Feed America First has hired former newspaper editor John Philleo as its director of development, according to the agency’s executive director, Tom Henry.
The new position was funded by a $50,000 Legacy Tree Foundation grant, part of which will be used for other purposes. It is the largest grant the organization has received in its 10-year history.
The position increases the agency’s staff to four people, who are assisted by a host of volunteers.
Feed America First helps feed more than 20,000 families every month in 56 counties across Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi, by providing food from its Murfreesboro warehouse to more than 220 rural agencies already dedicated to feeding the hungry.
“Hunger will cease to be a problem in America when we refuse to allow our neighbors to go hungry,” Henry said.
Feed America First has been able to provide 12-15 meals for each dollar donated, and the impact of this grant will be felt in relieving hunger throughout the Mid-South, Henry said.
Since graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1995, Philleo has served as managing editor of four Tennessee newspapers. He also has experience in sales, the restaurant industry, and public relations. He has been a recent contributor to the Murfreesboro Post.
“I am excited to be a part of Feed America First,” Philleo said. “I believe my education and varied experience has prepared me for this new purpose – providing food to our less fortunate neighbors. I've been blessed so that I might be a blessing to others.”
Philleo, whose hometown is Knoxville, moved to Murfreesboro in 2010. He is a member of Oasis Church, and has two relatives in Smyrna, his nephew, Gabe Benson, and his wife, Theresa.
“I fell in love with Murfreesboro right away, and this position will allow me to grow roots here, while providing me with an opportunity to serve my community with greater significance than ever before,” Philleo said.
One of Philleo’s first assignments was the development of an informational video about the agency, which can be viewed at youtube.com/feedamericafirst. For more information about Feed America First, visit www.feedamericafirst.com. |
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