Maryland Food Bank

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The Maryland Food Bank, a nonprofit hunger-relief organization, has been feeding people and strengthening communities across the state for 45 years. With a network of over 1,100 partners, it distributed 43 million meals to more than 1 million Marylanders in fiscal year 2024.

Women lead the charge at the food bank, comprising 60% of senior leadership and 61% of board members. Terry Squyres chairs the board, while Mary Frances Isakov serves as vice chair.

Chief Operating Officer Meg Kimmel exemplifies the organization’s commitment to developing female talent. She began as communications director 13 years ago and rose through the ranks.

“The Maryland Food Bank is a place where female leaders can grow their careers,” Kimmel said.

The nonprofit’s efforts extend beyond food distribution. Its FoodWorks program has trained 488 individuals for culinary careers since 2010. The food bank also addresses root causes of hunger by partnering with organizations focused on transportation, child care and health care access.

In 2023, Executive Alliance recognized the food bank’s support of women in the workplace with its Honor Roll Award for Women’s Representation.

Nancy Yasharoff, account director, highlighted the organization’s impact: “People who are well-fed and confident about where their next meal is coming from can flourish in school, at work and in their communities.”

The Maryland Food Bank remains committed to promoting women from within and developing female leaders. In the past fiscal year, 14 women were promoted to roles with increased leadership responsibilities. As it continues its mission to end hunger in Maryland, the food bank stands as a model for empowering women in the nonprofit sector.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.