Our Chief Executive Officer

David Emerson joined the East Texas Food Bank in June of 2023. He is the sixth CEO in the 35 year history of ETFB. David has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience and most recently served as the Executive Director of the Midwest Food Bank. 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.

Board of Directors 2026-2027

Kurt DeVaney
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System

Kristy Everitt
Henry & Peters, PC

Jenifer French, Secretary
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Dave Hall Hall
Truck Center

Leslie Harrison
Attorney, Non-Practicing

Robert Herrera
Brookshire Brothers

Stephanie Jefferson
John Soules Foods

Jay Jelinek
IT Enabled

Morgan Jones
Brookshire Grocery Company

Jeff W. Johnston
Chick-Fil-A at Broadway Crossing

Jim Noble, Chair Elect
Community Volunteer

Cathy Schreiber
Community Volunteer

Dr. Valerie Smith, Chair
University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine

Howard Tagg
Law Office of Howard Tagg

Brian Turner, Treasurer
Southside Bank

Johnny Ward (John Ward, Jr., P.C.)
Ward ADR

Bob Westbrook, Past Chair
Retired Restaurateur

Ivette Zavarce
Encouragement Media Group