Food Connects, an entrepreneurial nonprofit that delivers local food as well as educational and consulting services aimed at transforming the local food system, has announced that Lee Halpern has been named as the organization’s next executive director.
Halpern, who has served as interim executive director since March, succeeds founder and former Executive Director Richard Berkfield, who stepped down earlier this year after more than a decade of leadership.
“Lee has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission and work of Food Connects over the last three years,” said Stephanie Bonin, president of the Board of Directors. “He has shown strong leadership during a time of transition, and we believe he has both the vision and the adaptability to guide Food Connects into the future.”
Halpern joined Food Connects in 2022 as business and human resources manager. In 2024, he was promoted to deputy director, positioning him to take on the role of interim executive director. He is a magna come laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.