First Posted: 1/22/2015
LIMA — After two and a half years, Gary Bright will be heading home to Findlay.
Bright announced he is leaving his position as the West Ohio Food Bank CEO Thursday to return to work for Century Health in Findlay and Hancock County. He will be Century Health’s emergency services therapist and will be working with its fund development committee.
Bright previously worked at Century Health as its director of outpatient services.
The large scope of need for food in the area was one of the biggest learning experiences.
“Before I came to the food bank, I knew we had food pantries and people in need,” Bright said. “Specifically seeing how many people that don’t have enough food every week … coming here just really put a spotlight on the fact that there are a lot of people that just don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.”
Bright said one of his accomplishments is only getting the word out about the food bank and updating its image.
During the interim period, the food bank’s board of directors named Brian Van Meter and Tommie Harner as interim co-executive directors. They will work with Bright to create a transition plan.
Van Meter said he and Harner hope to continue the energy that Bright has started for the food bank.
Van Meter said he has shown interest in the CEO position now that Bright is leaving and hopes there is a strong emphasis on internal hiring for the position due to the “learning curve” that comes with the position, he said.
Harner said Gary “definitely moved the food bank forward and getting our name out there” and the support from staff members in continuing the growth of the organization.
To contact the food bank, call 419-222-7946 or visit www.wofb.org.
