Kathy Brechler retires from Food For The Hungry

Austin Swallow, president of Food For The Hungry Board of Directors, recently announced that Kathy Brechler, who has served as FFTH’s executive director for the past two annual drives, will be stepping away from her position to focus more fully on her retirement pursuits.

Following her retirement from Kenyon College in 2024 — where she served as Director of Board Relations and Presidential and Community Events — Brechler brought her characteristic energy, passion, and commitment to the position. Swallow commented, “From the very beginning, Kathy demonstrated her dedication to representing Food For The Hungry and leading our efforts with excellence.” As she now looks ahead, Brechler is excited to spend more time with family and to embrace this next chapter of life.

During her time as executive director, Brechler has left a meaningful legacy. She launched the Pantry Partners Access meetings to better inform and connect FFTH's partners, increased attendance and awareness of the annual Snowflake Gala by announcing the year’s recipient earlier and engaging them in our drives, welcomed new volunteers, and strengthened relationships with the many organizations and contributors who make the work of FFTH possible. Her enthusiasm for helping others and her energy will be deeply missed — but fortunately, she won’t be going far.

Brechler has agreed to remain in her current role through July 1, 2026, and will continue her involvement with the organization as a member of both the Gala Committee — which she helped develop in 2011 — and the Community Committee. Swallow shared, “We are grateful that FFTH will continue to benefit from Kathy’s insight, dedication, and passion in the years ahead.”

With Brechler’s departure, FFTH is in search of an annual drive and community relations director to join its team. Visit www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org to learn more and follow FFTH on Facebook (@FoodForTheHungryKnoxCounty) and Instagram (@FFTHCares) to stay current on all things FFTH.

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This position as the annual drive and community relations director is essential to the Food For The Hungry team in its nonprofit efforts focused on providing food and financial support to entities striving to reduce hunger in Knox County. The director position is ideal for someone who is relational, organized, needs a flexible schedule, and cares about bettering their community.

The director’s main responsibility is to oversee and coordinate the annual FFTH Drive in November and December. Throughout the year, the director manages various grant applications and award deadlines, coordinates with community partners and grant recipients, presents annual operating budget requests, coordinates marketing and promotional initiatives with the digital content and marketing director, and works closely with the FFTH board on FFTH matters. The director should positively represent FFTH to the public at various events and venues.

FFTH encourages applicants to apply by Friday, April 24.

To learn more and apply, visit https://www.indeed.com/job/annual-drive-and-community-relations-director-29c9e662a3c885cd or find the application at www.FoodForTheHungryCares.org.