Columbia, SC (WLTX) — Harvest Hope Food Bank CEO Denise Holland said after two decades of service she will be stepping down. Harvest Hope COO Keith Ferrell will serve as interim CEO in advance of a national search for a permanent replacement.
Holland joined Harvest Hope in the fall of 1998, after spending 16 years at the American Red Cross. She helped coordinate feeding efforts for multiple agencies in 2005 following Hurricane Rita.
“Denise has given her heart and soul to Harvest Hope, and we couldn’t be more thankful,” said Davis Bourne, chairman of the Harvest Hope Board. “Under her guidance, we’ve grown both in size and service ability; we’ve served more than 360 million meals in her 20 years and we can now reach 20 counties in South Carolina. Without Denise, Harvest Hope simply would not be what it is today.”
Along with preparing Harvest Hope to be a critical responder during disasters, Holland is most proud of the development of targeted feeding programs.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to see Harvest Hope grow and reach more of our neighbors who are experiencing hunger,” said Holland. “It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life, but it’s time for me to pass the torch. I’m looking forward to the next challenge, and watching Harvest Hope continue to carry this mission forward.”
Denise Holland's last day with the organization is July 31, 2018. Board Chairman Davis Bourne says the Harvest Hope Board is in the process of forming a CEO search committee and will begin a national search for a new CEO.