Katie Fitzgerald, Feeding America

“I always wanted to be an agent for change with regard to poverty and I know it stems from witnessing the diverse community I grew up in.”

Katie Fitzgerald

Katie Fitzgerald, President and Chief Operating Officer of Feeding America, shared the story behind her title with us on June 19, 2022.

Katie leads the implementation of Feeding America’s strategy, working hand in hand with member food banks and other key partners to advance an America where no one is hungry. In her role, Katie oversees and facilitates synergy among Feeding America’s Equity and Program, Supply Chain, Network Engagement, Research, and Strategic Partnership functions.

Katie and her team work to develop and implement changes in Feeding America’s operating model in support of our strategy and outcomes, together with the food banks as well as new partners who complement our core capabilities. Another important part of her role is building and enhancing relationships with network leaders and other key partners to clearly define shared goals and co-create strategies and plans for achieving those goals in support of our vision and mission.

Katie has spent her career in the nonprofit sector, working to improve outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and families. Prior to joining Feeding America, Katie served as CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Before that role, she was president and CEO of Make-a-Wish Oklahoma. She also served as executive director at the Center for Children and Families in Norman, Oklahoma, where she led the largest expansion in operating and capital revenue in the agency’s history. Earlier in her career, Katie worked as director for the Women’s Leadership Initiative at the University of Oklahoma’s Carl Albert Center and led the Oklahoma Afterschool Network at the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy.

Before moving to Oklahoma, Katie served as program director with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, focusing on comprehensive, community-based initiatives. She also held several leadership positions with United Way of Greater Battle Creek in Michigan. She began her career as an AmeriCorps volunteer and has served as a board member with several nonprofits.

Katie earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan. She and her husband have three children.

SUE SAYS

Of all the challenges the world has faced since the pandemic, hunger and poverty have had a direct impact. Thanks to organizations like Feeding America, these needs are being met. Katie Fitzgerald, the organizations’s COO is responsible to managing all aspects of operations and supply chain issues and shares with Sue why there’s hope.