LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Dare to Care Food Bank has a new CEO following a national search. Vincent James, currently Louisville Metro's chief of community building, will take the reigns in October 2021.

The Dare to Care Board of Directors, led by Board Secretary Al Cornish, selected James with the assistance of the national search firm Boardwalk Consulting. James will replace the retiring Brian Riendeau, who has led the nonprofit since 2009.

Dare to Care Board Chair and Global Community Relations Manager for Brown-Forman Carly Launius said the board is "excited to welcome Vincent to his new role." 

"Brian Riendeau and his team have created a strong foundation of service and innovation over the past decade. Vincent’s experience, wisdom and vision make him the right leader to build on this momentum and continue moving us toward a hunger-free Kentuckiana," she continued.

In his current role, James oversees a broad array of Metro departments including Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Resilience and Community Services, Parks and Recreation, Youth Transition Services and the Louisville Zoo.

“I’m honored to accept the position as president/CEO of this well-established and well-loved organization that consists of an extremely talented team and long history of dedicated donors and nonprofit partners,” said James. “I’m eager to join the Food Bank’s phenomenal staff to further its vital mission ‘To lead our community to feed the hungry and conquer the cycle of need.’ I’m committed not just to feed the line but to end the line of hunger.”

Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer weighed in on James' new title.

"Vincent was an integral member of my leadership team during some of the most challenging times in our city’s history, and I’ll be forever grateful for his wise counsel and work ethic,” he said. “A thoughtful leader and skilled convener, Vincent brought compassion and management skills to the job every day. It is fitting, and much appreciated, that Vincent will continue his life of service in another vital leadership role in our community as the CEO of Dare to Care, helping countless residents live healthy lives without hunger. We look forward to working with him in this new capacity."

Fischer said transition details will be announced later, and James will remain on the Metro team in an advisory capacity to "safe and healthy neighborhoods work."