Marylandian - Maryland Food Center Authority Board of Directors Appoints Katie Zenk as Executive Director

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JESSUP, MD (June 17, 2025) ~ Jessup, MD - The Maryland Food Center Authority (MFCA) has announced the appointment of Katie Zenk as their new Executive Director, effective August 13, 2025. With a background in food systems, agricultural economics, and public policy, Zenk brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Zenk's most recent position was at the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she served as Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. She has also worked in both the public and private sectors, including on Capitol Hill and with agricultural cooperatives. In these roles, she led federal policy efforts to strengthen food supply chains and support producers.

Zenk will be taking over from Dr. Don Darnall who retired earlier this year after more than 30 years of service. During his tenure, Darnall helped MFCA become a crucial hub for Maryland's food distribution system and a model of collaboration between the public and private sectors.

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Gail Yeiser, Chair of the MFCA Board of Directors expressed her confidence in Zenk's ability to lead the organization forward. "Katie will keep the Food Center Authority moving forward with the solid team already in place in Jessup," she said. "We are looking forward to her leadership and the fresh perspective she brings as we continue building on the Authority's success."

The Maryland Food Center Authority is dedicated to strengthening Maryland's food infrastructure through public-private partnerships. As the developer and operator of the Maryland Food Center in Jessup, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the state's food supply is safe, efficient, and sustainable.

Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks praised Zenk's national experience and passion for sustainable food systems. "We're thrilled to welcome her leadership," he said.

Zenk was selected after a comprehensive search process conducted by a hiring committee made up of members from MFCA Board of Directors, including representatives from the University of Maryland, the Comptroller, and other Cabinet Members.

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Comptroller Brooke Lierman expressed her excitement about Zenk's appointment. "She brings the right set of skills and experiences to lead the next chapter of this unique and special organization in our state," she said.

Maryland Department of General Services Secretary Atif Chaudhry also praised Zenk's expertise and forward-thinking approach. "I'm proud to welcome her as Executive Director and excited to see how she will build on Maryland Food Center Authority's strong foundation, and guide them into an exciting new era," he said.

Under Zenk's leadership, MFCA will continue to focus on developing and maintaining modern, sanitary, and economically viable food distribution facilities. Their mission is to support food security and economic vitality across the state, with a goal of becoming a national model for innovation and excellence in food infrastructure. With Zenk at the helm, MFCA is poised for continued success in achieving these goals.

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