KNOXVILLE — Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee announced Rachael Ellis as its next CEO on Tuesday, with her tenure set to begin June 27. Elaine Streno will retire after serving as CEO for 33 years, having announced her retirement plans in March.
Ellis has worked with Second Harvest for more than a decade, expanding fundraising efforts and helping the organization serve its 18-county region. She played key roles in multiple crisis responses, including operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery coordination after Hurricane Helene, and responses to severe winter weather events.
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee into its next chapter,” Ellis said. “This mission is deeply personal to me because these communities are home. I believe strongly in the future of this organization, the strength of our team, and the partnerships that make this work possible every day.”
She added that Elaine Streno built an incredible foundation over the past 33 years and expressed gratitude for her leadership and mentorship.
David Owens, Chair of the Board of Directors, praised Ellis’s record and vision. “Rachael has demonstrated a deep commitment to our mission, our staff, and the communities we serve,” he said. “She leads with compassion, innovation, and accountability, while also bringing a strong vision for the future of Second Harvest.”
Streno also expressed support for her successor. “Rachael cares deeply about this mission and the people we serve,” she said. “Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to watch her lead with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to our communities.”