Chicago, IL – January 19, 2017 – The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) welcomes Alan Gilbertson of FoodForward South Africa as Chair and Jason Ramey of Grant Thornton LLP as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors. Mr. Gilbertson and Mr. Ramey will lead the Board of Directors in overseeing GFN’s strategy in alleviating hunger through the support and creation of food banks.
Mr. Gilbertson succeeds Pat Tracy of DOT Food, Inc., who had served as Board Chair since 2011. Mr. Gilbertson and Mr. Ramey’s terms will run for two years, and they are eligible to be reelected.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board,” said Mr. Gilbertson. “My predecessors have built a wonderful foundation for GFN. I and the new Board aim to build on their achievements by increasing GFN’s help to food banks and the hungry around the world.”
Mr. Gilbertson is a co-founder of FoodForward South Africa, a GFN certified member, and Chair of Bermuda Commercial Bank Limited. Prior to his work with FoodForward South Africa, he was President of the Orbis investment management group, which today manages up to $30billion in funds.
Mr. Ramey is National Managing Partner, International Client Services of Grant Thornton LLP. Mr. Ramey leads the accounting firm’s global initiatives and has extensive experience in the regions where GFN members reside.
“It is a privilege to be Vice Chair of a diverse and passionate board,” said Mr. Ramey. “With Alan’s leadership and the gathering of such great minds, I believe that we have the potential to make a lasting, positive impact on communities all over the world.”
GFN is also pleased to announce two additions to the Board of Directors. Catherine Bertini is Professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. Ms. Bertini previously served as a Senior Fellow at The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Management (2003-2005), and World Food Programme Executive Director (1992-2002). Martin Burt is Founder and CEO of Fundación Paraguaya, a 32-year old NGO devoted to designing social innovations to eliminate poverty through entrepreneurship and self-reliance. He co-founded Teach A Man to Fish and has been recognized for his leadership in environmental protection.
“The Global FoodBanking Network is fortunate to be led by a visionary and skilled Board of Directors that is extraordinarily committed to improving the lives of those facing hunger and malnutrition,” said GFN President & CEO Lisa Moon. “I look forward to working with the Directors in the coming years to strengthen more communities around the world through food banking.”
Changes in the Board leadership become effective January 1, 2017. For a full list of the GFN Board of Directors, please visit foodbanking.org.
About The Global FoodBanking Network
The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN) is a non-profit organization that nourishes the world’s hungry through launching and strengthening food banks in more than 30 countries. Last year GFN member food banks rescued 930 million pounds of food and redirected it to feed more than 6.8 million people through 27,000 social service organizations. For more information please visit foodbanking.org.
