Second Harvest Food Bank names new executive director

Andy Irick previously served as banking executive and guided community boards, campaigns.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties has named Andy Irick as the new executive director.

“I am honored to join Second Harvest Food Bank and work alongside the dedicated team in our collective efforts to combat hunger and make a positive impact on our community. I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion to further strengthen Second Harvest’s ability to serve our neighbors,” Irick said.

In his new role, Irick will be responsible for an annual budget of $12 million, lead a team of more than 30 full- and part-time employees, lead the development and implementation of objectives, business plans, policies and programs that impact more than 50,000 people a year.

“(Andy’s) leadership skills, extensive executive experience and strong community connections make him the ideal choice to lead our organization and advance our mission of alleviating hunger in Champaign, Clark and Logan counties,” said Patrick Field, Second Harvest board president.

Irick has spent 35 years in the banking industry and has a lengthy history of community involvement. That includes serving previously as president of the Clark County Board of Developmental Disabilities of Clark County; co-chairing the 2023 United Way campaign with his wife, Tammy; serving as president of the Springfield Rotary Club; being treasurer of Wellspring; serving as board member of the Springfield Museum of Art, and being a Clark State scholars mentor.

Kerry Pedraza, executive director of United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties, said it’s been a “great privilege” to work with Irick and his wife, who helped them have their most successful campaign in many years.

“Our community is extremely fortunate that Andy will now invest his leadership and focus on one of Clark and Champaign Counties most important nonprofits, the Second Harvest Food Bank,” she said. “Andy is well-respected throughout the community, strategic in his thoughts and actions, works tirelessly and has a sincere passion and commitment to make our community stronger.”

Pedraza added Second Harvest is one of United Way’s largest funded organizations, so they look forward to continued collaboration and partnership under Irick’s leadership.

Irick takes over the role after the resignation of Tyra Jackson, the organization’s leader for the past eight years, including through its transition from a food bank operated by Catholic charities to its own independent agency in 2020. Jackson resigned in mid-May to pursue other opportunities.

Irick will begin his role as executive director on Thursday.

Second Harvest Food Bank serves the tri-county community by distributing 6 million pounds of food to 65 non-profit member agencies who feed people in need.

To help or donate, call 937-325-8715; mail a check to Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties, 20 N. Murray St., Springfield, OH 45503; or visit the website at www.theshfb.org/donate.

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