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Rise Against Hunger

Executive Leadership

"Taking action to end global hunger begins in our own hearts and neighborhoods."

- Rick Kearney,

Chief Executive Officer

Rick Kearney

Chief Executive Officer

Rick joined Rise Against Hunger in 2007 and has continued to step into new leadership and expanded role opportunities since then, applying his diverse skills and experiences in banking, teaching, ministry and missions. Beginning as a Community Engagement Manager in Eastern North Carolina, Rick launched Rise Against Hunger’s second meal packaging location and subsequently worked in logistics, distribution, operations and community engagement, as well as serving on our Executive Team.

Rick now leads our mission as CEO, and strongly believes that while passion and purpose may first draw a person to Rise Against Hunger, purpose and fulfillment will sustain them. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from UNC Chapel Hill.

Travis Huckaba

Chief Financial Officer

Travis joined Rise Against Hunger in 2013 and is a committed ally in the fight against food insecurity. He has worked to maximize the organization’s resources and build a financial foundation for operational success. Travis brings people, financial processes and resources together to achieve the organization’s mission.

Travis holds culinary and management degrees from Johnson and Wales University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He’s a longtime member of the Raleigh chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, and is credentialed as a Certified Management Accountant and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis.

"Helping those in need is a big job. It requires contribution from everyone, even accountants."

- Travis Huckaba,

Chief Financial Officer

"If you want to go fast, go alone. To go far, let’s go together."

- Edna Ogwangi,

Chief Programs Officer

Edna Ogwangi

Chief Programs Officer

Edna leads Rise Against Hunger’s development around strategic efforts in advancing food security, humanitarian relief response and resilience pathways. She spearheads initiatives for measuring effectiveness, impact and sustainability of all Rise Against Hunger programs globally.

A native of Kenya, Edna has worked in international development for 25+ years in the areas of economic development, food and nutrition security and non-profit management. Edna has contributed to U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Bill and Melinda Gates programs in more than 100 countries. Edna holds a Bachelors in Agricultural Economics and a Masters in International Development and Administration from Andrews University.

Amy Lewis

Chief People Officer

Amy is a results-oriented business professional with 20+ years of experience in human resources management, business operations and nonprofit leadership. During her career, Amy has built a solid infrastructure of systems, processes and programs for organizations where HR was broken or nonexistent. She has served as a strategic business partner using creative synergies to successfully lead and influence teams to achieve results.

A strategic thinker with strong problem solving and project management skills, Amy has developed and enhanced HR programs and services. Her extensive financial management experience, full-cycle talent management, benefit plan design, compensation plan management and technology system knowledge makes her an important contributor to our success.

"Taking great care of our people is a powerful first step toward serving others."

- Amy Lewis,

Chief People Officer

"Together, we can grow the movement to end hunger."

- Mickey Horner,

Interim Chief Donor Engagement Officer

Mickey Horner

Interim Chief Donor Engagement Officer

Mickey Horner joined Rise Against Hunger in 2008 as a Community Engagement Manager in Charlotte, NC. During his tenure, he has been responsible for the selection and establishment of most of the warehouse locations currently in operation. He has extensive experience in developing and implementing various supply chain models and building strategies for revenue generation. Mickey has over 30 years of management experience, including more than 20 years with nonprofits. He has a deep desire to utilize his expertise to have a substantial impact on reducing hunger globally.

Mickey earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his Master of Business Administration from Wake Forest University. He also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.

Jolynn Berk

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

Jolynn leads marketing, communications and brand strategy to further our mission. She focuses on building our global brand proposition and driving revenue through collaboration and support of our meal packaging business, fundraising and awareness initiatives. 

Jolynn has 30 years of marketing, advertising, brand, development and communications experience across corporate, nonprofit and agency sectors. She has a proven track record in building and leading teams to integrated solutions and consistently improved performance. She has led strategic campaigns, including total rebrand and product launches, for Fortune 500 corporations and the largest privately held U.S. company. Jolynn holds both a B.S. in Management and MBA from Friends University.

"My passion is leveraging our brand to help children reach their own life potential."

- Jolynn Berk,

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Rise Against Hunger

Board of Directors

Amanda Young
Board Chair
Vice President Quality, Product Development & Consumer Engagement, Sazerac

Greg Belt
Immediate Past Chair
Founder & CEO, EverGrain

Jonathan Ireland
Board Member
Senior Vice President of Finance, United Airlines

Jojo de Noronha
Board Member
President, Kraft Heinz Northern Europe

David Welch, Ph.D.
Board Member
Chief Scientific Officer and Co-Funder, Synthesis Capital

Gloria Ann Evans, RN, FNP, MS, DrPH
Board Member
Public & International Health Professional

Jay Patel
Board Member
Consultant, Advisor & Consultant to Hospitality Industry

Stephanie Martin, Ph.D.
Board Member
Assistant Professor, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health

Ratna Mukherjea, Ph.D.
Board Member
Senior Director, Food Innovation, Technology Leadership Team, Benson Hill

Ralph Jerome
Board Member
Venture Partner, The March Fund

Reena Joshi
Board Member
President at Marketspace Solutions Inc

Rise Against Hunger

International Leadership


Dola Mohapatra

Executive Director

Rise Against Hunger India


Roberta Baldazzi

Country Director

Rise Against Hunger Italia