Introducing Midwest Food Bank’s New Employees

Midwest Food Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Hall Jr. as Executive Director of its Florida Division. Dennis brings with him a powerful combination of operational expertise, leadership in disaster relief, and a deep personal connection to food insecurity.

Before joining Midwest Food Bank, Dennis led operations at Harry Chapin Food Bank, where he played a critical role in expanding food access across Southwest Florida and enhancing emergency response strategies. His leadership helped increase efficiency and widen the organization’s reach during pivotal moments of need.

What makes Dennis’s leadership especially meaningful is his personal experience with hunger:

“I grew up experiencing food insecurity firsthand,” said Hall. “Those early challenges taught me the importance of consistent access to nutritious food. It’s a big part of why I do this work. I understand what it feels like to be on the receiving end—and that empathy drives every decision I make today.”

His journey from food-insecure childhood to food bank leadership gives him a rare and powerful perspective—ensuring the families served by Midwest Food Bank are supported with both dignity and compassion.

Dennis and his wife Jill are long-term Florida residents who enjoy the local arts scene and are devoted fans of Philadelphia sports. 

Midwest Food Bank Indiana is excited to welcome Carlton Stewart as our new Operations Manager. Carlton began his role on June 23 and brings more than 20 years of management experience to our team.

Carlton previously worked at Vesta Pharmaceuticals for nearly five years as an Operations Manager. His career has been both fulfilling and dynamic, and he now feels called to serve his community in a new way through Midwest Food Bank.

“I discovered the position while looking for an opportunity to give back to my community,” Carlton shares. “After meeting the staff and volunteers, I realized that this was the right place for me.”

Carlton has been a single father for the past 10 years. His daughter, CeOndra, graduated from Lawrence North High School in 2025 and will attend Indiana University of Indy this fall.

When he is not working, Carlton enjoys spending quality time with his family. Whether it is enjoying dinner together, going for walks, or catching up after a long day, these moments are especially meaningful to him. He also values staying active and fits in exercise whenever he can.

As Operations Manager, Carlton’s responsibilities include both operational and administrative tasks, ensuring that food reaches the pantries that serve families in need. “Working with volunteers and providing food for pantries to support the communities is what I like best,” he says.

We are grateful for Carlton’s dedication and leadership, and we look forward to the impact he will make in serving Indiana families.

Midwest Food Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Brennan as Executive Director. This transition comes at a time of momentum and growth for the Pennsylvania division, aligning with Kathy Anderson-Martins move into the role of Development Manager.

Sarah brings a strong background in business operations and organizational leadership, honed through years of service in both corporate and nonprofit settings. She is a graduate of Gettysburg College and holds a postgraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Her leadership approach combines strategic vision with deep compassion, a blend that will guide Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania in its mission to alleviate hunger through food and disaster relief efforts.

Born in Harrisburg and raised in Boiling Springs, Sarah’s roots in Central Pennsylvania run deep. Today, she and her husband, Matt, live in Lancaster City with their daughter, Pippa, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Rizzo, named after the baseball player.

Faith has been a steady part of Sarah’s life. She and her family attend St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, and she was raised in fellowship at Allison United Methodist and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle. Her free time is filled with family, friends, reading, watching TV shows, and planning her next trip to the British Isles.

Sarah shares: “I’m very excited to join a caring organization like Midwest Food Bank and work with the team to support members of our community to alleviate hunger.”

With Sarah’s leadership, Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania will continue to build strong relationships with local volunteers, churches, and community organizations, ensuring that families across the region receive food with dignity and love. Her connection to the area, paired with her professional expertise, positions her to lead with both heart and clarity.

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Lauren McBain as Development Director, effective July 14, 2025. This new role was created through the Donor Stewardship Project, a 2025 priority triangle initiative, and is key to advancing Midwest Food Bank’s 2030 Strategy.

Lauren will focus on stewarding and developing Major Donors across Illinois, working closely with our Illinois divisions while also supporting efforts in East Africa and Haiti.

Through Lauren’s leadership, Midwest Food Bank will continue to strengthen donor partnerships and expand our mission of sharing the love of Christ through food relief and disaster relief. Her work directly supports our 2030 Strategy and ensures we remain steadfast in serving those in need.

Lauren brings 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, and fundraising, most recently serving as a Major Gift Officer at the OSF Foundation. Her heart for our mission and her desire to serve God make her well-prepared for this role.