New Food Bank of Northern Indiana director named

April 27, 2011|Tribune Staff Report

SOUTH BEND — Milton "Milt" Lee, who has been serving as executive director of Michiana YMCA’s Urban Youth Services, has been named executive director and CEO of the Food Bank of Northern Indiana.

The announcement was made Wednesday by the food bank’s board of directors.

Lee is a native of the Michiana area and currently resides in South Bend with his wife, Kate, and two sons, Cooper and Isaac. He is a graduate of South Bend Washington High School and Ball State University.

The food bank has been without a chief since CEO Lisa Jaworski suddenly left in early February, which the board described as a "mutual agreement" in a written statement.

Erv Picha has filled that role since the beginning of March, about 20 or so hours a week.

Lee has been employed by The Michiana YMCA since 2007, first as director of membership and later as executive director of Urban Youth Services.

At the YMCA, he developed a life skills training plan to prepare youth for college or career. From 1999 to 2007, Lee was franchise director for the South Bend Chocolate Company.

Prior to that he worked in marketing and as assistant general manager at the Marquette Mall and University Park Mall.

"We feel blessed to find an individual with the exceptional talents of Milt Lee, a man already known to many in the South Bend community," said Chris Rowland, chairman of the food bank board, in a news release.

"Milt brings a unique blend of strong commercial and not-for-profit experience, along with a deep passion to serve the community. Milt impressed us with his humility and quiet thoughtfulness, matched with a keen intellect and leadership skills.

"We believe the fight against hunger in Northern Indiana will be well served for years to come by this engaging new leader of the Food Bank."

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