The Atlanta Community Food Bank announced on October 5, 2026, that Jon West, the organization’s vice president of partner relations, will become interim chief executive officer effective November 2, 2026. West succeeds Kyle Waide, who announced on September 14 that he will become president of Downtown Atlanta Inc. on December 1. Waide will remain president and CEO through November 1 and serve in an advisory role through November 12 to support the transition.
In his new role, West will oversee day-to-day operations, support staff and the leadership team, steward key community relationships, and keep the Food Bank’s strategic priorities moving forward while the Board of Directors conducts a search for a long-term leader. Programs, services, and commitments to neighbors and partners will continue without interruption.
West brings 17 years of experience at the Food Bank. As vice president of partner relations, he leads the team that collaborates with a network of more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners across 29 counties. Together, these partners distribute more than 110 million meals each year. Previously, as senior manager of strategy and innovation, West led the development of the Food Bank’s 10-year strategic plan, setting the vision for its future operations.
Before joining the Food Bank, West worked with an agricultural relief and development organization, in higher education, and as a youth mentor in Botswana. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Mississippi College.
Althea Broughton, chair of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Board of Directors, expressed confidence in West’s appointment. “Jon knows this organization inside and out, from his first role here painting food drive barrels to building the partner network that puts food within reach of neighbors across our 29 counties,” Broughton said. “The board has complete confidence in his ability to lead the Food Bank through this transition. Our team is strong, our strategy is clear, and our commitment to neighbors does not change.”
The Board of Directors is selecting a search firm to guide a thorough search for the next president and CEO. “We are committed to finding a leader who embraces the Food Bank’s values and keeps neighbors, partners, volunteers, donors, and staff at the center of this work,” Broughton said. “We will share updates at appropriate milestones as the search moves forward.”
Outgoing CEO Kyle Waide praised West’s readiness. “Jon is one of the leaders I have relied on most, and he is the right person for this moment,” Waide said. “He understands our mission, our partners, and our people, and he helped build the Food Bank we have today. I have every confidence in Jon and in the team he will lead.”
West said, “It is a privilege to serve the Food Bank in this role. Our mission is urgent, our team is exceptional, and our partners are the reason food reaches neighbors across metro Atlanta and north Georgia. My focus is on our neighbors, our partners, and keeping this work moving forward.”
The leadership transition comes as the Food Bank continues its mission to end hunger. In 2023, the organization distributed its one billionth meal. With more than 700 partners in 29 counties, the Food Bank helps thousands of families, children, and seniors access healthy food each year. The interim appointment ensures stability as the board seeks a permanent CEO, allowing the organization to maintain its critical services for the community.
