News Summary
Gleaners Community Food Bank, dedicated to combatting food insecurity in southeast Michigan, is undergoing a significant leadership change with Angela Moloney stepping in as the new president and CEO in January 2026. She replaces Gerry Brisson, who has led the organization for 19 years. Moloney aims to enhance services across five counties, maintaining a commitment to nutritious food access, while navigating challenges related to federal orders and SNAP benefits. With community support and a focus on dignity in food distribution, Gleaners is poised for a promising future.
Big Changes Ahead for Gleaners Community Food Bank!
Exciting news is brewing at Gleaners Community Food Bank, the dedicated organization based in southeast Michigan that has been tackling food insecurity head-on by redistributing surplus food. This isn’t just any old leadership change; Angela Moloney is stepping into the role of president and CEO following a national search. She’s set to officially start her new role in January 2026, taking the reins from Gerry Brisson, who has been at the helm since 2014.
A Legacy of Leadership
Gerry Brisson has made quite a mark during his 19 years with Gleaners. Under his leadership, the organization achieved impressive milestones, including launching a new campus in Taylor and increasing food distribution during the trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brisson has been recognized for his significant contributions to the region, even receiving the esteemed annual Shining Light award in 2019. As he steps aside, the community is eagerly looking forward to what Moloney will bring to the table!
Meet Angela Moloney
Angela Moloney is no stranger to leadership in non-profit organizations. She comes to Gleaners from the Catholic Foundation of Michigan, where she served as president and CEO. Her impressive background also includes pivotal roles at Nazareth Farm, which focuses on home repair in West Virginia, and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, a program designed to engage young adults in serving marginalized communities. With such a wealth of experience, Moloney is ready to guide Gleaners into its next chapter.
Continuing the Mission
As Gleaners’ new leader, Moloney is focused on enhancing the organization’s services across five counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and Monroe. Gleaners works closely with nearly 350 agencies—including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and schools—to get food into the hands of those who need it most. Last year alone, Gleaners distributed over 53 million pounds of food, reaching an estimated one million households. That’s no small feat!
Challenges on the Horizon
However, as we all know, challenges abound. Gleaners has faced significant hurdles this year, including canceled federal orders and some uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a federal government shutdown. These issues could impact the organization’s ability to serve the community effectively, making leadership decisions even more critical.
Commitment to Nutritious Food Access
Moloney has already made it clear that increasing access to nutritious food will be a priority, emphasizing the importance of serving the community with dignity and respect. With her passion and strong community roots, it seems that Gleaners is in good hands.
A Bright Future Ahead
Damali Sahu, chair of Gleaners’ board of directors, expressed excitement and confidence in Moloney’s ability to steer the organization forward, especially as they navigate these challenging times together. With a new leader and a mission centered on community support, the future looks bright for Gleaners Community Food Bank. This transition could open up new opportunities to serve the community and tackle food insecurity in unprecedented ways.
As the year comes to a close, the community is buzzing with anticipation for what the new year will bring. With Angela Moloney at the helm, Gleaners is ready to continue its essential work in making sure that no one goes hungry in southeast Michigan. Here’s to growth, community strength, and a promising future!
