Rise Against Hunger
Executive Leadership
"Taking action to end global hunger begins in our own hearts and neighborhoods."
- Rick Kearney,
Chief Executive Officer
Rick Kearney
Chief Executive Officer
Rick joined Rise Against Hunger in 2007 and has continued to step into new leadership and expanded role opportunities since then, applying his diverse skills and experiences in banking, teaching, ministry and missions. Beginning as a Community Engagement Manager in Eastern North Carolina, Rick launched Rise Against Hunger’s second meal packaging location and subsequently worked in logistics, distribution, operations and community engagement, as well as serving on our Executive Team.
Rick now leads our mission as CEO, and strongly believes that while passion and purpose may first draw a person to Rise Against Hunger, purpose and fulfillment will sustain them. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from UNC Chapel Hill.
"Helping those in need is a big job. It requires contribution from everyone, even accountants."
- Travis Huckaba,
Chief Financial Officer
Travis Huckaba
Chief Financial Officer
Travis joined Rise Against Hunger in 2013 and is a committed ally in the fight against food insecurity. He has worked to maximize the organization’s resources and build a financial foundation for operational success. Travis brings people, financial processes and resources together to achieve the organization’s mission.
Travis holds culinary and management degrees from Johnson and Wales University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. He’s a longtime member of the Raleigh chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, and is credentialed as a Certified Management Accountant and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. To go far, let’s go together."
- Edna Ogwangi,
Chief Programs Officer
Edna Ogwangi
Chief Programs Officer
Edna leads Rise Against Hunger’s development around strategic efforts in advancing food security, humanitarian relief response and resilience pathways. She spearheads initiatives for measuring effectiveness, impact and sustainability of all Rise Against Hunger programs globally.
A native of Kenya, Edna has worked in international development for 25+ years in the areas of economic development, food and nutrition security and non-profit management. Edna has contributed to U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Bill and Melinda Gates programs in more than 100 countries. Edna holds a Bachelors in Agricultural Economics and a Masters in International Development and Administration from Andrews University.
“Together, we will strengthen relationships with our supporters and drive lasting change for communities in need."
- Jennifer Sorenson,
Chief Donor Engagement Officer
Jennifer Sorenson, PhD
Chief Donor Engagement Officer
Jennifer leads Rise Against Hunger’s fundraising strategy and implementation, driving progress toward increased impact on global food insecurity through strategic growth in meal donations and fundraising. A seasoned leader with over 15 years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer has a proven track record for leading fundraising teams, cultivating donor relationships and developing regional and national fundraising strategies.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a PhD in Nonprofit Organization Management from Capella University.
"Together, we can grow the movement to end hunger."
- Mickey Horner,
Chief Operating Officer
Mickey Horner
Chief Operating Officer
Mickey Horner joined Rise Against Hunger in 2008 to lead community engagement growth in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has since served in many significant business development roles during his tenure. His extensive experience includes global supply chain and operations models, new volunteer and donor programs, pipeline management and forecasting, and revenue growth strategies. He has over 30 years of management experience — including 20 years in nonprofit, and a desire to leverage his expertise to impact global hunger.
Mickey earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; MBA from Wake Forest University; and holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University.
