Contact: Michael Polydoroff
Phone: 817-857-7162
Email: Michael.polydoroff@tafb.org
News Release: Following 22-Year Service, TAFB Executive Director Bo Soderbergh Retiring in January 2020; Julie Butner Takes the Reins
FORT WORTH, TX (November 22, 2019) – Since 1997, Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) has provided millions of meals annually under the guidance of Executive Director Bo Soderbergh. His invested efforts to expand TAFB’s partnerships have cemented TAFB as a cornerstone in providing resources to aid the food insecure across its 13 county range. TAFB announced Soderbergh will retire on January 14. Tarrant Area Food Bank’s Board of Directors will turn to Julie Butner, MS, RD, LD to continue the food bank’s trajectory.
Soderbergh will leave behind a non-profit driven to instill change through daily action and collaboration within the community. Hungry families, veterans, seniors and children have been served each year due to TAFB’S efforts. Under his leadership the agency has cultivated innovative strategies to maximize TAFB’s food sourcing, develop vital partnerships with members of the food industry, distribute resources through a network of Partner Agencies, and build a dedicated base of donors and volunteers who support TAFB’s vision.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Tarrant Area Food bank during the past two decades. We have seen so much change, both on a local level and in the food banking industry as a whole, and are able to provide much more and better service for those in need. Unfortunately there is still a great deal that needs to be done and I am proud that the organization that Pat Mohler founded in 1982 remains highly relevant and sustainable. I am pleased to hand Julie an organization with great staff, volunteers and support.” Soderbergh said.
“Bo Soderbergh has provided brilliant leadership for the Tarrant Area Food Bank over the last 22 years. In Julie Butner, we are thrilled to have found exactly the right leader for the next stage in TAFB’s development,” said Dr. Andrew O. Fort, President of the TAFB Board of Directors.
On January 15, Butner will begin her role at TAFB to represent the food bank, coordinate fund development, manage finances, and direct operations to meaningfully impact hunger across the North Texas region. Butner holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University and a Master of Science from University of Oklahoma. In her most recent role as Vice President of Growth at TPC, Butner was responsible for strategic business development and marketing. In her past positions in the foodservice and healthcare industries, she has also handled strategic partnerships, fundraising, operations and financial management.
TARRANT AREA FOOD BANK (TAFB) empowers communities to eliminate hunger by providing food, education and resources through innovation and collaboration. Through a network of over 300 partner agencies, TAFB is able to provide access to 600,000 nutritious meals each week to children and adults facing hunger. This work resulted in access to 30 million nutritious meals in fiscal year 2019. Learn more at tafb.org.
