New members bring diverse professional experience to Food Depository leadership
The Food Depository is proud to announce the appointment of three new members to its board of directors.
Effective July 1, Dr. Waldo Johnson, Sam Nandi and Alexandra Sims-Jones assumed their positions on the board, joining nearly two dozen others dedicated to ending hunger and its root causes in Cook County.
“We are incredibly grateful for the addition of Alexandra, Sam and Dr. Johnson to our dedicated board of directors,” said Food Depository executive director and CEO Kate Maehr. “The expertise and unique perspectives that each bring will benefit our organization immensely, especially now as our neighbors continue to face increased levels of need.”
Dr. Johnson is a professor at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and serves as vice provost at the University of Chicago. As provost, he leads the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, working with faculty and staff stakeholders across the institution. He also leads the university’s faculty development programs, including pipeline, early career, faculty and administrative leadership development initiatives.
His research focuses on urban Black family formation and structures as well as nonresident parenting among Black fathers, including how those family dimensions intersect with experiences of food insecurity.
“I am dedicated to supporting efforts to eradicate food insecurity and related individual and structural challenges that impact public well-being,” he said.
Sam Nandi is a leader within the local finance industry. He is a principal at Milliman Inc., where he has worked for more than 20 years, and currently serves as a co-leader of its Financial Risk Management practice.
Nandi is also a longtime supporter of the Food Depository as a volunteer and donor.
“I have come to see firsthand what a great organization it is and the importance of the work it is doing,” he said. “Joining the board allows me to extend my support by contributing my experience and perspectives to inform the Food Depository’s strategic direction.”
Alexandra Sims-Jones’ public affairs career has ranged from positions in education, grassroots political organizing, and local government. Every step in her career has stemmed from her passion to serve marginalized communities.
She recently launched her own consulting firm, APS and Associates. To date, her list of clients includes The Obama Foundation, Governor J.B. Pritzker, the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus and more.
“I'm committed to bridging gaps and breaking any barriers that contribute to the inequities we see in our society,” Sims-Jones said. “I am thrilled to be a part of an organization that can help provide food security, knowledge, and support to the community.”
See our full 2022-2023 Board of Directors
Media Contact: Man-Yee Lee, [email protected]
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