Eastern Illinois FoodBank says its CEO, Jim Hires, plans to retire from the organization in April 2021, after more than 15 years at the helm.
Hires has led the food organization since may 2005, after working as a cable television executive and as a school administrator in Champaign County.
FoodBank officials say during his tenure, Hires has:
- Increased the Foodbank’s reach from 14 counties to 18
- Grew food distribution from 2.2 million pounds per year to nearly 11.5 million
- Increased the number of individuals served per month from 48,800 to 55,000
- Acquired the oversight of the Peoria Area Food Bank as a partner distribution organization for Feeding America
- Increased the number of Foodbank employees from 10 to more than 30.
Hires has also been active in community service through the Urban League, various commissions and boards, and has volunteered within the anti-poverty and social justice sectors.
After leaving the FoodBank, he plans to remain active in various capacities addressing issues of food insecurity, poverty and social justice, as well as pursing his interest in indigenous peoples worldwide.
