Central California Food Bank Appoints New Director of Development

FRESNO, July 2021 – Central California Food Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Chanel Ruiz-Mendez as the Director of Development, effective July 6, 2021. In her role, Chanel will oversee the food bank’s development team which is responsible for individual and corporate relations, special events, marketing, and fundraising. Ruiz-Mendez holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Journalism from California State University, Fresno with a focus in Public Relations.

Bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise with her, Chanel has over 10 years of experience in non-profit management, development, and operations. Most recently, she was the Deputy Director at Fresno Metro Ministry with previous roles as Director of Development and Director of Communications/Operations. Her expertise in donor relations, special events, and strategic planning will be infinitely beneficial in guiding the development team at Central California Food Bank.

“I have no doubt Chanel will do amazing things in this new role,” says Natalie Caples, co-CEO. “Her deep community connections as well as her passion for our work make her an amazing asset to an already stellar team.”

With significant involvement in community food systems, Chanel has ample experience in working through the complexities of hunger in Central California. In her previous position, she oversaw the Food to Share Program, worked with school districts on food recovery programs, and provided operational oversight for both food donors and recipients. Furthermore, Ruiz-Mendez is a member of the Community Engagement Task Force for the California Child Nutrition Access Institute.

“Chanel is a force for good in our community. She comes with more than a decade of success creating meaningful ways for corporate partners and individual donors to improve health and nutrition outcomes for neighbors who struggle with hunger,” says Kym Dildine, co-CEO. “I am overjoyed that she has joined our team in this leadership role as we face unprecedented need and tremendous opportunity for community resiliency.”

“It is an absolute honor to join Central California Food Bank’s fight to end hunger in Central California,” says Chanel. “I have worked closely with the food bank on a number of food waste prevention projects over the years, and I am so excited to formally join the organization.”