Food Secure Nation Episode 10: The Leadership You Don't See (But Can’t Succeed Without)

This Week's Episode

Everyone sees the front lines of hunger relief—but who’s aligning the system behind it?

In this episode, Joree Novotny and Mandy Pullaro share how state associations quietly connect policy, partnerships, and people to move entire networks forward. If food insecurity is a systems problem, this conversation reveals where real alignment—and real progress—actually begins.

Food Secure Nation · FSN_The Leadership You Never See – Partner State Associations and Their Influence

On This Episode

Most people think they understand how hunger gets addressed in America. They picture the pantry. The food bank. The volunteers packing boxes. But this episode of Food Secure Nation reveals something bigger. Featuring Joree Novotny and Mandy Pullaro, this conversation shines a light on the leaders working behind the scenes—the ones connecting entire systems so thousands of organizations can move as one. And once you see it… you can’t unsee it. Joree and Mandy don’t just talk about programs—they talk about people, purpose, and the moments that made this work personal. From childhood experiences to life-altering challenges, their stories remind us that food security isn’t theoretical—it’s deeply human. But here’s where the conversation takes off: They unpack the role of state associations—the connective tissue of the food security ecosystem:

The ones who bring partners to the table
The ones who turn conversation into coordinated action
The ones who can see the gaps no one else can see
And the ones who step in—fast—when it matters most

You’ll hear how:

A state can mobilize resources overnight during a crisis
Innovation at the local level can reshape national policy
And how leadership at scale isn’t about control—it’s about alignment

This episode makes one thing unmistakably clear: Food security doesn’t happen because one organization works harder. It happens when an entire system works better—together. If you’ve ever wondered why progress can feel slow… or what it really takes to move the needle… This conversation will change how you see the work. And once you hear it, you’ll understand: The future of food security isn’t just about feeding people— it’s about connecting the system that makes it possible.

Good work is happening everywhere—but without alignment, it stays fragmented. The role of a state association is to help that work move together.

Joree Novotny

This Week's Guests

Joree Novotny

Executive Director, Ohio Association of Food Banks

Joree Novotny leads the Ohio Association of Food Banks, where she works at the intersection of policy, partnership, and large-scale food distribution to strengthen food security across the state. A respected voice in the national hunger relief network, Joree is known for aligning diverse stakeholders—from food banks to government leaders—around practical solutions that improve access and outcomes for families. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to systems change, ensuring that resources move not just efficiently, but with purpose and impact.

Mandy Pullaro

Chief Executive Officer, Feeding Colorado

Mandy Pullaro serves as CEO of Feeding Colorado, where she brings together a statewide network of food banks to advance coordinated solutions to hunger. With a strong focus on collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, Mandy helps bridge the gap between local service and statewide strategy. She is recognized for elevating the role of state associations as critical connectors—turning shared insight into unified action that strengthens the entire food security system.