News
May 17, 2023Regional Food Bank Names New CEO
After conducting a broad national search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Tom Nardacci has been selected as the next CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. He succeeds Molly Nicol who served as the leader of the Food Bank since 2021. Nicol announced her retirement effective August 1, 2023.
Board Chair Suzanne Gunther said, “The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is at an exciting time in its history. The organization has developed a five-year strategic plan to ensure equitable access to nutritious food to meet the needs of people struggling with hunger in all parts of our 23-county service area. In addition, the Regional Food Bank is breaking ground on a new distribution facility in the town of Montgomery in Orange County. These two major initiatives are essential for advancing the Regional Food Bank’s mission. We feel confident Tom Nardacci is the perfect CEO to lead the organization forward. Tom brings a unique set of skills to the role. He will be a CEO who empowers, inspires, supports, and guides the incredible team we have working here and a CEO who can focus on outside connections and drive growth through fundraising, advocacy, communications, and relationship-building. The Board is eager and excited to work with Tom during this very important time for the Regional Food Bank.”
Tom Nardacci is a Capital Region community leader best known for his businesses Gramercy Communications and Troy Innovation Garage, as well as his civic and volunteer involvement. Tom sold Gramercy, which he founded in 2005, to The Martin Group in 2021. Nardacci said that while he will retain private ownership of his real estate holdings, he will step back fully from day-to-day management and from all related industry work.
When asked about his thoughts on leading the Food Bank, Tom Nardacci said, “I am incredibly honored to join the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and to put all of my energies and skills to work to help meet the needs of children, families, seniors and individuals who are hungry in our community. The Food Bank board, staff, volunteers, agency partners, donors and community leaders have all worked incredibly hard over the past few years to adapt and meet the complex challenges people in the 23-county service area are facing every day. The last few years have shown us all the urgency of food insecurity and how quickly things can change for people. In addition to an incredible expansion at the Food Bank, driven by the pandemic and other hardships, the board, staff and Molly Nicol worked conscientiously to put together a new strategic plan that will further broaden the Food Bank’s programs and services and strengthen organizational capabilities. I look forward to joining this extraordinary organization at this important time, helping to implement these new plans and drive innovation at a time of growing demand.”
“I am confident that Tom, our highly skilled leaders and incredible, dedicated staff will take the Food Bank to new heights in the coming years,” said Molly Nicol. “With the strategic plan as a guide and with the leadership of Tom Nardacci, the Food Bank will continue to make strides against hunger, prevent food waste and nourish our neighbors in need.”
Nardacci earned his master’s degree from Columbia University and his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. Tom grew up in Rensselaer, NY where his grandparents owned and operated Nardacci’s Broadway Food Market for 50 years. He is a long-time resident of Colonie, NY.
He will begin his role on August 1.
