robert Baer, BelFlex Staffing Network
“Our company and mission of Succeeding Together and the involvement we have with the LIFT the Tristate program.”

Sue Baggott, Power Within Consulting, LLC
“My early exposure to the Freestore Foodbank was when our family volunteered on the food sorting line – helping teach our kids about giving back.  While on the Impact 100 Board, I learned about the Cincinnati COOKS! and Power Pack programs.  Overall, I’m impressed with the comprehensive approaches the Freestore Foodbank has taken to provide critical hunger relief, as well as to make connections to services that build stability, self-reliance and life improvement.”

Cassandra Barham, The Contact Center (Benefits Rights Advocacy Group)
“At one time in my life, I was on welfare and the Freestore helped me when I was low on food. Joining the board has allowed me to be a voice for the community and share the need that I have seen.”

Mark Bodnar, AXA Advisor, LLC
“I was introduced to the Freestore Foodbank by late Board Member and Rubber Duck Regatta Founder Bob Edwards. He brought to light the issue of hunger right here in our own community. I was compelled to get involved to help make a difference. I currently serve as chair of the Rubber Duck Regatta, the Freestore’s largest fundraising event. It is an honor working with a tremendous team of Freestore Foodbank employees and volunteers to help make our community a better place.”

Marsha Croxton –  Immediate Past Board Chair, Foodbank, Retired, Women’s Crisis Center of N. Kentucky
“No one should be hungry, especially individuals living in the United States where we have abundant resources. I believe that if I don’t actively participate in ending the meal gap for our community then I become a part of the problem. Serving on the Board of Trustees has allowed me to become a part of the solution which is very rewarding!”

Jim Dressman –  Dressman Benzinger Lavelle psc.
“Hunger is an issue that exists right here in our own neighborhoods. The more I learn, the more passionate I am about helping to make a difference in the lives of our hungry neighbors. As future generations look back, I want to ensure we’re seen as a society that cares for those in need.  The Freestore Foodbank’s mission does just that.  That is why I’m involved.”

Marty Dunn –  Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP
“I have always treasured my time and service on the Board, as none of us can rest as long as hunger and poverty plague anyone in our community. Unfortunately, these disparities have only grown and our mission to eradicate food insecurity is now more urgent and critical than ever.”

Mike Haught –  Peter Cremer North America, L.P.
“I believe in the Freestore mission of improving lives by eliminating hunger in partnership with our community. The outstanding team at the Freestore delivers on this Mission every day, and I want to help support them in any way I can. Thank you to Warren Weber for his years of support to Freestore and getting me connected to this great organization.”

Melissa Klein, MD, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
“In my practice, I care for children from underserved communities whose families often worry about running out of food which impacts health and well-being. I wanted to be part of a forward-thinking community organization that helps children and families thrive, which is why I got involved in the Freestore Foodbank.”

Paula Neises, Cushman & Wakefield
“I was first asked to join the Corwine Board, which oversees real estate assets/facilities for the Freestore Foodbank.  With my experience in commercial real estate I felt I could add value in this area to a worthwhile organization.  I immediately connected with the amazing leadership team and quickly learned just how vital the Freestore Foodbank’s services are to our community.  I was honored to be invited to join the Board and have greatly enjoyed serving this organization for the past ten years.”

Dick Rosenthal, Uptown Arts Foundation
“Long before I became a trustee, my mother made contributions to the Freestore Foodbank. Then, my wife, Lois, became a trustee and established the Rosenthal Fresh Food program. Like them, I’ve long been committed to helping folks become self-sustaining with dignity and well-founded hope for a better life.”

David Taylor, The Procter & Gamble Company
“Before joining the Freestore Board, I spent eight years on the Board of Feeding America, including two years as the National Chair.  In that role I got the opportunity to visit many outstanding food banks, including the Freestore.  I saw firsthand the enormous positive impact that local and regional food banks have on their communities.  For this reason, I am honored to help the Freestore in any way that I can in whatever way that I can.”

Dwinelva Zackery, St. Elizabeth Healthcare
“The work of the Freestore Foodbank is vitally important to addressing barriers to self-sufficiency among the most vulnerable in our community. I believe the vast array of quality services provided are essential to building capacity and addressing the broad impact of poverty. Fulfilling the basic need of food for our families is a social justice issue. I look forward to working hand in hand with the dedicated Freestore team to make a difference in our region.”