Dan Egan brings 30+ years of experience to NYS’s network of food banks

Albany, NY – New things are happening for New York’s network of food banks. Food Bank Association of New York State has announced the hiring of its new executive director and has embarked on a new identity and name: Feeding New York State (Feeding NYS).

Feeding NYS, a not-for-profit based in Albany, helps its members—nine New York state food banks and food rescue organizations—secure donations and volunteer support, lead advocacy efforts and create strategic partnerships to alleviate hunger throughout the state. Food banks feed millions of New Yorkers each year through a network of more than 5,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other non-profit programs.

Dan Egan, most recently a division administrator at the New York State Department of Health, assumed his new role with Feeding NYS on March 4. A 31-year employee, Dan brings experience and understanding of the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP), fiscal accountability and management of statewide initiatives.

“We’re so pleased that Dan joined Feeding NYS. This will allow us to grow and flourish under his direction,” said Kathleen Stress, executive director for Food Bank of the Central New York and Chair of the Association Board. “His extensive experience aligns with our mission to ensure that every person in every community throughout New York State has access to good, healthy food.”

“Millions of New Yorkers, including one out of six children, lack access to a secure source of healthy food. Food Banks have become an important part of our economy, alleviating hunger while preventing food waste. I am proud to be a part of Feeding NYS,” said Egan.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The food bank association provides vital support to struggling New Yorkers, and I congratulate Dan Egan on becoming the new executive director of Feeding NYS. Through its nine food banks and over 5,000 soup kitchens, pantries, and shelters throughout New York State, Feeding NYS has helped millions of our state’s residents during difficult times. I look forward to working with Dan and Feeding NYS to provide assistance, services and access to healthy food to all those in need.”

Senator Neil Breslin said, “I am proud that New York State has long been a leader in helping our citizens when they are in need. I look forward to continuing that tradition, working with Feeding NYS to provide healthy food to our neighbors. Congratulations to Feeding NYS.”

New York State Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, in whose district Feeding New York State’s office is located, said, “The appointment of Dan Egan as executive director of the new Feeding NYS will help usher in a new chapter for the non-profit organization at a time when the need is greater than ever. Dan will bring a history of exceptional leadership and is a tremendous addition to the team at Feeding NYS. Feeding NYS manages a network of over 5,000 food pantries throughout New York State and provides thousands of New Yorkers with food security year-round.”

“In the City School District of Albany, we rely on our community partners at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to help us address one of the first steps in breaking the cycle of poverty: feeding families,” said Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams. “As an educator, I know that an empty stomach can keep a child from learning. Students are able to focus when they are not hungry, and that improves their academic success, which in turn increases their opportunities as they grow up.”

“Dan is a former Albany school board president who brings a wealth of passion, knowledge and experience to Feeding NYS. I look forward to working with him in his new post,” Adams said.

About Feeding New York State

Feeding NYS’s mission is to ensure that every person in every community has access to good, healthy food. We help the food banks of New York State obtain more food. We encourage donations and volunteer support. In partnership with other advocates, we support public policy aimed at alleviating the problem of hunger. Feeding NYS’s network of food banks feeds millions of New Yorkers each year with the help of more than 5,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other non-profit feeding programs.

Feeding NYS covers every county in New York state. Member food banks include: Food Bank of Western New York (Buffalo), Foodlink (Rochester), Food Bank of the Southern Tier (Elmira), Food Bank of Central New York (Syracuse), Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York (Latham), Feeding Westchester (Elmsford), Island Harvest Food Bank(Bethpage), Long Island Cares (Hauppauge) and City Harvest (New York City).

For more information about Feeding NYS, visit www.fbanys.wpengine.com.

About Dan Egan

Albany native Dan Egan has served his family and his community, raising five children and volunteering in Albany Public Schools. Dan attended Siena College and has two masters’ degrees: one in education, from the University of Massachusetts, and one in business administration from the University at Albany. His MBA thesis was entitled, “Thirty Seconds of Leadership.”

Dan has worked in the New York State Department of Health in various capacities, including the Wadsworth Laboratory and the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program. He managed the first state-supported gleaning project in New York State. In 2008, he was elected to the Albany School Board, and served as president for three years. He helped create the annual Falcon 5K fundraiser and the Albany High School JROTC program. He has worked in the Army National Guard, in a pickle factory, in warehouses, and on many house renovations.

Dan and his wife Peggy live in Albany.