New leaders for two non-profits feeding the hungry

In greeting a new leader and bidding farewell to another long-time team member, the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano’s front door swung both ways to begin 2020.

The board recently named Joel Sjostrom as the new president and CEO. But as ink on that announcement dried, Caitlin Sly said she was leaving to head the Diablo Region of Meals on Wheels. She is the daughter of retiring Food Bank executive director Larry Sly.

“This is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for community service and blend it with my professional business experience to grow this incredible organization,” Sjostrom said. “I look forward to continuing the momentum toward the Food Bank’s 50th anniversary and beyond.”

A long-time Contra Costa County resident, Sjostrom was the CEO of Fairn & Swanson, one of the largest wholesalers and retailers in the American duty-free and travel retail industry.

“This is the first time I have been able to be fully dedicated to a mission-driven organization,” he said, adding that his experience with building teams and processes will be valuable.

He intends to focus on advocacy and accelerating the momentum to serve unmet needs. Sjostrom believes the Food Bank’s efforts as a safety net are in danger from the Trump administration. “Cuts to these programs would threaten food insecure residents, and that would put a considerable strain on Food Banks,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the board lauded Sly, a major driver who officially joined the Food Bank in 2008. She led a highly effective team overseeing 10 programs, agency relations and CalFresh Outreach.

Sly, who starts her new job Jan. 21, sees Meals on Wheels as a great fit for her. “I have a real passion for working with seniors.”

She says society overlooks the senior population, so it can be difficult to raise money for that demographic. “That is an injustice that I really want to work on.”

The non-profit does more than just deliver meals, she added, pointing to new offerings like health, cooking and exercise classes. “Meals on Wheels is about promoting the social connections so that a person is not isolated,” Sly said.