Richard Ayoub, shown hugging one of Project Angel Food’s clients in November, will guide the organization as its new chief executive officer. (photo courtesy of Project Angel Food)

After six years of serving as executive director of Project Angel Food, Richard Ayoub has been promoted to chief executive officer.

Project Angel Food prepares and delivers more than 1 million medically-tailored meals each year to over 2,400 critically ill people. Ayoub has been appointed CEO during an unprecedented time of growth for the organization, which has increased enrollment over the past two years during the COVID-19 crisis.

When Ayoub joined Project Angel Food in 2015, the organization was $400,000 in debt. Under his leadership, Project Angel Food has flourished, doubling the number of clients from 1,050 to over 2,400. The organization’s annual budget has increased from $3.8 million to $8.3 million, and its staff has grown from 31 to 75 full-time employees.

“Through each challenge we have grown [with] the need,” Ayoub said. “I’ve been inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, community leaders and benefactors big and small who have stepped up to meet every obstacle with a resolve so powerful that the impossible became possible time and time again.”

Tim Robinson, the newly elected chairman of Project Angel Food’s Board of Directors, praised Ayoub’s leadership.

“What is clear as we look to the future of Project Angel Food is that Richard has the wisdom, leadership skills and heart to rise to the challenge of meeting record-setting demand on our services, and sustaining our ability to meet that need today and into the future,” Robinson said.

Ayoub announced that Project Angel Food is also expanding its leadership team, adding Bill McDermott in the newly created position of director of special projects. McDermott will be responsible for exploring an expansion of Project Angel Food’s facilities and building a major donor program and legacy program. McDermott, considered one of the top fundraising professionals in the country, has served for the past two years as chief development officer for GLAAD in New York City and previously led the development department at the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

“At this critical juncture in our history, I’m thrilled to have Bill join Mark McBride, director of philanthropy, and Mindy Glazer, director of institutional giving and strategic partnerships, in a development dream team to fund our vital work today and into the future,” Ayoub added.

The Project Angel Food Board of Directors includes Robinson; Robin Fujimoto, first vice-chair; John Sonego, second vice-chair; Charles Frazier, treasurer; and Steven Entezari, secretary. Jason Ball continues in a leadership role as chair emeritus.

For information, visit angelfood.org.