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DES MOINES, Iowa (May 29, 2025) – Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors has appointed Tami Nielsen as its next president and CEO, following a national search.

Nielsen joined Food Bank of Iowa in 2016 as a regional partnership coordinator and has progressively advanced throughout the organization. She served as regional outreach manager, vice president of partners and programs and vice president of operations before becoming chief operating officer in 2023. She has led Food Bank of Iowa as interim CEO since Jan. 1 and will assume her permanent role June 1.

‘Unwavering commitment’
“Tami has long demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission of Food Bank of Iowa, and her leadership has been instrumental in advancing our work in recent years,” said Food Bank of Iowa Board Chair Terri Vaughan. “After thoughtful reflection, Tami chose to embrace this opportunity – and we’re deeply grateful she did. Her passion for serving others and her steady, proven leadership make her the right person to guide us into the future.”

Nielsen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University and pursued graduate study at the University of Iowa. She is an expert in operations, food sourcing and efficiency, overseeing acquisition and distribution of more than 27 million pounds of food annually. Nielsen also is well-known to Food Bank of Iowa’s 700 partners across 55 counties, having worked directly with many of them.

Nielsen served as a member of Feeding America’s Disaster-Ready Midwest Region, a food bank cohort formed to prepare and better respond to the needs of disaster survivors. This group received Feeding America’s “Living Our Values” award for outstanding commitment to the network in 2023. Nielsen also was instrumental in establishing partnerships with Latino and African immigrant communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. One lasting example is a community partnership with 15 pastors of African immigrant congregations. This group experiencing food insecurity was not being served by other organizations. One of the largest African churches now serves as a weekly food distribution hub for the other congregations. Food Bank of Iowa also was recognized by Feeding America for this exceptional effort.

Prior to Food Bank of Iowa, Nielsen worked as a retail buyer for 11 years. She began her career as a resident and family counselor at House of Mercy in Des Moines, the state’s largest behavioral health provider for parenting women with children.

Mission-focused
“I truly appreciate the time and dedication the search committee devoted to this process, and their encouragement of me to apply,” Nielsen said. “I thank the committee and the board for their support as we move Food Bank of Iowa forward. I have always deeply believed in this mission and have loved every position I’ve held at Food Bank of Iowa. I know the role of CEO will be no exception. I am humbled to be a part of this team and continue to be amazed at what we can accomplish together. Along with our partners, we will continue to make a difference for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity and help build stronger communities.”

Nielsen is the food bank’s fourth leader since its founding 43 years ago. She succeeds Michelle Book, who retired at the end of last year.

About Food Bank of Iowa
Established in 1982, Food Bank of Iowa provides nutritious food for Iowa children, families, seniors and veterans to lead full and active lives, strengthening their communities. Serving 55 of Iowa’s 99 counties, Food Bank of Iowa delivers more than 27 million pounds of food (22.7 million meals) to its 700 partners annually. Learn more at foodbankiowa.org.

Media contact:
Annette Hacker, VP strategy and communications, Food Bank of Iowa, 515-867-2885, ahacker@foodbankiowa.org