Feed the Children Names Long-Time Officer to Organization's Top Post

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Feed the Children announced today that its board of directors has promoted long-time Chief Operating Officer, Travis Arnold, to fill the role of president and chief executive officer.

"Travis has been a strong voice of leadership and stability within our organization for many years," said Mike Hogan, Feed the Children board member since 2013. "He embodies the corporate experience and organizational commitment needed to successfully lead our global nonprofit forward. We are pleased to have him serving as our top executive."

Arnold has a broad and varied background of experience in operations, transportation and executive leadership. He has served 16 years with Feed the Children, and previously, more than 20 years with United Parcel Service (UPS).

Through his tenure with Feed the Children, Arnold has served cumulatively three and a half years as interim president and CEO, ensuring organizational continuity and focus on its philanthropic mission through periods of change. As the organization's chief operating officer, Arnold applied his years of corporate experience to the nonprofit sector. He not only brought effective budgeting processes to Feed the Children, but he also guided facilities and logistical solutions that have improved efficiencies spanning from the organization's Oklahoma City headquarters to its five U.S. distribution centers and 10 international offices. Through Feed the Children's work with partner agencies in fiscal year 2016, 105 million pounds of food and essentials were distributed worldwide, benefiting nearly 6 million people globally.

"Travis' promotion was supported unanimously by our board of directors," said Hogan, chair of the board's audit committee as well as executive vice president/chief marketing officer at GameStop. "A current compensation study is being conducted and his annual compensation is still being negotiated. However, it is expected to be in the range of $350,000. This is lower than the 50th percentile in CEO compensation of comparably-sized, U.S.-based nonprofits."  

Arnold is a steadfast advocate of operational efficiency and effectiveness. Together with his team, he implemented an inventory system at Feed the Children that today is fast, efficient and accurate. On average, Feed the Children maintains approximately $80 million of inventory. Within a day, the nonprofit can produce a comprehensive inventory report with 99.98 percent accuracy, above world class standards of 98 percent. This is especially significant when a natural disaster strikes and the organization must quickly assess its inventory and mobilize its disaster response team. 

"Travis has earned the trust of the Feed the Children board of directors time and time again," said Gregg Yeilding, Feed the Children board member since 2010. "His actions have demonstrated a committed and heartfelt passion for our mission. He has been there to hand out food boxes, he's met with recipients and he's witnessed firsthand the impact Feed the Children is making each and every day."

Feed the Children deploys 80-85 percent of its resources domestically. Its mission is to provide hope and resources for those without life's essentials.  It delivers on its mission by providing food, books and supplies for education, essentials such as personal care items, and responsive, compassionate disaster relief.  It is consistently ranked among the largest international charities in the United States, based on private, non-government support.

"I grew up in Oklahoma – it's my home. Feed the Children has had a special place in my heart for many, many years," said Travis Arnold. "We are very proud of the role we play in the daily fight against hunger. It has been a great privilege to be a part of our ongoing work to feed bodies, minds and futures, and I'm honored and humbled to now be serving as the organization's president and CEO."      

Arnold's new role is the latest in a long line of management and executive responsibilities at Feed the Children. During that time, he served as president of Oklahoma City-based FTC Transportation, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Feed the Children as well as its core carrier, with operations in all 48 contiguous states. The company and its drivers have consistently been recognized locally and nationally for its excellence in safety.   

While at UPS, Arnold held several management positions within operations, training and development, health and safety, business development, and human resources.

About Feed the Children

Established in 1979, Feed the Children exists to defeat hunger. It is one of the largest U.S.-based charities and serves those in need in the U.S. and in 10 countries around the world. It provides food, education, essentials and disaster response. Domestically, it operates five distribution centers (located in Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Tennessee and Pennsylvania).

In fiscal year 2016, through its domestic and international programs, Feed the Children distributed 105 million pounds of food and essentials worldwide with a total value of $415 million, working with partner agencies to benefit 5.9 million people globally. It is accredited by GuideStar Exchange and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.

Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information.

Elizabeth Logan – 405-945-4174
Elizabeth.logan@feedthechildren.org

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SOURCE Feed the Children