Topic: Program Consistency

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This Week's Episode

In this episode of Food Secure Nation, Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson welcome Jason Jakubowski, president and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, for a conversation about leadership, trust, and the power of doing hard things well.

Jason shares the story behind merging two legacy food banks into one unified statewide organization—an effort that strengthened efficiency, amplified impact, and created a single voice for fighting food insecurity across Connecticut. More than a story about structure, this episode highlights what happens when courage, competence, and mission come together to better serve families and communities.

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On This Episode

In this episode of Food Secure Nation, Phil Knight and Gerry Brisson sit down with Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, for a compelling conversation about leadership, trust, and what it truly takes to drive meaningful impact in the nonprofit sector.

At a time when nonprofits are being tested not just on their intentions—but on their competence—Jason’s story stands out. He shares the journey behind one of the most significant structural decisions in recent food banking history: the merger of two long-standing food banks into a single, unified organization serving the entire state of Connecticut.

What makes this story powerful isn’t just the outcome—it’s how it was done. Grounded in a clear and disciplined commitment to “what’s best for the people of Connecticut,” the merger required leaders to set aside history, ego, and institutional identity in favor of mission. The result is a stronger, more efficient organization—saving $1.8 million annually, reinvesting those dollars directly into service, and creating a unified voice that strengthens partnerships with donors, government, and the communities they serve.

But the real impact goes beyond efficiency. Connecticut Foodshare now distributes approximately 47 million meals annually, reaching every corner of the state with greater consistency and coordination. The merger has enabled faster response to crises, stronger donor confidence, and a more effective system designed around people—not geography or legacy structures.

Jason also reflects on the deeper lessons of leadership—how culture is built over time, why people matter more than process, and how trust is earned through action, especially when decisions are difficult. His perspective reinforces a central theme of the show: trust and competence are not separate ideas—they are inseparable, and together, they determine whether progress is possible.

This episode is more than a conversation about organizational change. It is a case study in what happens when leaders align around mission, commit to doing the hard work, and follow through with discipline. It’s a reminder that the path to a food secure nation will require not just good intentions, but bold decisions, shared purpose, and leadership willing to put the community first.

We made a commitment early—no winners, no losers. Just what’s best for the people of Connecticut.

Jason Jakubowski

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This Week's Guests

Jason Jakubowski

Jason Jakubowski is the President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, where he leads a unified, statewide effort to address food insecurity across all 169 communities in Connecticut. Under his leadership, two legacy food banks were successfully merged into a single organization—an ambitious move that strengthened efficiency, expanded impact, and created a more coordinated response for families in need.

In addition to his leadership at Connecticut Foodshare, Jason has spent more than two decades teaching political science at both the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. His work in the classroom keeps him connected to emerging leaders and evolving perspectives, reinforcing a leadership style rooted in continuous growth.

Jason Jakubowski

President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare

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Jason Jakubowski

President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare

Jason Jakubowski is the President and CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, where he leads a unified, statewide effort to address food insecurity across all 169 communities in Connecticut. Under his leadership, two legacy food banks were successfully merged into a single organization—an ambitious move that strengthened efficiency, expanded impact, and created a more coordinated response for families in need.

Jason’s path into food banking reflects a lifelong commitment to service. Raised in a family grounded in education and social work, he was instilled early with the responsibility to give back to the community. His career spans public service, higher education, and healthcare, including roles in government relations and serving on city council—experiences that shaped his ability to navigate complex systems and build meaningful partnerships.

In addition to his leadership at Connecticut Foodshare, Jason has spent more than two decades teaching political science at both the University of Connecticut and Central Connecticut State University. His work in the classroom keeps him connected to emerging leaders and evolving perspectives, reinforcing a leadership style rooted in continuous growth.

Known for his emphasis on people and culture, Jason believes that strong organizations are built through trust, shared purpose, and relationships that endure through challenge. His leadership reflects a commitment to collaboration, bipartisan engagement, and ensuring that the work remains centered on those experiencing food insecurity.

Jason’s approach demonstrates that when mission, discipline, and trust come together, organizations can evolve, communities can be better served, and meaningful progress becomes possible.

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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.

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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

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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.

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