George J. Omiros named CEO; Connie Burd to Retire
Brownsville, PA (September 20, 2021) – The Board of Directors of Food Helpers, formerly Greater Washington County Food Bank, is proud to announce the selection of George J. Omiros CFRE, CAE of Uniontown as Chief Executive Officer as of September 7.
Mr. Omiros is a nationally recognized leader with decades of philanthropic and visionary leadership experience in non-profit management, major donors, capital campaigns, special events, volunteer engagement and marketing/community relations. Prior to forming Omiros Philanthropic Advisors in May 2019, Omiros was Associate Vice President of Medicine & Health Science Development at the West Virginia University Foundation (2016-2019). Previously, he held leadership positions with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (1988-2015) culminating as National Executive Vice President (2011-2015). Other leadership positions include the American Heart Association, Western PA (1979-1988), culminating as Executive Vice President. Mr. Omiros served as District Governor of former Rotary District 7330, serving 42 Rotary Clubs in seven counties of southwest Pennsylvania.
During Connie Burd's leadership (2014-2021), Greater Washington County Food Bank transformed upon relocating to a 26,500 square foot facility and 22 acre property in Centerville in 2015 by not only providing food to people in need, but providing fresh produce through The FARM and its hydroponics initiative and involving volunteers and students in those efforts. During COVID, this was done by forming its innovative Truck to Trunk model now copied by many. Food distributed to meet this crisis exceeded over three million pounds. As a result, the food bank demonstrated how it was able to meet its motto: "So no one goes to bed hungry.”
Rebranding begun in 2019 resulted in forming Food Helpers earlier this year--reflecting a transformation of Greater Washington County Food Bank into a comprehensive and proactive food services organization where clients are also being taught healthier ways to prepare nutritious meals through the Healthy Habits Training Center and have the opportunity to buy quality items at low prices at the Country Thrift Market.
Connie Burd advised the Board of her retirement plan in October 2020, and her vision, leadership and hard work has set a high standard of selfless service for all who help the community.