Seven nationally recognized leaders join HATCH’s Board as the organization prepares for its next stage of national scale
Carmel, IN, Dec. 16, 2025 — In a record year marked by 100 million protein-rich meals delivered to families nationwide, hunger relief organization HATCH today announced a significant expansion of its Board of Directors, designed to support the organization’s rapid growth and long-term vision. This announcement comes as HATCH accelerates toward its 1–2–3 Vision, striving to deliver one million protein meals every day, double access to high-quality protein across the charitable food system, and triple nationwide understanding of how protein fuels family and community health.
Guided by the leadership of Board Chair and Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons and Board members Susanne Wasson, Tim Hassinger, Bailey Rayford, Alan Dorantes, Sam Krouse, Tony Wesner and Mitch Frazier, HATCH has successfully recruited seven nationally recognized leaders to join its Board of Directors. Beginning in 2026, the following individuals will begin their term with the HATCH Board: Mitch Daniels, former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President; Chuck Conner, former United States Secretary of Agriculture; Donnie Smith, former CEO of Tyson Foods; David Ahlem, former CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company; Sue McCloskey, co founder of Fair Oaks Farms; Rob Sheffer, CEO of Zinpro Corporation; and Dr. Jayson Lusk, Vice President and Dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University.
“Crossing 100 million meals this year shows what is possible when purpose, partnership and innovation come together — and with these exceptional leaders joining our Board, we’re setting the direction for what’s next,” said Jeff Simmons, HATCH Board Chair. “Each new Board member brings expertise in food systems, agriculture, public policy and scale operations that will accelerate our mission to ensure every family in America has access to high-quality protein. Their leadership strengthens our foundation at exactly the right time, as we prepare for an ambitious 2026 strategy. With this expanded Board, HATCH is positioned to scale more rapidly, serve more communities and deepen our impact nationwide.”
“With a 31% increase in partnered food banks and more than 100 million meals delivered year to-date, HATCH is growing through a repeatable, sustainable model designed to serve communities consistently,” said Danny Leckie, CEO of HATCH. “The expertise of our new Board members will be critical as we continue to close the protein gap and meet an urgent national need at scale.”
• Mitch Daniels – Daniels, former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President, will offer HATCH valuable leadership through his years of experience with strategic transformation and knowledge in policy, higher education and public service.
• Chuck Conner – Conner brings unparalleled agricultural insight from his tenure as Acting Secretary of Agriculture and former CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. He will advise HATCH on policy, strategic change, and the partnerships that unlock deeper connection with America’s farmers.
• Donnie Smith – Smith, former CEO of Tyson Foods, will provide HATCH with transformational food industry experience and drive innovative solutions to fight food insecurity.
• David Ahlem – Ahlem, former CEO of Hilmar Cheese Company, joins HATCH with extensive expertise in technology and supply chain management that will be critical to scale HATCH’s national operations.
• Sue McCloskey – McCloskey, widely recognized for her leadership in agricultural innovation and co-founder of fairlife milk, will bring immense value to HATCH as it deepens partnerships across the protein sector, with a special emphasis in dairy.
• Rob Sheffer – Sheffer, CEO of Zinpro Corporation, brings a wealth of experience in the animal health and nutrition space, as well as elevating operational rigor and guiding organizations through innovation and scalable growth.
• Jayson Lusk – Lusk, a leading agricultural economist and Vice President and Dean of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University, will support HATCH in strengthening its impact framework and guide measurement strategies.
In addition to an expanded Board, HATCH has established key governance committees to provide strategic guidance, financial oversight and strong fiduciary leadership. As HATCH enters 2026, this strengthened Board and governance structure will guide national expansion, enhance supply chains, and increase protein distribution, ensuring the organization continues to meet growing community needs efficiently and sustainably.
To keep up with all HATCH news, updates and announcements, please visit HatchForHunger.com.
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About HATCH
Founded in 2015, HATCH is on a mission to make lasting access to complete nutrition a reality for every community. Through partnerships with hunger relief organizations nationwide, HATCH helps deliver fresh, high-quality protein to families who need it most—creating stability, dignity, and nourishment where it’s often hardest to find. Click here to learn more. Follow HATCH on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
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