'He has a strategic vision': Nourish Food Bank promotes Norman Hanks to executive director
Norman Hanks accepted promotion to be the Nourish Food Bank executive director, the organization announced Wednesday.
“Despite a rigorous interview process, the Executive Search Committee didn’t have to go far to find aleader with a passion for ending hunger," long-time Nourish board member Michelle Burke said in the press release.
"We’re excited to name Norman Hanks as our new executive director. He has a strategic vision and a purposeful commitment to community empowerment that aligns with our mission."
Hanks also is a co-founder of Rutherford County Pride, a support group that holds events, including the pending inaugural RuCo Pride Celebration, that provide safe places for LGBTQ+ to be themselves. He's also a former member of BoroPride Committee that organizes the annual festival in Murfreesboro.
Hanks also previously served on the board of directors for the Rutherford County Veterans’ Community Center, the press release said.
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Hanks campaigned for Rutherford mayor in 2022
The Nourish Food Bank executive director also spoke about helping the homeless and others when he campaigned for Rutherford County Mayor in 2022 and placed fourth as an independent.
"I want everyone to feel safe and equal in this community," Hanks told The Daily News Journal in 2022.
His work that included serving as the chief operating officer for Nourish Food Bank for nearly six years has impressed board members such as Burke.
“With his expertise and dedication, we’re poised to make an even greater impact to provide a network of care to those in need," Burke said in the press release. "There’s an element of excitement knowing Hanks is at the helm to direct us to new heights.”
Hanks offers a track record of success that's solid, the press release said. His experience with the operations of Nourish, combined with his relationships with volunteers and the broader community, provide a stable foundation to lead Nourish into a new era of success.
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Hanks earns theater education degree from MTSU
The press release mentioned that Hanks has an enthusiastic outlook.
"It's a tremendous honor to serve our community," Hanks said in the press release. "To get to serve ourclients and to work shoulder-to-shoulder with our talented staff, dedicated volunteers and generousfinancial partners is incredibly moving. I look forward to building on our successes to end hunger.”
Hanks is a Rutherford County native. He earned a bachelor's degree in theater education in 2012 from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, he told The Daily News Journal in 2022. He's also known for his drag show persona, Veronica Paige Velour.
Hanks had served as interim director for Nourish since late 2023, when long-time Executive Director Ladawna Parham vacated the position to pursue other professional opportunities. Parham played a pivotal role in Nourish’s growth and achievements during her tenure, and the organization is grateful for her significant contributions, the press release said.
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Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.
About Nourish Food Bank
For more than 40 years, Nourish has worked to end hunger and build a community response to foodinsecurity. Originally known as “The Smyrna-La Vergne Food Bank,” Nourish began in a modestoutpost and served only a small segment of the county. Today, Nourish is headquartered inMurfreesboro with locations in Smyrna and Nashville, and provides nearly one million meals each year.Nourish is deeply grateful to our generous funders, food drive hosts, sponsors, volunteers, communitymembers, staff and all others who make it possible to work to end hunger for our neighbors.
Source: Nourish Food Bank press release
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Nourish Food Bank promotes Norman Hanks to executive director
