McLimans leaving Loaves & Fishes food pantry in Naperville
The man who led Loaves & Fishes as it grew into “more than a food pantry” in Naperville is stepping down to take a new position in Wisconsin.
Charles McLimans, president and CEO of Loaves & Fishes Community Services, will work his last day for the nonprofit organization on Jan. 9 before becoming CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Megan Selck, vice president and chief development officer at Loaves & Fishes, has been named the organization's interim president and CEO to serve until a permanent leader is chosen.
McLimans, 49, took the lead of Loaves & Fishes in 2008 and said one of his most significant accomplishments during that time was moving the organization to a new facility in 2011.
The headquarters at 1871 High Grove Lane allowed Loaves & Fishes to begin offering more client empowerment services to help people provide for themselves instead of constantly needing the pantry for food.
“We've really built and enhanced the capacity of a food pantry to become a backbone organization and have a significant impact in the communities we serve,” McLimans said.
The pantry also has expanded its reach from primarily Naperville at the beginning of McLimans' tenure to now serving all of DuPage County.
“We're very sad to see Charles go, but there also could not really be a better time in terms of all the growth that he had helped us accomplish,” said Selck, who called the organization much “more than a food pantry” because of McLimans' leadership. “While we'll miss him, we know we can continue the good work he has been doing.”
Selck, 33, said she is interested in keeping the president and CEO position permanently and she is excited to begin the transition period.
“Megan is a very highly qualified and competent leader,” McLimans said. “You would have to look far and wide to find a better leader.”
McLimans is a Wisconsin native who first came to Loaves & Fishes as a volunteer in 2006. Previously, he worked as director of a foundation in New York.
“I'm a Cheesehead and born and raised in Wisconsin and happy to return to my home state,” McLimans said, adding it's bittersweet to conclude his career in Naperville. “I loved my seven years with Loaves & Fishes. A part of my heart will always be there.”