Capital Area Food Bank President Stepping Down

Austin, TX - Monday, members of the Capital Area Food Bank, including now former President and CEO David Davenport, were proud to show off the Wheels of Sharing mobile food pantry. The vehicle can deliver food to families in rural areas. By Friday, the agency announced a major change in leadership.

"David Davenport has resigned as president and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank," Matt Dow, chair of the board of CAFB, announced to reporters.

Dow would not say why Davenport stepped down, just that he and the board had reached an amicable agreement regarding his resignation. Dow went on to praise the job Davenport has done since becoming CEO in March of 2008.

"David is a warrior when it comes to fighting hunger and we've done a lot of great things with David at the helm."

After being asked about employee happiness and any possible misuse of funds during Davenport's time there, Dow did admit that there had been a complaint about the misuse of a Capital Area Food Bank credit card. Board members concluded that around $1,200 needed to be reimbursed on that credit card, and that the matter was taken care of. Dow would not say if the complaint was made against Davenport.

"There isn't any financial misappropriation as far as we have seen and I think the work place is a healthy one if you look at our accomplishments. I'm not going to talk about personnel issues," he added.

Board member Hank Perret has been named Interim President and CEO while the search is conducted for Davenport's replacement.

"I've been fortunate to be involved with the food bank for seven years. I retired from the private industry 7 months ago and I have the time and desire to want to step in when the food bank needs me now," says Perret.

Both Perret and Dow say the Food Bank will continue to meet the needs of its 350 partner agencies and the thousands of Central Texas families it serves.

"One person doesn't make an organization," said Dow.

Perret told FOX 7 he does not want to take the job permanently.

The CAFB had its highest demand and distribution numbers ever in July, serving about 2.2 million meals.