President and CEO of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, Amanda Nickey, announced her resignation after nearly 12 years Oct. 9. She will leave her position at the end of this year.
According to a press release, Nickey initiated many changes throughout the organization, including increasing the service capacity of the food pantry, restructuring the board and staff and developing new programs. Moving forward, the organization is looking for new leadership.
Nickey said she is looking forward to taking the opportunity to spend more time with her family and young children. She said she is excited for a change in leadership and proud of what the organization has become.
“I feel excited for the opportunity for new leadership for the organization,” Nickey said. “I’m pretty proud of a lot of what I’ve been able to make happen in my time at Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Sometimes that means making room for new leadership.”
Following her departure, Nickey said she hopes the organization never strays from its core values, such as equity and social justice. She said she looks forward to seeing how the company evolves and adapts to the changing needs of the local community members they serve.
“I hope that it continues to be really focused and driven by its values and that it continues to be adaptable,” Nickey said. “One of the things that I appreciate the most about the Hub as an organization is that it’s constantly evolving and learning new things. I think that’s really important for the future and the health of the organization and its ability to continue to meet the changing needs in the community.”
Julia Dotson, board chairwoman of Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, said Nickey has fostered numerous changes for the organization, such as improving the organization’s finances, and has left an amazing foundation for new leadership.
“I could write several pages on what changes Amanda has made,” Dotson said. “She has promoted the values on which the Hub was founded: equity and inclusion for people living with food insecurity and poverty.”
Dotson said not only has Nickey created increasing financial support through grants, fundraising and developing relationships with community partners, but she also never strayed from some of the organization’s key values.
“She has prioritized advocacy and social justice for Hub patrons and the community at large,” Dotson said. “Expanding programs and opportunities to learn, develop skills and broaden a supportive community.”
Anyone interested in filling this leadership position can find more information on its website. Dotson said the company is looking to continue Nickey’s legacy by choosing a candidate that can uphold her standards for serving the public.
“It’s not an easy task to fill Amanda’s position,” Dotson said. “Where we’re headed as an organization, including the board, the staff, the patrons, I believe is to continue Amanda’s legacy and to promote choice, dignity, respect and advocacy and to provide nutritious food for local community members.”
