The Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) in Fort Worth, Texas, announced that longtime Executive Director Bo Soderbergh retired Jan. 14 and has been succeeded by Julie Butner.
Butner, MS, RD, LD, began her role at TAFB on Jan. 30, according to a news release from the organization. She will 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’s degree from Texas Christian University and a master’s of science from University of Oklahoma. In her most recent role as VP 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.
“Bo Soderbergh has provided brilliant leadership for the Tarrant Area Food Bank over the last 22 years,” said Dr. Andrew O. Fort, president of TAFB’s board of directors. “In Julie Butner, we are thrilled to have found exactly the right leader for the next stage in TAFB’s development.”
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.
Soderbergh’s invested efforts to expand partnerships have cemented TAFB as a cornerstone in providing resources to aid the food insecure across its 13-county range, the organization said. He will leave behind a nonprofit driven to instill change through daily action and collaboration within the community.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to lead Tarrant Area Food bank during the past two decades,” Soderbergh said. “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.”
