With great excitement and optimism, we announce the appointment of our new Executive Director, Andrew Crispin, who began in this role at the beginning of this month.
Andrew joined BFN in 2022 and enters this role with a wealth of professional experience and a personal connection to our mission. Raised in a low-income household in Manchester, New Hampshire, Andrew understands the critical role of food security in our lives. He has lived the reality that many of our community members face every day, making him a passionate and empathetic leader for our organization.
His academic achievements as the first in his family to graduate from college and then pursue a master’s degree set the foundation for a diverse career that spans multiple sectors. Andrew’s professional journey includes significant roles in the hospitality industry, academia, public health, and healthcare. His international experience teaching English and working on farms in Japan enriches his perspective on community nourishment and education.
When the pandemic struck, Andrew’s commitment to addressing food insecurity led him to work with Off Their Plate in Boston, where he demonstrated his ability to manage complex partnerships and lead teams. He moved to Berkeley in 2021 and continued his role as the Off Their Plate executive director, where he professionalized the organization.
His tenure at Berkeley Food Network began in May 2022. Starting as the Distribution Programs Manager, Andrew spearheaded efforts to streamline operations, standardize procedures, and elevate the voices of those we serve. His ability to forge deep and meaningful connections with our stakeholders has been pivotal to our impact. In partnership with the Board of Directors, Andrew led the BFN staff and team through the founding executive director’s retirement. He has continued to strengthen relationships with key community stakeholders and ensure BFN remains committed to providing food assistance with dignity.
We are confident that Andrew is the right person to lead BFN into its next chapter as he brings his dedication and strategic vision to continue the fight against food insecurity in our community. On behalf of BFN’s Board of Directors, please join us in welcoming Andrew Crispin as the new Berkeley Food Network Executive Director.
We are grateful for your ongoing support, which enables us to make a difference in the lives of so many. Together, with Andrew’s leadership, we will continue to work towards a future where no one in our community has to worry about their next meal.
