DERRICK CHUBBS

PRESIDENT & CEO, SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL FLORIDA, ORLANDO

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has almost 200 employees providing approximately 300,000 meals daily across seven counties. Under Chubbs’ leadership for the past three and a half years, it has expanded its geographic footprint and introduced educational programs empowering individuals towards self-sufficiency.

EDUCATION: Georgia State University (BBA), University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley (MPA)

FIRST JOB: Working at the new McDonald’s that had just opened up in our little town.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I’ve always been fascinated by the role of an orchestra conductor. While pursuing that path is no longer a practical option for me, and my musical skills are limited, I deeply admire the way conductors lead and unify diverse talents to create powerful, harmonious performances.

HOBBY: Outside of academic requirements, my reading has primarily focused on non-fiction. This year, as a personal growth initiative, I’ve chosen to explore fiction as part of my passion project.

INDUSTRY TREND: The rise of generational poverty. As the disparity between wages and the cost of living continues to grow, an increasing number of families — and their children — are falling into poverty with few clear pathways to recovery.

SOMETHING SURPRISING
“Many are surprised to learn that I am, in fact, quite shy.”