MOUNT VERNON — It is with a mixture of gratitude and sadness that Austin Swallow, President of Food For The Hungry Board of Directors, announces that Kathy Brechler, who has served so well as FFTH’s Executive Director for the past two annual drives, will be stepping away from her position to focus more fully on her retirement pursuits.
Following her retirement from Kenyon College in 2024 — where she served as Director of Board Relations and Presidential and Community Events — Brechler brought her characteristic energy, passion, and commitment to the position.
“From the very beginning, Kathy demonstrated her dedication to representing Food For The Hungry and leading our efforts with excellence,” Swallow said.
As she now looks ahead, Brechler is excited to spend more time with family and to embrace this next chapter of life.
During her time as Executive Director, Brechler has left a meaningful legacy.
She launched the Pantry Partners Access meetings to better inform and connect the organization’s partners, increased attendance and awareness of the annual Snowflake Gala by announcing the year’s recipient earlier and engaging them in our drives, welcomed new volunteers, and strengthened relationships with the many organizations and contributors who make the work of FFTH possible.
Her enthusiasm for helping others and her energy will be deeply missed — but fortunately, she won’t be going far.
Brechler has agreed to remain in her current role through July 1, 2026, and will continue her involvement with the organization as a member of both the Gala Committee — which she helped develop in 2011 and has faithfully supported — and the Community Committee.
“We are grateful that FFTH will continue to benefit from Kathy’s insight, dedication, and passion in the years ahead,” Shallow said.
With Brechler’s departure, FFTH is in search of an Annual Drive and Community Relations Director to join its team.
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