Meals on Wheels West Appointed Interim Director
The Santa Monica nonprofit has named Len Lanzi as interim executive director following Kaylee Hawkins's resignation.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
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Meals on Wheels West has tapped former Board Chair Len Lanzi to lead the organization on an interim basis. This transition follows the resignation of Kaylee Hawkins, who left her post to pursue a new opportunity at another nonprofit.
Why it matters
The leadership change arrives as the organization continues its mission to support local residents across Santa Monica and surrounding communities. Maintaining stable operations remains a priority while the board initiates a search for a permanent leader.
Len Lanzi brings 30 years of nonprofit management experience to the role, while the organization previously reported the delivery of over 200,000 meals last year.
The players
Len Lanzi
He is the current interim executive director and the former Board of Directors Chair for the organization.
Kaylee Hawkins
She served as the executive director of the organization starting in August 2025 before resigning to join another nonprofit.
Meals on Wheels West
This nonprofit organization provides essential meal delivery services to residents throughout the Santa Monica area.
The details
The board of directors selected Lanzi to ensure continuity after Hawkins, who began her tenure in August 2025, stepped down. The organization serves various coastal communities, including Venice, Marina del Rey, Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu.
Timeline
Kaylee Hawkins began her tenure as executive director in August 2025.
The organization delivered more than 200,000 meals throughout the previous year.
The leadership change was announced on September 29, 2026.
The board plans to share details regarding the formal search process in the coming weeks.
Market Landscape
The organization's decision to appoint a former board chair as an interim leader follows standard governance patterns for maintaining institutional continuity during executive turnover. This practice aligns with broader industry standards for nonprofits managing leadership gaps to prevent service disruptions.
Clients of the organization should experience no change in their daily meal delivery services during this transition. Residents who rely on the program can expect continued operations while the board conducts its search for a permanent director.
The takeaway
The appointment of an experienced interim leader helps the organization maintain its focus on essential service delivery to the community. Proactive transition planning remains vital for nonprofits to uphold their commitments to local residents during periods of executive change.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership transitions, visit People.
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