The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, one of the commonwealth’s largest non-profit hunger relief organizations, has appointed Joe Arthur as its new Executive Director. Arthur started his new duties as Executive Director on July 1. He takes over leadership from former Executive Director Kendall Hanna, who retired on June 30.
“I am honored to become the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s Executive Director,” Joe stated. “The mission of the Food Bank resonates deeply within me and I am committed to continuing the effort to end hunger in our communities. The needs of the less fortunate have never been greater and food banks have become critical in meeting the basic nutritional needs of our area’s families, including at-risk children and seniors. By working with our donors, volunteers and community partners we will continue to seek innovative ways to address hunger in central Pennsylvania.”
Joe joined the Food Bank as Associate Director in 2008 following a long career in finance and accounting management, including 15 years with Waypoint Bank and its predecessor Harris Savings Bank. From 2000-2005 Joe served as a volunteer Board member for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, and acted as Board President in 2004-2005.
“Joe Arthur has been committed to the fight against hunger for more than a decade,” said current Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Board President Joel Hopkins. “Joe’s experience, knowledge of the community’s needs and passion to end hunger make him the right person to lead the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in its mission of fighting hunger, improving lives and strengthening communities.”
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank provides food to 27 Pennsylvania counties from warehouses in Harrisburg and Williamsport, distributing more than 22 million pounds of food in 2011. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank recently completed a 28,000 square foot warehouse expansion that will enable the Food Bank to meet the challenges of providing not only non-perishable foods, but fresh produce, dairy products and meat as well.
Joe is Chairman of the Pennsylvania Council of Feeding America Food Banks, Treasurer of Hunger Free Pennsylvania, a Member of the Rotary Club of Harrisburg and several other local organizations. Joe holds a B.S. in Accounting from Penn State University. Joe, his wife Deb, and their children Josh and Tara, live in Manheim, Lancaster County.