Jon West Will Lead Atlanta Community Food Bank
The board of directors appointed the longtime executive to serve as the organization's interim chief executive officer.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Atlanta Community Food Bank will appoint Jon West as interim Chief Executive Officer beginning Nov. 2, 2026. This leadership change follows the departure of current CEO Kyle Waide, who is moving to become President and CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc.
Why it matters
The transition ensures continued oversight for an organization that coordinates a massive network of nonprofit partners across the region. West, who has been with the food bank for 17 years, will lead the operation while the board selects a long-term successor.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank operates a network encompassing 700 community-based nonprofit partners across 29 counties. Jon West brings 17 years of experience within the organization to his upcoming role.
The players
Jon West
He currently serves as the vice president of partner relations at the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Kyle Waide
He is the current Chief Executive Officer who will transition to become the President and CEO of Downtown Atlanta Inc.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
This regional organization manages a distribution network of 700 nonprofit partners across 29 counties.
The details
The board of directors initiated the leadership shift as outgoing leader Kyle Waide prepares to head Downtown Atlanta Inc. To facilitate a smooth transition, Waide will continue providing guidance to the organization through Nov. 12, 2026.
Timeline
Jon West began his career at the food bank 17 years ago.
Jon West will assume his new duties on Nov. 2, 2026.
Kyle Waide will conclude his advisory role on Nov. 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
The board's appointment of a long-tenured internal candidate as an interim leader follows standard nonprofit executive succession planning best practices to maintain continuity during a transition. This internal promotion stabilizes the organization while the board explores long-term leadership options.
Residents and partner organizations should expect operational continuity as the food bank manages its 700-member network during the transition. Service levels and regional support remain anchored by the existing staff and the interim leadership team.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates the importance of internal talent development in ensuring mission stability for large regional nonprofits. Having an experienced leader step into the role minimizes potential disruptions to ongoing food security efforts in the 29-county service area.
What happens next
Jon West will officially take office as the interim Chief Executive Officer on Nov. 2, 2026, and Kyle Waide will finish his advisory tenure on Nov. 12, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the /business/people/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rough Draft Atlanta.
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