Jan Pruitt
President & Chief Executive Officer

Recognized throughout both the state and the nation for her advocacy efforts on behalf of families in need, Jan Pruitt serves the North Texas Food Bank as Chief Executive Officer. Committed to providing North Texans in need with adequate nutritious food, Pruitt leads this nationally acclaimed nonprofit organization that has been recognized locally and nationally for its effectiveness.

In fact, in 2010 Jan was awarded with the John van Hengel Fellowship from Feeding America, the national network of food bank’s highest award to an individual for their contributions in advancing the art and science of food banking.

Prior to assuming the president and CEO role in 1997, Jan served for two years as executive director of the Texas Food Bank Network where she coordinated activities among 18 of Feeding America’s member food banks in the state of Texas. For 11 years, Pruitt was Executive Director of Lancaster Outreach Center, a North Texas Food Bank agency that provides direct service to low-income families.

From February to August 2007, Pruitt served as interim Chief Operating Officer at Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, while continuing to run the North Texas Food Bank. Jan was selected by Feeding America’s CEO Vicki Escarra to help with the selection of the new COO, and Jan split time between Dallas and Chicago. In September 2007, Pruitt was bestowed the Presidential Recognition of the Year award from Feeding America. The Presidential Recognition of the Year award is given by the CEO of Feeding America to an executive director of a member food bank who has contributed an extraordinary effort to the network’s viability and momentum. In November 2007, Jan was given the Award of Excellence in Non-Profit Leadership by the Center for Non-Profit Management.

A frequent speaker on issues of hunger and social justice, Jan Pruitt serves on a number of key national and regional organizations, including:

• Member, Board of Directors, Feeding America, Chicago Illinois
• Member, Board of Directors, North Dallas Shared Ministries
• Member, Board of Trustees, Three Square Food Bank, Las Vegas, Nevada
• Member, Board of Advisors, Dallas Center for the Performing Arts
• Co-Chair, Technology Governance Board, Feeding America, Chicago Illinois
• Past Chair, National Council – Feeding America (2005-2007) Chicago Illinois
• Past President, Board of Directors, Texas Food Bank Network
• Past President, Women’s Council of Greater Dallas County, Dallas Texas (2005-2007)
• Member, Leadership Dallas, Class of 2001
• Member, Leadership Texas, Class of 2009

Jan Pruitt and her husband Charles reside in Red Oak. They have four grown children.

Imagine … a World Without Hunger