Experienced nonprofit executive, entrepreneur, and community leader selected to guide statewide hunger-relief organization
ALBANY, NY (June 29, 2026) – The Board of Directors of Feeding New York State the statewide association representing New York’s ten Feeding America food banks, today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Cooper as its next Executive Director. Cooper will lead the organization’s efforts to strengthen hunger-relief programs, advance public policy solutions, and support the statewide network of food banks serving communities across New York. She will begin her role on July 13, 2026.
Cooper brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the nonprofit, public, private, and military sectors. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA), where she led a regional nonprofit serving 14 counties across northern New York and oversaw strategic planning, fundraising, advocacy, financial management, and organizational leadership.
A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and holder of an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Cooper has built a career marked by service, innovation, and mission-driven leadership. Her experience includes military service in the Air National Guard, management consulting, community development, healthcare philanthropy, and entrepreneurship as founder and owner of Coffee Fever.
Following a national search conducted in partnership with executive search firm Ascendant, the Feeding New York State Board of Directors unanimously selected Cooper to lead the organization and work alongside the leaders of New York’s ten Feeding America food banks to advance a shared vision of a hunger-free New York.
“Elizabeth is joining Feeding New York State at an important time for our organization and the communities we serve,” said Mark Bordeau, Chair of the Feeding New York State Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.
“Across New York, food banks continue to experience unprecedented demand while navigating significant challenges in the hunger-relief landscape. Elizabeth brings the leadership experience, strategic vision, and collaborative approach needed to help guide our statewide network forward. The Board is confident she will be a strong advocate for New Yorkers facing hunger and an outstanding partner to our member food banks.”
Cooper said she is honored to have the opportunity to join Feeding New York State and serve alongside New York’s ten food banks.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to join Feeding New York State and advocate for New York’s ten food banks. Throughout my career, I have been inspired by organizations that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, and there are few missions more important than ensuring families have access to the nutritious food they need. I look forward to meeting the many partners, advocates, volunteers, and community leaders who work to strengthen food security. I am also eager to explore innovative approaches to food recovery and distribution that can help maximize resources, reduce waste, and create new opportunities. This is an exciting new journey ahead and I’m grateful for the trust the Board has placed in me.”
The Board also expressed its appreciation to Kathleen Stress, who has served as Interim Executive Director since August 2025.
“Kathleen’s leadership over the past year has been invaluable to Feeding New York State,” said Bordeau. “She stepped into the Interim Executive Director role during a period of transition and led the organization with professionalism, stability, and a deep commitment to our mission. On behalf of the Board and New York’s ten food banks, I want to thank Kathleen for her exceptional service. We are grateful she will continue to serve Feeding New York State as Deputy Director and remain an important member of our leadership team.”
About Feeding New York State
Feeding New York State is the unified voice of New York’s ten Feeding America food banks. Through advocacy, collaboration, and partnership, the organization works to advance policies and programs that help create a hunger-free New York. Together, New York’s food banks provide food and support to communities in every region of the state through a network of thousands of community partners.
Media Contact:
Mark Bordeau
Chair, Board of Directors
Feeding New York State
mark.bordeau@foodbankst.org
607-796-6061
