Giving Kitchen Announces Appointment of First-Ever CEO, Allison Padilla-Goodman

Giving Kitchen, a James Beard Foundation Award-winning nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance and a network of community resources to food service workers in times of crisis, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Allison Padilla-Goodman as our first Chief Executive Officer. Allison joins us from the Anti-Defamation League, where she served as Vice President of the Southern Division.  
 
With an impressive background in fundraising and managing regional and national expansions, Allison's experience aligns perfectly with our vision for growth. Her empathy, leadership, and congenial nature make her an excellent cultural fit for Giving Kitchen.  

COO Brooke Kamke, Founder Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, and CEO Allison Padilla-Goodman

Bill Brewster, Chair of Giving Kitchen’s Board of Directors, expressed: “After a three-month national search, Allison stood out to our search committee as being a perfect fit for GK’s culture and as the right person to lead our national expansion. With our ultimate goal being to help every food service worker in crisis in the U.S., we now are even better positioned – with GK’s Stability Network and financial assistance program – to develop the partnerships and raise the funds to make that possible.”  

Allison also shared her excitement: “For 10 years, I have passionately led the fight against hatred and discrimination in the American South. It is the honor of a lifetime to now be fighting for an entire community, rather than against a negative force. I am honored and humbled to bring my energy and experience to an organization as important as Giving Kitchen, and I can't wait to build a community where crises are met with compassion and care."  

For more information about Allison Padilla-Goodman and her work history, please visit Giving Kitchen’s staff page.