As demand for food assistance continues to rise in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, All Faiths Food Bank has announced several leadership promotions across its programs and operations teams, along with new hires at the recently opened Margie’s Market by All Faiths Food Bank in Newtown. 

The changes reflect the organization’s commitment to strengthening leadership from within while recruiting a diverse, community-rooted team aligned with the populations it supports.

Kristina Richardson has been promoted to senior director of nutrition and wellness. In her expanded role, she oversees the nutrition and benefits team, food security initiatives and the organization’s BackPack and Summer Hunger programs. By aligning these efforts, Richardson will help expand access to nutritious food and critical benefits for children facing hunger.

Odella Rivas and Karen Iovino – who report to Richardson – have been promoted to food security manager. Together, they will strengthen coordination across food security initiatives and ensure assistance remains responsive, equitable and community-centered.

The organization also expanded its nutrition team with the addition of Melissa Schwartz as nutrition manager. Reporting to Richardson, Schwartz oversees day-to-day nutrition programming and helps advance education and healthy food access initiatives.

On the operations side, Chuck Wolbert has been promoted to food sourcing director. In this role, he further develops sourcing strategies to secure a stable, diverse food supply that meets the evolving needs of neighbors.

In addition to these promotions, the food bank has hired a dedicated team to lead operations and services at Margie’s Market, its new neighborhood market in Newtown.

Lindsey Trammell has joined as site manager. A lifelong Sarasota County resident and Newtown community member, Trammell brings a decade of public service experience, including a long career with the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Library, where she built strong partnerships with nonprofit and social service organizations, expanded cross-generational educational opportunities, and championed community outreach. 

Lynda Sauls has been hired as a caseworker. With more than 11 years of experience in social services throughout the Sarasota area, Sauls has focused much of her career on supporting people navigating addiction recovery – helping them rebuild their lives and rediscover hope. In her new role, she connects neighbors with essential services and community resources.

Tony Watson, a Newtown native and resident, has transitioned from the food bank’s main warehouse to serve as operations lead at Margie’s Market. Watson has been with All Faiths Food Bank since 2021, most recently as a driver, and brings deep operational knowledge along with lifelong ties to the community. He oversees day-to-day logistics to ensure the market runs efficiently and continues to meet neighborhood needs.

Xavian Donley has joined as program assistant – registration. With Newtown roots and a background in retail, customer service and warehouse operations, Donley supports guest intake and helps create a welcoming, streamlined experience for neighbors accessing the market.

“These staff changes reflect the depth of talent across our organization,” said Nelle S. Miller, president and CEO of All Faiths Food Bank. “By elevating leaders and hiring team members who understand our mission and community, we strengthen our ability to deliver food, resources and hope – today and into the future.”

In 2025, All Faiths Food Bank supported 433,632 household visits – a 25% increase over 2024 – and distributed 18.7 million meals across Sarasota and DeSoto counties, underscoring the importance of strong internal leadership and strong neighborhood-based teams to sustain and expand its impact.

Visit allfaithsfoodbank.org to learn more.

About All Faiths Food Bank
All Faiths Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Sarasota and DeSoto counties, providing millions of meals each year in collaboration with more than 300 agencies and programs throughout the community. All Faiths works not only to end hunger today, but also strives to end hunger – forever – by helping families and individuals gain long-term food security, enjoy better health outcomes and achieve self-sufficiency. All Faiths is rated four stars by Charity Navigator and is a partner of the Feeding America and Feeding Florida networks. For more information, visit allfaithsfoodbank.org.