Carmen Del Guercio Announces Plan to Step Down as CEO of the Maryland Food Bank After Eight Years of Leadership

Carmen Del Guercio in suit standing with arms crossed in warehouse

National search underway as Del Guercio prepares for June 30 transition, leaving a legacy of growth and impact

The Maryland Food Bank today announced that Carmen Del Guercio will step down as chief executive officer after eight years of leadership. Del Guercio will remain in the role through June 30 to ensure a smooth transition while the organization conducts a national search for its next leader.

Over his years as CEO, Del Guercio has guided the Maryland Food Bank through transformational growth, two strategic plans, and unprecedented challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic – all while ensuring the organization continues to build a more accessible, resilient and equitable food system for all Marylanders.

Under his leadership, the Maryland Food Bank has made a significant impact, including the distribution of 52 million pounds of food annually, which equates to more than 43.5 million meals or 119,000 meals per day. Recognized in 2024 with awards from Anthem, the Baltimore Business Journal and The Daily Record, Del Guercio has implemented initiatives to address the root causes of hunger for Marylanders facing food insecurity through technical and life skill-building culinary training, workforce development partnerships, a grant program promoting systems-level change, neighbor-led advocacy work, and support services access. The food bank graduates 100 students annually through its workforce development efforts. Its innovative Farm2Food Bank program provides access to healthy, locally grown produce often out of reach for food-insecure Marylanders.

“Leading the Maryland Food Bank has been the greatest honor of my career,” said Del Guercio. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and am confident the organization will continue to thrive in the years ahead.”

The food bank’s board of directors has initiated a search process, engaging executive search firm Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group Company, to identify internal and external candidates.

“Carmen has been a visionary leader, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication to innovation and cultural transformation,” said Terry Squyres, chair of the Maryland Food Bank’s board of directors. “We are so fortunate he chose to bring the expertise and passion gained from a career steeped in purpose to the Maryland Food Bank. His leadership has positioned our organization for continued success, and we want to express our immense gratitude to him for choosing the food bank as a significant stop on his journey. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.”

Del Guercio plans to spend time with friends and family and explore new opportunities. The organization will share updates on the transition in the coming months.