Feeding Southwest Virginia names new CEO

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ/Feeding SWVA Release) - Feeding Southwest Virginia has appointed Gina M. Crumbliss as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2026, according to the organization.

Crumbliss succeeds Pamela Irvine, who announced she will retire at the end of 2026 after founding the regional food bank 45 years ago. Feeding SWVA says Irvine will support the leadership transition through the end of the year.

“Leading Feeding Southwest Virginia has been a privilege, and I am deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who have shared in this work,” said Irvine. “Their commitment to our neighbors is what makes this organization strong. I look forward to welcoming Gina, introducing her to the people who make our mission possible, and supporting her as she begins this important work.”

The appointment of a new CEO follows a national search led by a task force of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors with support from Armstrong McGuire and input from staff and other stakeholders, according to the organization. The task force’s recommendation and the Board’s selection of Crumbliss as the new President and CEO were unanimous.

“We are deeply grateful to Pam for 45 years of leadership and dedication to our neighbors and for building Feeding Southwest Virginia into the organization it is today,” said Jim Pearman, Board Chair. “We are confident in Gina’s ability to build on that legacy. Her food bank leadership experience and commitment to strong community partnerships will serve our region well, and she has the unanimous support of our Board as she leads this work forward.”

“I am honored to join Feeding Southwest Virginia and work alongside a team so dedicated to helping neighbors access the nutritious food they need,” said Crumbliss. “I look forward to learning from our staff and partners, getting to know the communities we serve, and building on the work Pam has led. Together, we can strengthen those relationships and help more families thrive.”

A statement from the organization reads:

Crumbliss brings leadership experience in hunger relief, fundraising, finance, and community partnerships. As President and CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, she led an organization serving 20 counties across Tennessee and Georgia, expanding food distribution and strengthening philanthropic support. Her work has included healthcare partnerships connecting nutritious food with better health and programs that give neighbors more choice in the food they receive.

Irvine will help transfer institutional knowledge and introduce Crumbliss to key partners and supporters through the end of the year. Beginning November 1, Crumbliss will hold responsibility for the organization’s executive leadership.