Earlier this month, Glenn Bergman, general manager of Weavers Way for 11 years, announced that he is leaving the food co-op to become the executive director of Philabundance, the region’s largest food bank. Bergman helped to expand the co-op to 5,200 members and 155 staff, as well as increase annual sales from $4.5 to $20 million.

Bergman will take over on June 1 for interim executive director of Philabundance, Mark Bender. Bender took the position after Bill Clark, who ran the organization for 13 years and was known for his aggressive approach to running the nonprofit, resigned in July of 2014.

“My reason for taking the position at Philabundance is to see if I can help make a difference in reducing food insecurity in our city and region,” Bergman said in a letter to staff and Weavers Way owner-members. “An opportunity was put in front of me that started me thinking that perhaps it is time for me to move on and give someone else the opportunity to run this fantastic organization.”

In a post on Weavers Way’s website, Bergman said he plans to stay connected to the co-op through owner committees or the Board of Directors. He said he also plans to rejoin the board of Weavers Way’s nonprofit, the Weavers Way Community Programs.

“Glenn Bergman has a strong understanding of the connections between hunger, food access, health, poverty, and economic policy, and he is eager for Philabundance to take a lead role in advocating for change in our community,” said Murvin Lackey, chairman of the Philabundance board, in a press release. “This, combined with his deep industry knowledge, makes Glenn uniquely qualified to lead the organization into the future.”

Jon Roesser, Weavers Way’s human resources director, will take over as interim general manager while the Weavers Way board searches nationally for a permanent placement.

Image via Philabundance

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