Derrick Chubbs

Derrick Chubs

  • What does your organization do?

    The mission of the Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. To fulfill that mission, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of about 300 Partner Agencies and mobile food pantries, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Though headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas—an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. Through social services programs and nutrition education courses, we also help clients access nutritious food and promote healthy eating habits.

  • How did you become interested in this work?

    During my 20 years in the for-profit technology sector, I served on several non-profit boards focused on humanitarian missions. I found such personal gratification in serving the community that I decided to transition full time. My first non-profit role was CEO for the American Red Cross of Central Texas. Making that transition was the best decision that I have ever made; and I haven’t looked back since.

  • What drives your passion?

    Being an advocate/voice for those who simply do not have one.

  • Do you have a mentor or a role model?

    I have been fortunate enough to have had several mentors, role models, and executive coaches - in both the corporate and non-profit roles.

  • What's the biggest challenge in your work?

    Managing the potential anxiety associated with meeting the critical needs of clients – and fact that as Austin/Central Texas continues to grow; those needs are becoming much greater.

  • What's the best advice that you have ever received?

    While sitting on a non-profit board, I was once told that in order to motivate volunteers you needed to learn how to “compensate” them. And you compensate them by learning how to appeal to their “hearts”.

  • What are your top tips for new Executive Directors?

    1. You MUST believe in the mission. If not, your tenure will likely be short lived.
    2. It should be a practice to partner with other organizations. Resources are limited and by leveraging other orgs you have an opportunity for a broader reach, which should result in the ability to serve more clients.
    3. Learn to disconnect or have down time away from the organization. It’s the only way that you can rest and recharge. Your organization needs you at your best – and so do those clients that depend on you.