Meet our leaders
Food For The Poor (FFTP) is a nonprofit organization at the forefront of poverty relief efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean for over four decades. Our leadership team of experienced executives is committed to driving intelligent, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions to the complex issues of poverty and hunger.
FFTP has raised over $18.2 billion in aid since its founding in 1982. We are a trusted charity known for our financial transparency and accountability. In 2023 we raised nearly $454 million of noncash gifts-in-kind and cash revenue, of which 89% directly funded our programs (education, health care, basic needs, and community support and development).
We are grateful for the continued support of our donors and volunteers. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of millions of people in need.
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ed Raine, President and Chief Executive Officer, leads Food For The Poor (FFTP) one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the nation. Ed works closely with his executive leadership team to execute priorities in direct support of the charity’s mission to provide relief, recovery, and resilience to help impoverished families in Latin America and the Caribbean.
EVP & Chief Development Officer
Michelle Gollapalli, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer, is responsible for leading Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Major Gifts, Donor Relations, Foundations, Planned Giving, and Business Development departments.
EVP & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mark Khouri, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is a seasoned leader providing strategic direction for the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustained growth of Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) major operations, including Gifts in Kind (GIK), Projects, Purchasing, and Shipping & Logistics.
EVP & CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Vivian Borja, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, is responsible for leading Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) communications, marketing and digital channels. Vivian joined FFTP in 2022 with more than 15 years of experience in integrated marketing campaign development, digital advertising, communications planning, and analytics.
EVP & Chief Strategy & Impact Officer
Nicolás Argüello, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Impact Officer, oversees all aspects related to Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) program strategy, quality assurance, project design, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.
EVP & GENERAL COUNSEL
Gail Hamaty-Bird, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, is responsible for Food For The Poor’s legal matters. Gail joined FFTP in 2018. She previously served as an associate at Minerley Fein P.A., in Boca Raton, where she practiced estate planning, probate and probate litigation, trust administration, guardianships, real estate transactions and title insurance, corporate, immigration, and family law.
EVP & CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Jeff Alexander, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, is responsible for the financial, technological, and analytical oversight of Food For The Poor (FFTP). Jeff serves as the chief innovator for developing and improving systems and processes to enhance the organization’s efficiency.
EVP & CHURCH ALLIANCES OFFICER
Michael R. Chin Quee, Executive Vice President of Church Alliances, is responsible for overseeing Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) relationships with churches. He leads the charity’s church expansion in the United States and in the 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries where the organization works.
EVP & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Arlene Velazquez is Food For The Poor’s (FFTP) Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. She is responsible for driving the strategic transformation of the Human Resources Department to provide solutions to workplace issues that support and optimize FFTP’s culture of excellence, team member development, and organizational effectiveness.
OUR BOARD oF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors is a group of dedicated individuals who provide strategic guidance and leadership to Food For The Poor. The board is comprised of experienced professionals from various fields, including business, law, finance, and philanthropy.
Chairman of the Board
Mr. P. Todd Kennedy, Esq.
Tax and Estate Planning Attorney
Vice Chairman & Treasurer Audit Committee Member
Mr. William G. Benson.
Certified Public Accountant
Secretary
Mrs. Gail Hamaty-Bird, Esq.
General Counsel
Food For The Poor, Inc.
Director
The Right Reverend Leopold Frade, D.D.
III Bishop of Southeast Florida, Res.
Director & Finance Committee Member
Mr. Robin G. Mahfood, CD
Retired CEO
Food For The Poor, Inc.
Director & Finance Committee Member
Ms. Rhonda Maingot
Missionary Living Water Community
Director
His Eminence Óscar Andrés Cardinal Rodríguez Maradiaga, S.D.B.
Archbishop of Tegucigalpa
Honduras C.A.
Director & Finance Committee Member
The Most Rev. Burchell A. McPherson, D.D
Bishop Emeritus
Diocese of Montego Bay, Jamaica
Director & Finance Committee Member
Dr. Lynne G Nasrallah, Ed. D.
Professor of Counseling
Director
Mr. Edward Raine
President/CEO
Food For The Poor, Inc.
Director & Audit Committee Member
The Very Reverend Monsignor Honorable Gregory Ramkissoon, OJ Vicar-General, Archdiocese of Kingston Mustard Seed Communities Founder.
Director
Ms. Linda Coello
Founder and President of CEPUDO