A Simple Gesture Introduces Core Staff and Board Focused on Food Recovery

A Simple Gesture has publicly identified its core staff and board as it doubles down on food recovery operations and volunteer coordination in Greensboro. The lineup names leaders for donor relations, logistics, volunteer programs, and local outreach, providing workers and volunteers clear points of contact and operational responsibility.

Leslie Loyd serves as president and COO, bringing leadership experience from local and global health initiatives including work with the World Food Programme and nonprofit strategy. Karen Brudnak-Slate is director of development and High Point outreach, applying a background in educational publishing to efforts focused on childhood hunger. Laura Oxner leads food recovery, connecting surplus-food donors with vetted recipient partners and championing a "feeding not wasting" approach to move edible food quickly and safely into local hands.

On operational fronts, Maria Purcell directs the Green Bag donor program, coordinating donors and volunteers as a Greensboro native; Mike Ruff manages food recovery logistics, handling donor and receiver partner onboarding and safe processes; Jan Swanton, who joined ASG in November 2021, is operations manager with prior experience in financial management and local outreach. Sheri Dupuis provides media, marketing, and food recovery support while helping communities start ASG chapters. Jean Rochelle coordinates SHARE and volunteers, drawing on years as a retired elementary teacher and long-time program driver. Intern Madison Beaudoin represents emerging talent from North Carolina A&T. The board is chaired by Dr. Vicki Foust, with additional board members supporting governance and strategic oversight.

For employees, volunteers, and partner agencies, the staffing clarity can reduce duplication, speed decision-making, and strengthen safety and compliance on pickups and deliveries. Clear roles for donor- receiver onboarding and logistics mean volunteers will have more consistent training and drivers will work under standardized safety processes. Fundraising and outreach responsibilities are centralized under development leadership, which may lead to steadier volunteer recruitment and stronger ties to school and community partners.

The organization also highlights partnerships with national and regional hunger-relief organizations such as Feeding America, Second Harvest, and ReFed, reinforcing pathway options for larger-scale redistribution while keeping local networks active. Contact information for direct inquiries is provided: email asimplegesturegso@gmail.com, phone 336-547-7000, and the organization operates from 3503 Redington Drive in Greensboro. Program links and schedules include the Green Bag schedule, Food Recovery, and SHARE for those looking to volunteer, donate, or start a chapter.

For workers and volunteers, the new staff map offers a clearer chain of command and routine for everyday operations, and signals that ASG is positioning itself for expanded, safer, and more coordinated food recovery activity in the community.