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Gleaners Announces Elena Ramirez as New President & CEO

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  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 19:30 GMT by Detroit Free Press

Gleaners Names New President and CEO as the Organization Prepares to Expand Its Reach

In a move that signals a new era for Detroit’s flagship food‑redistribution nonprofit, Gleaners has announced that Elena Ramirez will take the helm as president and chief executive officer. Ramirez, a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than two decades of experience in food‑security and community development, succeeded David Whitfield—who stepped down after a 12‑year tenure that saw the organization double its annual food distribution volume.

The announcement, made at a press conference on Friday evening, was accompanied by a brief statement from the board of directors outlining the organization’s strategic priorities under Ramirez’s leadership. “Elena brings a deep commitment to food justice, coupled with a proven record of scaling operations and forging collaborative partnerships,” said board chair Michael O’Neill. “We are excited to see how her vision will help us bring more food to families who need it most.”

A Brief History of Gleaners

Founded in 2004 by a group of Detroit residents, Gleaners began as a grassroots effort to collect surplus produce from local grocery stores and farms. The organization’s mission—“to end food waste and end hunger in our community”—has guided its evolution into a comprehensive food‑bank system that works with over 200 partners, including grocery chains, restaurants, and farms across the Midwest.

By 2023, Gleaners was redistributing roughly 2.5 million pounds of food per year, feeding approximately 50,000 individuals in the Detroit metro area. The nonprofit has long relied on volunteer support, community donations, and public grants to sustain its operations. Its flagship program, “Fresh Food Fridays,” has become a staple for low‑income families, offering fresh produce and pantry staples at no cost.

Elena Ramirez’s Background

Ramirez’s appointment comes at a time when food insecurity remains a critical issue in Michigan. According to the most recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in 6 Michigan residents reported experiencing hunger in the past year. Ramirez, who earned a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from the University of Michigan, has worked for several prominent food‑security organizations before joining Gleaners.

• Feeding America (2015‑2020): Ramirez led a regional office that expanded food distribution networks in Michigan, increasing the organization’s capacity by 30% in just three years.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Detroit (2010‑2015): She managed outreach and volunteer recruitment, doubling volunteer engagement and forging partnerships with local businesses.
• The Food Bank of Western Michigan (2007‑2010): Ramirez helped launch a mobile distribution program that brought fresh produce to underserved neighborhoods.

Her tenure at Feeding America was marked by a data‑driven approach to inventory management, resulting in a 25% reduction in food waste. Ramirez’s experience in building multi‑sector coalitions is expected to be a key asset as Gleaners seeks to broaden its partnership network.

A Vision for the Future

During her opening remarks, Ramirez emphasized that the new era for Gleaners would focus on scaling operations, strengthening data analytics, and deepening community engagement. She outlined a three‑year plan that includes:

1. Opening a Second Distribution Hub: The new hub will be located in the Westland area to better serve western Detroit and the surrounding suburbs. The facility will be designed to handle larger volumes and will incorporate climate‑controlled storage for perishable items.
2. Expanding Mobile Food Vans: Ramirez plans to double the number of mobile vans that deliver food directly to low‑income neighborhoods, with a particular focus on schools and senior centers.
3. Leveraging Technology for Better Matching: The organization will invest in an AI‑driven platform that matches donor surplus with community needs in real time, reducing the time between pickup and distribution.
4. Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Ramirez intends to amplify Gleaners’ voice in state and local policy discussions around food waste reduction and food access, collaborating with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and local municipalities.

Ramirez also highlighted the importance of building a sustainable funding model. “We’re not just looking for grants; we want to cultivate a community of donors who see Gleaners as a long‑term partner,” she said. The board plans to launch a capital campaign targeting $5 million for facility upgrades and expansion.

Community Reactions

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from many stakeholders. Lisa Jackson, director of the Detroit Food Bank, praised Gleaners for its “innovative approach to food redistribution.” “Elena’s experience will help us break new ground,” Jackson said. Local business leaders also expressed support; John Martinez, CEO of Martinez Grocery Chain, noted that the partnership could lead to more efficient waste management practices for retailers.

Meanwhile, some community groups urged the board to ensure that the expansion does not dilute the nonprofit’s volunteer‑driven ethos. “We’ve always relied on our volunteers, and we want to keep that core,” said Kenny Brooks, volunteer coordinator for a Detroit food‑distribution program. The board has responded by reaffirming its commitment to volunteer recruitment and training as part of the new expansion strategy.

What This Means for Detroit’s Food System

Gleaners’ appointment of a new president and CEO at a time of mounting food insecurity underscores a growing trend in the nonprofit sector: the need for agile, data‑centric leadership to navigate complex supply chains and shifting donor landscapes. With its expanded distribution capacity and stronger partnership network, Gleaners is poised to play an even more central role in Detroit’s food ecosystem.

The city’s Department of Health and Human Services has already earmarked funding for food‑security initiatives, and the city council is set to review proposals that aim to integrate nonprofit and municipal resources. Ramirez’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping how these resources are leveraged.

As Gleaners steps into a new chapter, the nonprofit’s mission—to end food waste and end hunger—remains steadfast. But with a clearer roadmap, stronger technology, and a renewed focus on community partnership, the organization is preparing to make a broader, more measurable impact on Detroit’s food‑secure future.