Forgotten Harvest CEO Stepping Away; National Search Begins for New Leader

Kirk Mayes
Kirk Mayes

OAK PARK, Mich. – Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes announced he’ll step away from his position by the end of the year, prompting a national search for his replacement.

Forgotten Harvest, which is embarking on the next evolution of its mission to reduce hunger and food insecurity in metro Detroit, has the search for its next CEO to build on the non-profit organization’s tremendous growth and transformative momentum.

Mayes said he’ll remain onboard as CEO until Dec. 31, and will continue spearheading the strategic initiatives currently underway.

“This change in leadership is an excellent opportunity for Forgotten Harvest to deepen the sophistication and impact of the mission in metro Detroit,” Mayes said. “Forgotten Harvest has a terrific vision for the community to make a real difference in reducing food insecurity in metro Detroit.”

Forgotten Harvest officials are “deeply proud” of what was accomplished during Mayes’ tenure. The organization has grown into a leading non-profit, and recently opened an innovative food distribution and volunteer center which will be used to reduce hunger and improve health outcomes even more effectively.

The new campus and distribution center is a pillar in Forgotten Harvest’s strategic plan and will enable increased volumes and other activities designed to:

  • Provide a healthier, more nutritious mix of food for food-insecure families, children, and seniors in metro Detroit;
  • Increase distribution to under-served communities and improve service, quality and reliability to partner agencies; and
  • Provide a more equitable distribution to food-insecure residents in the community.

Since 2007, Forgotten Harvest’s service to the community has grown exponentially and its rescued food volume has more than quadrupled. In 2021, Forgotten Harvest made more than 1 million distributions to metro Detroiters in need.