According to a press release from Food Finders Food Bank, “After a national search, Kier Crites Muller has been selected as the new Chief Executive Officer of Food Finders Food Bank, replacing Katy Bunder upon her retirement at the end of 2022. Crites Muller will take over effective January 1, 2023.
Crites Muller was chosen after a thorough search process directed by the Food Finders Food Bank Board of Directors with input from staff and community stakeholders. The search committee received applications from across the country.
Crites Muller has been at Food Finders for more than 11 years in various roles, including Chief Engagement Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Philanthropy Officer. She has played a key role in Food Finders COVID-19 response, the launch of the Fresh Market and the Blue Jean Ball.
“Kier stood out among a group of quality candidates,” said Food Finders’ Board Chairperson Jim Priest. “She is a talented, innovative leader who has shown great flexibility in helping Food Finders navigate incredible challenges. She is dedicated to eliminating hunger and food insecurity in our service area. We think she is the right person to continue Katy Bunder’s work.”
Bunder has served as Chief Executive Officer for Food Finders for 14 years. Under her direction, Food Finders experienced unprecedented growth and increased annual food distribution from 1.6 to 11.7 million meals. Bunder expanded
fundraising to support new programs and was instrumental in adding wrap- around services for food pantry clients. She led two capital campaigns that enlarged the warehouse, added program space, and opened the Fresh Market food pantry.
“It is difficult to put Katy’s impact into words because it has been so significant,” said Priest. “She has been the catalyst for programs and services that are vital to thousands of our neighbors every year. She has found innovative ways to better serve the community and has never been afraid to try something new if she thought it could help. I would like to thank Katy for her dedicated service to our community.”
Bunder is confident that the food bank will continue its excellent service under Crites Muller’s leadership. “I see the Board’s selection of Kier as the next CEO as an endorsement of the work our team has done over the past decade,” said Bunder. “I know that the food bank will be in very capable hands and those living with food insecurity will be well cared for.”
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