Leadership at CFBNJ

Elizabeth McCarthy has been a leader in shaping and implementing programs that address immediate critical needs, as well as providing the tools and support to effect long-term positive impacts on communities. Elizabeth joined The Community FoodBank of New Jersey in July of 2023.

From 2011 to 2023 Elizabeth served as the CEO of Sheltering Arms, which addressed the effects of social inequity for children and families in the most challenged New York City communities. The organization provided wraparound services for families living in poverty, including education, mental health, and violence prevention programs. She chaired the Board of Directors of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA),was the Treasurer of The Developmental Disabilities Services/Child Welfare Collaborative, LLC, and was a Board member of The Children’s Collaborative, Inc.

Prior to joining Sheltering Arms, Elizabeth served as COO at MercyFirst, Senior Vice President for Programs at Safe Horizon, an Adjunct Professor at NYU Wagner School, an Assistant Commissioner in the New York City Department of Homeless Services, and as Chief of Staff in the Mayor’s Office of Operations. She has an MBA in Public and Nonprofit Management from Yale University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Boston College.

Cara Gabris is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in food distribution, nutrition education, and program management. She is a Registered Dietitian and holds an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, an MS in Family and Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics from Lamar University, and a BS in Dietetics with a minor in Spanish Language from Michigan State University. Cara’s career is marked by her strategic approach to enhancing food access, particularly in underrepresented communities. She has held key roles at the Houston Food Bank, where she successfully directed distribution strategies, managed logistics for large-scale food programs, and developed innovative home delivery services. Most recently, Cara has served as a Distribution Consultant at CFBNJ within the Network Relations team. 

Gerald Maloney joined CFBNJ in January 2022 as Vice President of Finance and became Chief Financial Officer in July 2023. Gerald provides strategic oversight to CFBNJ’s Finance, Accounting, and IT operations. Prior to joining CFBNJ, Gerald held similar senior positions in for-profit organizations, most notably Vonage, a pioneer in providing internet telephone service, where he was part of the team that transitioned the Company from a Private Company to a Public Company through an initial public offering (IPO). Gerald received his financial training at Ernst & Young (E&Y). He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Gerald is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in New York.

Michelle Karem is a seasoned fundraising executive with extensive experience in major gifts, institutional giving, board development, and events. Her strategic and results-driven approach has increased support for numerous non-profit organizations, allowing them to better serve their communities. Michelle is dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need by identifying resources that help individuals thrive. Before joining CFBNJ, Michelle was the Director of Institutional Giving at Children’s Aid, where she led fundraising strategies for foundations and corporate partners. Previously, she served as the Director of Development for an arts-in-education non-profit and worked as a sought-after development consultant, partnering with organizations including the Prospect Park Alliance, Harmony Program, Pilobolus Dance Theater, Room to Grow, and others.

Jeannie Fournier provides strategic development and leadership for CFBNJ’s programs focused on providing nutritious food to meet immediate needs as well as efforts to shorten the line and create food security. Jeannie has built and led large-scale programs for over 16 years, most recently serving as Senior Director at Food Bank For New York City, where she oversaw nutrition and capacity-building efforts at schools and community-based organizations citywide. Jeannie is a graduate of William Paterson University and a Master Certified Health Education Specialist.

Terrence oversees talent management and human resources compliance at CFBNJ. He’s led high performing teams for over 20 years for organizations like the ACLU, OTG Management, Johnson & Wales, and The New York Times Company in senior leadership roles in human resources, development and operations. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University, a Master’s in Human Resources from Troy University, and a Doctorate from William James College.

Renee is Associate Vice President, Events, Marketing, and Communications, where she offers a unique, dynamic combination of tenacity and warmth that lends itself to strong, long-term relationships with donors and business partners. Previously, Renee created success in event marketing at the American Heart Association in Essex and Morris Counties. Her leadership and account management skills developed in the early days of the Internet, where she managed advertising relationships, analyzed data regarding banners and email campaigns and worked on predictive modeling. Renee enjoys working at non-profits, where the objective is to help people reach their needs and provide for themselves and their families.

Walter Wallace is an accomplished supply chain and operations leader with over 20 years of experience driving major initiatives across diverse logistical sectors. He has consistently delivered strategic value through a focus on innovation, transformation, and operational excellence.

Walter’s natural inclination to serve others not only enhances his leadership style but also brings meaningful impact to those who work alongside him.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and has been a dedicated Lean Six Sigma practitioner for over 20 years. Walter is honored to apply his expertise to purpose-driven work.

Adele LaTourette is AVP of Policy & Advocacy.  LaTourette comes from Hunger Free New Jersey, where she served as Director for over 40 years, forging productive relationships with policymakers at all levels and championing transformative legislation that has expanded school breakfast, increased SNAP eligibility, provided food assistance to more low-income seniors, and more.  Named in Senator Weinberg’s “Powerful Women of New Jersey” every year since 2018, Ms. LaTourette was also the recipient of the DC based Food Research and Action Center’s prestigious “Wellstone-Wheeler” Award in 2007.