Nourishing USA Founder Gina Keatley Steps Down as CEO; Company Appoints Simon Hancock Acting CEO

NEW YORK, NY, January 19, 2013 (Press-News.org) Nourishing USA announced today that founder Gina Keatley has stepped down as CEO. The organization also announced that its board of directors has appointed Simon Hancock as acting chief executive officer. The board also appointed Sonia Ortiz to the board of directors.

"After five years, I've decided it's time for me to step away from day-to-day operations," said Gina Keatley. "I'm grateful to all of our stakeholders -volunteers, partners, donors, and most of all, clients - for the support and commitment they've given to the mission of nutrition for all. I could not be more proud of the work I have done in low-income areas to promote culinary and nutritional education at Nourishing USA. I have loved the journey and take with me all the triumphs and tragedies that made the last five years of my life unforgettable. I look forward to seeing the new leadership take Nourishing USA boldly into the future and am so excited to see their success"

In January 2008, Mrs. Keatley founded Nourishing USA , a pioneer in the field of nutritional education. Under her leadership, Nourishing USA has grown into a nationwide company, providing direct and digital nutritional advocacy across America.
"Few people have changed an industry and created a unique nutritional experience for tens-of-thousands of in-need clients," said Pauline Newman, a board member of Nourishing USA and nutritionist. "Gina has changed the approach of nutrition in low-income areas with Nourishing USA's programming. At the same time Gina has had a profound impact on culinary and philanthropy. I'm sure she will continue to do this extraordinary work as well as spending time focused on her new private practice Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. We are grateful for all she has done for the company, the field and our clients."
Simon Hancock joined Nourishing USA in 2010. He most recently served as board member and executive technical consultant for the organization. "In the years he's been at Nourishing USA , Simon has proven to be an outstanding business executive and leader, and under his technical consultant leadership the company won't skip a beat," said Mrs. Keatley. "Our board has great confidence in Simon, and he will be a candidate for the permanent CEO position as part of a formal search process that will begin soon."

"I look forward to the opportunity ahead," said Mr. Hancock "Nourishing USA has a great team in place, a strong educational position, close partner relationships and fantastic programing. We plan to transform Nourishing USA into a more focused and more sustainable organization that delivers value to our clients."

ABOUT NOURISHING USA
Nourishing USA is a 501(c)(3), which strives to offer nutrition for all through direct service and digital nutritional advocacy across America.

Nourishing USA consists of a nationwide network of more than 10,000 community advocates and food organizations that serve throughout the United States. Nourishing USA supports and impacts in-need clients through more than 500 local charitable agencies with the Junior Chef Program, Anti-hunger Advocacy Kits, Holiday Outreach, and the Nourishing HUB.

Nourishing USA has been recognized nation-wide for its innovative and impactful programming by numerous foundations and corporations. Nourishing USA was chosen as the nationwide Charity of the Year at the Classy Awards in San Diego, the largest philanthropy awards in the country. Federal Express (FedEx) partners with Nourishing USA as the official sponsor of environmentally friendly shipping for all the anti-hunger advocacy kits. Nourishing USA was chosen as the Post Foods Charity of Choice for 2010 and collaborated with the New York Yankees to create the Healthy Home Plate Program. A program to help inner-city youth take control of food and nutrition in their own lives, which is modeled after Nourishing USA's award winning Junior Chef Program. The American Institute of Architects announced that Nourishing USA and the programs are the model client for the Biennial Design Ideas Competition Program—The Harlem Edge/Cultivating Connections. Nourishing USA has also been featured on ABC News, Fox News, and BBC World News.