FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kentwood, Mich. – Feeding America West Michigan (FAWM) President & CEO Kenneth Estelle has announced that he will retire from the post he has held for 14 years, effective June 30, 2026.
“The President & CEO position has been the most rewarding and challenging role I have held in my long career,” Estelle wrote in a message to staff. “I cannot express how much it has meant to me to be part of this amazing organization. I have always understood that the success of our organization is only possible with a great food bank team, board, volunteers, supporters, and agency partners. It is amazing how all these groups come together to ensure that everyone who needs help can access nutritious food.”
Following a long career as an executive in the aerospace industry, Estelle joined Feeding America West Michigan in April of 2011 during a time when the organization was growing rapidly to a large-scale charitable food rescue, warehouser and distributor. Since those days, the organization has grown to a staff of 75 with a resource budget of nearly $63 million. The food bank warehouses and transports donated, reclaimed, and government-supplied foods to community food pantries and mobile food distribution sites throughout a 40-county service area. Last year, the food bank distributed more than 32 million pounds of food, and its trucks covered nearly 600,000 miles.
During Estelle’s tenure, the food bank made significant changes in its operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that no one went hungry during the pandemic. Over the years, the food bank has also worked diligently to improve the nutritional value of the food distributed by prioritizing fresh produce, dairy, and proteins in its food offerings.
In his message to staff, Estelle shared that the organization’s 2024 move from its long-time warehouse in Comstock Park to a new headquarters in Kentwood was a highlight of his long career. Under Estelle’s leadership, the organization purchased and renovated the former MC Sports Warehouse in Kentwood without taking on any debt. The move enabled the organization to more than double its warehouse space, thereby increasing its capacity for future growth.
“Ken’s commitment to fighting hunger started long before his formal role at Feeding America West Michigan,” said Feeding America West Michigan Board Chair Danielle Sheffield LaPorte. “He has always stressed that hunger is unacceptable and that together, our community has the power to change lives. He has strengthened our organization and built a talented team truly committed to our vision of ensuring that all people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have equitable access to nourishing food.”
The board plans to conduct a national search and select the next food bank leader, with
a goal of welcoming the new leader before Estelle departs.
“Now more than ever the fight against hunger will take creativity, integrity, and a willingness to bridge across differences for the sake of our neighbors,” Sheffield LaPorte said. “As the board looks to the future, we will be listening deeply to our staff and community and looking for a leader ready to build on Ken’s legacy.”