Food Bank of Alaska, a leading nonprofit dedicated to eliminating hunger in our state, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cara Durr as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With more than a decade of experience with and commitment to the organization, and a track record of leadership in the field of advocacy and public policy, Durr is passionate, proven, and uniquely positioned to drive Food Bank of Alaska mission to new heights. Her new role is effective January 1, 2024.
“As a proven and well-respected leader at Food Bank of Alaska for the past 11 years, Cara brings a mix of strategic vision, innovative thinking and expertise in advocacy at both the state and national level to the role,” said Milena Sevigny, board president. “The Board is excited to work with our new CEO to bring FBA to the next level and into the future of food banking.”
Milena Sevigny, President of the Board of Directors for Food Bank of Alaska
Durr first joined Food Bank of Alaska in 2012 as Alaska Food Coalition Manager. In 2015, promoted to Chief of Advocacy and Public Policy, she led efforts in policy development, community collaboration, and research, playing a pivotal role in advancing Food Bank of Alaska’s strategic direction. For many years, Durr has represented Food Bank of Alaska in the public and political sectors, engaging and educating the community on hunger and food security issues.
“I’m honored to step into the role of CEO of Food Bank of Alaska,” Durr said. “The mission of this organization is vitally important to our community, especially as we continue to see record levels of need in 2023.” Food Bank of Alaska estimates that more than 1 in 7 Alaskans are currently food insecure.
Food Bank of Alaska, a partner of Feeding America, salvages food that would otherwise go to waste, collects food donations, purchases food, and administers government food programs. In 2022, Food Bank of Alaska distributed over 6.7 million pounds of food statewide, reaching 150 partner agencies.
Under Durr’s tenure in advocacy and public policy, her team lead advocacy campaigns that resulted in millions of dollars invested into Food Bank of Alaska and its partners, as well as significant policy changes that positively impacted food insecure Alaskans. Other notable accomplishments included implementing a comprehensive statewide study of Alaska’ anti-hunger system and people who utilize the food security network; and overseeing the development of an award-winning texting platform for SNAP Outreach.
Durr was born and raised in Talkeetna, AK. She and her partner, Steve, are raising two sons, Quinten and Maxwell. She is a Governing Board Member of the Alaska Food Policy Council, a Food Strategy Task Force Member, and previously served as the Vice Chair on Feeding America’s Policy Engagement and Advocacy Committee. Durr holds an Master of Arts in International Studies from the University of Wyoming and a BA in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management through the Foraker Group.
Durr was selected for the CEO role by the Food Bank of Alaska Board of Directors after the current CEO, Jim Baldwin, announced his retirement. His retirement is effective in January 2024.