East Texas Food Bank Announces David Emerson as new Chief Executive Officer

David Emerson

The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) announced today that David Emerson has been named the new Chief Executive Officer.

“We are pleased that David will become our sixth CEO in our 35 year history,” said Jeff Johnston, chair of the ETFB board. “We wanted someone who understands food banking and his previous non-profit experience in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area will be a great benefit to this organization.”

Emerson has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience and most recently served as the Executive Director of the Midwest Food Bank.

“I have a heart for feeding the community,” said Emerson. “I grew up in southern Arkansas and saw the need. I have a desire to continue the mission of the East Texas Food Bank and to address food insecurity in this region and especially in the rural communities. I hope to continue providing healthy and nutritious food and more produce to our neighbors. It’s also important to build on the partnerships we have with agencies.”

Emerson helped to restart operations for the Midwest Food Bank in Texas, increased revenue from $9 million to $25 million and grew the operations from 40 agency partners to 100 in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Arkansas.Emerson also has extensive non-profit experience with the American Red Cross in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Henderson State University in Arkansas and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia International University in South Carolina.

Current ETFB CEO Dennis Cullinane will retire at the end of June after 13 years with the food bank.