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Harvey Zernial
Southeast Texas Food Bank announced the promotion of Harvey Zernial to President and CEO of the organization, according to a press release announcement the end of June. Zernial, a Lumberton resident, is a former board chairman and served as a board member for 15 years before joining the Food Bank as its Director of Programs in 2017.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue to help my neighbors in Southeast Texas by leading a great team that already shares the same passions and goals,” Zernial stated. “I truly want to continue the growth of the food bank and assist more people in the goal of eliminating hunger here.”
According to the Food Bank announcement, Zernial brings 40 years of experience in the retail grocery business, having worked for Market Basket, Kroger, and HEB Grocery Co., where he retired as a general manager of one of the largest stores in the Houston Division.
“Harvey is the right leader for the Southeast Texas Food Bank,” said Damon Vacek, Chairman of the Board for the local food bank. “Harvey’s extensive background in the retail grocery business and his close working relationship with our partner agencies and donors will result in a smooth transition. The board and I believe his strong leadership and experience will have a substantial impact toward achieving our mission to lead the fight against hunger in Southeast Texas.”
Zernial has also served as a board member on many other community organizations, such as the Young Men’s Business League, Gift of Life, Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Lumberton Education Foundation, and the Lumberton School Health Advisory Council.
“My mother always told me that rewards of great effort are not always in dollars, but in the smiles and hope you may instill or give to others,” Zernial said. “These types of rewards are the ones that define me and possibly create the biggest change both in my life and those impacted by my efforts.”
Zernial and his wife of 33 years, Alejandra, have three children.