Jeremy West's Appointment as Executive Director of Urban School Food Alliance Marks a New Era in School Nutrition Leadership

Jeremy West Takes the Helm as Executive Director of USFA

In a significant development for school nutrition, Jeremy West, who has served as the Chief of Finance and Operations for the Urban School Food Alliance (USFA), is set to step into the role of Executive Director come January 2027. This transition comes as Dr. Katie Wilson, the incumbent Executive Director, paves the way for West after a nationwide search.

A Rich History in School Nutrition

West's departure from his role as Chief of Finance and Operations leaves a legacy marked by over 20 years dedicated to child nutrition and educational nutrition leadership. His previous positions in Colorado school districts have prepared him exceptionally well for this new challenge. In particular, he has held pivotal roles, such as Director of Operations for Jeffco Public Schools in the Greater Denver Area and Assistant Director of Food and Nutrition Services for Colorado Springs School District 11.

His commitment has not gone unnoticed. Dr. Katie Wilson praised his extensive operational knowledge and national reputation, stating, "We are thrilled to have someone of his caliber ready to step into this role and continue advancing our mission on behalf of urban school food service professionals and the students they serve."

Honored and Ready to Lead

Expressing his gratitude, West remarked, "I am humbled and honored to have been selected to serve as the next Executive Director of USFA. I am excited about the opportunity to continue working alongside the Board of Directors and our amazing member districts to be a strong voice for large urban districts and the important role child nutrition programs play."

Achievements and Recognition

During his tenure with the Urban School Food Alliance, West has been instrumental in various aspects of operations, including grant management and organizational efficiency enhancements. Notably, his teams garnered accolades such as the 2016 K-12 Innovators of the Year award from Food Management Magazine, recognized for their commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.

Beyond his contributions to the USFA, West's leadership experience extends to several influential organizations. He has served as the president of the Colorado Dietary Managers Association and the Colorado School Nutrition Association, showcasing his dedication to promoting best practices in school nutrition.

Additionally, his involvement as a governor-appointed member and chair of the Colorado Farm to School Taskforce underscores his advocacy for sustainable food sourcing in schools.

Educational Background and Community Involvement

West holds an Associate of Applied Science in Food Management with Culinary Arts certification, as well as a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University-Global Campus. Residing in rural Colorado with his family, he balances his professional commitments with a strong dedication to community service.

About the Urban School Food Alliance

The USFA is a vital nonprofit network that unites large urban school districts to enhance school nutrition programs through shared resources and advocacy. Their mission is to support food service professionals as they provide nutritious and appealing meals to millions of students. As West prepares to lead the urban school food space, his vision for the future promises to be transformative, empowering urban schools to effectively manage and innovate their nutrition programs.

For more information, the Urban School Food Alliance can be found online at www.urbanschoolfoodalliance.org.