Neil Hetherington named new CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank

Gail Nyberg retiring after 12 years at the helm of Daily Bread

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Dixon Hall CEO Neil Hetherington has been named the new CEO of Daily Bread Food Bank, the largest food bank in Canada. Daily Bread's current executive director, Gail Nyberg, is retiring after leading the organization since 2005. Hetherington will begin his new role on January 8, 2018.

"Gail Nyberg has been a force for good in the city, and has helped make Daily Bread a thought-leader and respected voice at all levels of government, in the media, and with the people of Toronto," said Al Shulman, Board Chair, Daily Bread Food Bank. "We are proud to have worked with her and are eager to see Neil build on this strong foundation."

"I am humbled and grateful for the confidence the Board of Directors is placing in me and I look forward to serving clients, Daily Bread's member agencies, the thousands of volunteers and Daily Bread's loyal donors and staff as we work towards the eradication of hunger from Toronto," said Hetherington. 

Neil Hetherington joins Daily Bread after his most recent position as CEO of Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services, one of Toronto's oldest multi-service charities. Dixon Hall operates 45 programs that serve thousands of people in Toronto through housing, child and youth initiatives, seniors' programs, employment services, social and food security programs, and has played a major role in the Regent Park neighbourhood revitalization efforts.

Prior to Dixon Hall, Hetherington was the CEO of Habitat for Humanity Toronto and New York City since 2000. During his tenure, Habitat for Humanity accelerated its building program dramatically, increased its social enterprise operations and expanded its community impact and advocacy role. Hetherington holds an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, was named one of Canada's Top 40 Under 40 and was also awarded Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals. 

"Neil has a track record of poverty alleviation that will be directed to expanding Daily Bread's reach," said Andy Burgess, Vice-Chair of the Board of Daily Bread Food Bank. "We are confident that his experience in managing and growing vital social programs in two major North American cities will be invaluable to Daily Bread."

Daily Bread Food Bank is Canada's largest food bank, providing food to 120,000 Torontonians each year through nearly 200 food programs run by its 130 member agencies. Daily Bread also publishes an annual research report on hunger and poverty, and under Nyberg's leadership has supported numerous poverty reduction initiatives like the portable housing benefit, the basic income pilot project, and social assistance rate reforms.

About Daily Bread Food Bank
Daily Bread Food Bank is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization that is fighting to end hunger in our communities. A distribution hub, Daily Bread serves people through food banks and meal programs in 130 member agencies across Toronto, and also works towards long-term solutions to hunger by conducting research and running innovative programs to support people on low incomes. Visit www.dailybread.ca

SOURCE Daily Bread Food Bank