OCEAN COUNTY – Former Lt. Gov Kim Guadagno had found a home at Fulfill during a time when the community needed it most, but now she has stepped down from the leadership role.
“It was a privilege and an unexpected challenge to guide the organization throughout the pandemic. During these last two years, we expanded services and programs, served over 215,000 residents and families in the Monmouth and Ocean area, and served as a stabilizing force for those who needed food, financial assistance, job training, and more. I want to credit my team who were fearless throughout, the volunteers without whom we could not keep up, and the many donors who made this happen for supporting our work and my leadership,” she said.
Guadagno is a partner with the law firm of Connell Foley and will return to her law practice.
After eight years as New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor in modern times, she was chosen by Republicans to run for the state’s top spot, ultimately losing to Phil Murphy. She spent two years as CEO of Fulfill, which was formerly the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The name was changed to Fulfill to reflect the fact that the organization provides more than just food.
During those two years, the organization was recognized with a number of awards. These were challenging years, because the demand for food was even greater. Fulfill served 3.5 million more meals than the year before the pandemic. It awarded more than $2 million to food pantries and feeding agencies impacted by COVID-19, she said. The restaurant program served half a million meals while participating restaurants were supported during this difficult time. A partnership served more than 20,000 meals through a collaboration with local hospitals.
Under Guadagno’s tenure, the organization closed a $1.5 million budget gap, installed solar panels, assumed management of The People’s Pantry at the B.E.A.T. Center in Toms River, and had sponsors donate services and materials to expand Fulfill’s service driveway and lot for delivery vehicles.
Local leaders worked with Guadagno and Fulfill on at least a weekly basis, and gave thanks to her when they heard she was moving on.
There are four pantries in Berkeley that Fulfill helps, Mayor Carmen Amato said. In addition to this, Fulfill provides meals for people in need every Tuesday at the recreation building on Route 9.
“We’re extremely disappointed to learn she’s stepping down,” he said, recalling how she was always a phone call away if they needed help with anything.
“This is a very difficult job to do pre-pandemic,” and it’s become even more challenging now that there are so many more people in need, he said. “Without Kim’s leadership, I don’t know if any of this would be possible.”
Berkeley Councilman John Bacchione said it was a sad day and asked for a resolution demanding that the board of directors decline her resignation, a symbolic gesture to show the support of Berkeley’s governing body.
Berkeley Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich has helped run a food bank for eight years. It takes place on the fourth Friday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the senior clubhouse located at 631 Jamaica Boulevard.
“Every month, she made sure that the seniors had all the essentials,” she said. “She knows what people need.”
Toms River Councilman Terrance Turnbach said that without her, the township would not be in week 58 of the free food distribution.
“We are sad to see you leaving, and will be forever indebted to you for helping our township through this pandemic,” he said. He posted a photo of her helping out during the second week of the pandemic food distributions. The township had run out of food and Guadagno called them back to Fulfill and loaded boxes into their truck to make sure no one went without.
According to Fulfill, “Kim Guadagno will complete her term on May 5, 2021, and will be returning to her private law practice. Effective May 6, 2021, Chief Operating Officer Jim Kroeze and Director of Development and External Relations Linda Kellner will serve as interim Co-CEOs while the Board of Trustees conducts a formal search for a new executive leader.”
The NJ Globe cited sources within the organization with information about the proceedings who wished to remain anonymous. They reported that the former lieutenant governor was “ousted” due to political reasons, such as endorsing someone against party lines and challenging the Monmouth County Commissioners on failing to provide certain COVID-19 relief funds to Fulfill. The commissioners said she did not fill out an application, while she said she wrote letters to the commissioners and spoke to them about the need.
