Food Bank of Iowa’s board of directors has appointed Tami Nielsen as its next president and CEO, the nonprofit announced today.

Her appointment follows a national search after Michelle Book retired from the role at the end of 2025. Nielsen has served as interim CEO since Jan. 1 and will assume her permanent role June 1.

She is the food bank’s fourth leader since its founding 43 years ago.

Nielsen joined Food Bank of Iowa in 2016 as a regional partnership coordinator. Since then, she has served as regional outreach manager, vice president of partners and programs and vice president of operations before becoming chief operating officer in 2023.

Tami has long demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the mission of Food Bank of Iowa, and her leadership has been instrumental in advancing our work in recent years,” said Food Bank of Iowa board chair Terri Vaughan in a prepared statement. “After thoughtful reflection, Tami chose to embrace this opportunity – and we’re deeply grateful she did. Her passion for serving others and her steady, proven leadership make her the right person to guide us into the future.”

Nielsen earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Iowa State University and pursued graduate study at the University of Iowa. She brings experience in operations, food sourcing and efficiency, and overseeing acquisition and distribution of more than 27 million pounds of food annually. In her time at the food bank, Nielsen has served as a member of Feeding America’s Disaster-Ready Midwest Region, a food bank cohort formed to prepare and better respond to the needs of disaster survivors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also helped establish partnerships with Latino and African immigrant communities, such as working with 15 pastors of African immigrant congregations, who were experiencing food insecurity, to set up a weekly food distribution hub at one of the churches.

Before Food Bank of Iowa, Nielsen worked as a retail buyer for 11 years. She began her career as a resident and family counselor at House of Mercy in Des Moines.

“I truly appreciate the time and dedication the search committee devoted to this process, and their encouragement of me to apply,” Nielsen said in a prepared statement. “I thank the committee and the board for their support as we move Food Bank of Iowa forward. “I have always deeply believed in this mission and have loved every position I’ve held at Food Bank of Iowa. I know the role of CEO will be no exception. I am humbled to be a part of this team and continue to be amazed at what we can accomplish together. Along with our partners, we will continue to make a difference for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity and help build stronger communities.”