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Table to Table’s longtime executive director announces retirement

Food rescue organization Table to Table announced on Friday that the nonprofit organization’s longtime executive director, Ilene Isaacs, will retire at the end of 2022.

Isaacs brings a close to a remarkable career of 20-plus years of service for the northern New Jersey nonprofit. In her place, Table to Table welcomes nonprofit veteran Denise Andersen in the role of executive director, according to an announcement from Gregory Mueller, chairman of the board.
“Table to Table has benefited tremendously from two decades of Ilene’s expertise, leadership and understanding of our food insecure communities. The staff, board and our partners feel extremely grateful for her countless contributions, most recently throughout these more turbulent times,” Mueller said. “We are excited to welcome Denise Andersen, whose prolific career in public, health- centric organizations truly complements Table to Table’s mission of providing fresh, healthy food to those in need.”

During Isaacs’ tenure, she guided the organization in the rescue and delivery of over 295 million meals. She expanded Table to Table’s impact by increasing food deliveries from 2 million to 26 million meals annually, while doubling the number of agencies served and increasing the number of food donors by 200%, much of this resulting from the development of the organization’s fresh produce markets, centralized distribution hubs and I-Rescue App program. Isaacs leaves the organization in solid financial standing, with 12 consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, a recognition only 1% of charities have received.

“It has been a privilege to serve as the leader of Table to Table, and I am extremely proud of the impact we’ve made to help feed our hungry northern New Jersey neighbors,” Isaacs said. “The important work of Table to Table will forever resonate with me, and I’m excited about what lies ahead for this amazing organization.”

Beginning in the new year, Isaacs will officially turn over the reins to Andersen. Andersen will work in partnership with the board of directors to lead, manage and raise philanthropic funds for the organization. Prior to joining Table to Table, Andersen led the Northeast region of the National Kidney Foundation. Prior to that role, she worked at such highly regarded organizations as the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society. the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the American Red Cross in a range of roles in the areas of leadership, development and events.
“I couldn’t be happier to join Table to Table, and I feel especially connected to its mission, having experienced food insecurity firsthand as a child,” Andersen stated. “My personal understanding of the challenges faced by the communities we serve, coupled with my professional experience working with health-focused organizations, will help us evolve and further enhance the philanthropic connection between hunger, nutrition and health.”

Credit: https://www.roi-nj.com/