A few months in as interim executive director of Just Food, Brett Salsbury has decided to return to his previous home of Las Vegas to pursue other career opportunities, according to a Wednesday news release from the organization.
The staff of the Douglas County food bank will report directly to the board of directors’ executive committee while the search for permanent leadership continues, according to the release.
The board in spring established an executive director transition committee to find the organization’s next leader following the departure of Elizabeth Keever, who now works with Heartland Community Health Center.
“As part of their fiduciary responsibility, the Board and Transition Committee have embraced an intentional, thorough, and inclusive approach,” according to Wednesday’s release.
“This endeavor has involved soliciting and incorporating input from stakeholders that include staff, partner agencies, partner restaurants, volunteers, and local government officials, along with assessing the organization’s current strengths and opportunities. The Board and Transition Committee continue to make progress, and the Board looks forward to making a future announcement.”
Salsbury, who has been with Just Food since August 2019 and served as the organization’s director of finance and development from March 2020 until he stepped into the interim director role on May 14, will leave the position effective Oct. 7.
Salsbury said in the release that it’s been an honor to serve the community through his work, and he was grateful to the team, volunteers and board of Just Food.
“Collectively, I’ve spent nearly 10 years of my life in Lawrence, so it is bittersweet to announce that I’m making a career shift,” he said in the release. “I’m reassured, though, knowing that Just Food is in a place of strength and is primed to meet whatever challenges might arise.”
James Walden, president of Just Food’s board of directors, said Salsbury has been an integral part of the food bank’s success over the past three years and will be greatly missed.
“We are thankful for his contributions and wish him the best of luck,” Walden said in the release. “Just Food remains in a strong position to address food insecurity in Douglas County. With our talented staff and partners and the ongoing support of our generous donors and dedicated volunteers, we remain well-equipped to face today’s challenges.”
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