Fred C. Wasiak

 

Food insecurity has grown and changed in recent years. And so has the Food Bank of South Jersey, thanks in part to the leadership of President & CEO Fred C. Wasiak.

Wasiak joined the Food Bank in 2018, not knowing what the next few years would bring: a global pandemic, the most significant increase in food insecurity in decades, record inflation, and the list goes on. But, through it all, Wasiak and his leadership team changed and evolved the structure of the Food Bank to meet the needs of both its communities and its employees.

The Food Bank, which serves about 60 communities in the four counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem, has doubled in size since the beginning of the pandemic, from the number of employees to the neighbors served each month.

Beneath his friendly and easygoing exterior is an unwavering determination to make the Food Bank of South Jersey better. With more than 35 years of executive management experience, Wasiak has prioritized the organization’s culture of belonging and inclusiveness, which is built on mutual respect and dedication to meeting the Food Bank’s mission. Wasiak has taught those around him the critical qualities of emotional intelligence and mindfulness, leading the Food Bank to become a more welcoming and inclusive organization, allowing FBJS to be more impactful in the fight against hunger.

Over the years, Fred has served numerous nonprofit organizations on their boards of directors. Prior to joining the Food Bank, Fred was owner/principal of Humanics Consulting, where he provided consulting, training, coaching and development services for board, staff, and nonprofit organizations. He also served 27 years in several YMCAs spanning from New York to New Jersey and worked for Goodwill Industries of New Jersey and Philadelphia, initiating their community-development program.

Wasiak holds a Master of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Organizational Management/Leadership from Springfield College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Niagara University. He resides in South Jersey with his wife, Betsy, and they have three wonderful children and three fabulous grandchildren.