Corey Evatt
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank on Monday announced two key additions to its leadership team, intended to strengthen its data-driven approach and fundraising efforts. Corey Evatt has been promoted to the newly created role of director of Data Insights & Innovation and Ghyrn Wakefield has been appointed as chief development officer.
The food bank distributes groceries to people who are food insecure across 20 counties in Tennessee and Georgia, working with over 250 hunger-relief partners. These strategic personnel investments come as the organization reckons with some changes to the federal funding landscape. Funding reductions have resulted in the cancellation of 13 food shipments which were scheduled to arrive between April and July. The Local Food Purchase Assistance program, which allocated over $1 million to local farmers and producers in the food bank’s 20-county region, has also been cancelled.
Changes to the federal tax code which were recently signed into law will change SNAP eligibility, benefit calculation, and administrative funding that may cause a reduction in federal nutrition assistance for many families.
Mr. Evatt, previously serving as partner services manager at the food bank, brings a knowledge of analytics, user experience, community building and project management to his new role as director of Data Insights & Innovation. Mr. Evatt also serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority. In his new capacity, Mr. Evatt will lead the food bank’s efforts to leverage data for enhanced decision-making and innovation.
Mr. Wakefield joins the food bank with extensive and diverse managerial and executive experience, including over 14 years as a nonprofit executive director. Most recently, Mr. Wakefield served as executive director for Hope + Life Church in Auburn, Wa., where responsibilities included overseeing a $400,000 annual budget, leading fundraising initiatives, and managing a $1.5 million facility renovation. Mr. Wakefield's background also includes experience as a director of Operations at Stone Church and as an educator in Hamilton County Schools. Mr. Wakefield will be instrumental in leading the food bank’s development strategies and fundraising efforts.
“These strategic personnel investments will allow us to expand our base of supporters and ensure that every dollar is utilized to its fullest potential to meet the needs of our neighbors,” said Melissa Blevins, CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “Corey's data insights will help us maximize the resources we do have, allowing us to serve the greatest number of people efficiently. Ghyrn's proven fundraising and relationship-building skills are essential as we continue our vital work of strengthening food security in our community.”
Ghyrn Wakefield