Black Leaders in Central Florida: Derrick Chubbs

Under Chubbs’ leadership, Second Harvest dispenses approximately 300,000 meals a day.

Photo by Roberto Gonzalez

In 2022, Derrick Chubbs embarked on a mission to reshape the landscape of hunger relief in Central Florida, stepping in as President and CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida (SHFB). His arrival heralded a new era for this pivotal non-profit organization, casting a beacon of hope across seven counties plagued by the shadow of food insecurity.

Addressing the Hunger Crisis

Central Florida, a region marred by a daunting statistic—over half a million people uncertain about their next meal—found a dedicated advocate in Chubbs. Under his stewardship, SHFB became more than a food bank; it emerged as a lifeline. With a workforce of 160 and the support of countless volunteers and over 600 partner agencies, the organization now dispenses approximately 300,000 meals daily, a monumental feat in the battle against hunger.

When asked about his work, Chubbs said “In addition to our direct services and programs, I actively engage the community by coordinating with over 40,000 volunteers annually. My responsibilities extend to fostering collaborative relationships with corporations, individuals, foundations, elected officials at local, state, and national levels, as well as strategic partnerships with entities such as Feeding America, Feeding Florida, and other nonprofit and hunger-relief organizations. This multifaceted approach aims to maximize our impact in addressing food insecurity.”

Derrick Chubbs President And CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank Of Central Florida

A Track Record of Excellence

Chubbs’ journey to SHFB is marked by significant milestones. His tenure as President and CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin is particularly noteworthy. Here, he steered the largest hunger-relief body in Central Texas, catering to 21 counties. This role was a testament to his ability to navigate complex challenges and spearhead large-scale humanitarian efforts.

Diverse Expertise

Chubbs’ diverse career trajectory is as remarkable as his humanitarian work. His near-decade of service with the American Red Cross saw him ascend to National Vice President for Disaster Workforce Readiness and other significant roles. This period honed his leadership skills, preparing him for the multifaceted challenges at SHFB. Prior to his non-profit endeavors, Chubbs’ 15-year tenure in the technology sector, with giants like IBM and Dell, provided a solid foundation in strategic management and operational efficiency.

A Celebrated Figure

Chubbs’ impact resonates beyond the confines of food banks. His efforts in community building and leadership have been recognized widely. He was an honoree at Onyx Magazine’s “Men of Honor” event and has received accolades like the “Integrity Award” from Austin 1st Tee and the “Legend of the Year Award” from the 4ATX Foundation. These honors reflect his influence and dedication to societal betterment.

Impact on the Black Community

Chubbs’ work holds particular significance within Central Florida’s Black community. Chubbs explained that “in addition to our core mission of ensuring access to nutritious food for individuals facing food insecurity in our community, we are dedicated to the establishment of initiatives aimed at “shortening the line.” An exemplary program in this endeavor is the Second Harvest Culinary Training Program.”

This comprehensive 16-week continuing education initiative provides adults confronting employment barriers with essential culinary and life skills training. The program equips participants to pursue sustainable, full-time careers in the food industry. To date, Second Harvest has successfully graduated nearly 500 students, boasting an impressive 93 percent placement rate in meaningful employment within the culinary sector.

Looking Ahead

Derrick Chubbs stands as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in Central Florida. His multifaceted approach to tackling hunger, combined with his diverse background and leadership acumen, has positioned SHFB as a cornerstone in the fight against food insecurity. His legacy, undoubtedly, will be one of profound impact and enduring community upliftment.

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