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Jilly Stephens
Chief Executive Officer at City Harvest
Professional Background
Jilly Stephens holds an impressive leadership role as the Chief Executive Officer of City Harvest, New York’s pioneering and largest food rescue organization. With over 17 years of dedicated service at City Harvest, since her start in 2004, Jilly has transformed the organization into a crucial lifeline for millions of New Yorkers facing food insecurity. Her journey with City Harvest began as Senior Director of Program Development, where she played a pivotal role in expanding community programs designed to provide immediate assistance to those in need. Recognizing the alarming rise in demand for emergency food services, Jilly was named CEO in 2006, where her influence has significantly propelled the organization’s mission forward.
Under her astute leadership, City Harvest has not only met the growing needs of New Yorkers by rescuing over one billion pounds of nutritious food but has also taken proactive measures to enhance public health and improve nutritional education within low-income communities. In a remarkable initiative, Jilly spearheaded the establishment of a state-of-the-art Food Rescue Facility in Long Island City, Queens. This facility spans an impressive 45,000 square feet, which has enabled the organization to double its capacity of food rescue and distribution—an achievement that speaks volumes about Jilly’s strategic foresight and commitment to the community. From a mere 30 million pounds of food rescues in 2012, those numbers soared to an astounding 63 million pounds by 2019.
Jilly's vision for City Harvest is deeply rooted in reinforcing community engagement and bolstering local food systems, thereby facilitating essential nutrition education programs that reach more than 400,000 New Yorkers across the boroughs each year. Such ambitious initiatives underscore Jilly’s belief that sustainable solutions must accompany immediate food assistance.
Prior to her impactful tenure at City Harvest, Jilly held the role of Vice President of Program Operations at ORBIS International, a nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide through educational efforts and hands-on training. This role honed her expertise in program development and service operations, skills that she has adeptly applied to her current role and the nonprofit sector at large.
Education and Achievements
Jilly’s educational background laid the foundation for her exemplary career in nonprofit management. She studied at Norwich City College and is a graduate of North Walsham Secondary Modern School. Her educational experiences shaped her dedication to social issues and equipped her with practical skills necessary for her future endeavors.
A testament to her long-standing commitment to enhancing food security in New York, Jilly Stephens has been recognized as a leader in food rescue and nutrition education. Under her guidance, City Harvest has collected and distributed over 75 million pounds of food annually, impacting the lives of countless families in need.
Achievements such as doubling the organization’s capacity to rescue food are critical milestones in Jilly’s career as they illustrate her innovative approach to addressing chronic hunger. Jilly’s emphasis on collaboration with community partners is not only commendable but also essential in expanding the reach and efficacy of food distribution networks.
City Harvest has consistently been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity, and Jilly has been the driving force behind its longstanding success. Her ability to lead, strategize, and motivate others has solidified her position as a respected figure within New York’s nonprofit community.
Achievements
Some of Jilly’s most notable achievements over her career include:
- Oversaw the rescue and distribution of over 75 million pounds of nutritious food annually to New Yorkers in need.
- Established the Food Rescue Facility in Long Island City, increasing operational capacity and efficiency.
- Developed and expanded numerous community programs including Mobile Markets and nutrition education, reaching 400,000 individuals each year.
- Instrumental in promoting community partnerships that reinforce local food systems and nutritional education.
- Previously served as Vice President of Program Operations at ORBIS International, contributing to international health initiatives focused on eliminating avoidable blindness.
Jilly's career is characterized by her unwavering devotion to serving others and her strategic foresight in tackling complex social issues, making her an inspiring leader in the nonprofit sector. City Harvest stands as a testament to her passion for creating long-lasting change in the fight against hunger and fostering healthier communities in New York City.
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