Randi Shubin Dresner

Chief Executive Officer, Island Harvest Food Bank

“I always wondered why someone doesn’t do something… and then I realized, I am somebody.” — Lily Tomlin

Randi Shubin Dresner’s four-decade career in the non-profit sector is a testament to this quote and the power of proactive, community-based leadership.

Randi was appointed President and CEO of Island Harvest Food Bank shortly after being recruited to revitalize the organization in 2001. In this role, Randi has transformed the organization from a local hunger-relief organization into a leading strategic force addressing the systemic root causes of food insecurity and its intersection with public health.

Her leadership is defined by her ability to bridge the gap between social services and clinical outcomes. This organization recognized that as a food bank, they needed to provide broader services that align their mission with programs that address the critical social determinants and drivers of health. This led to the development of thoughtful nutritional education and outreach, care management, targeted social services and specific workforce training. Notably, by creating a management team that is focused, strategically aligned and mission-centered, they pioneered the first-in-New York State “Food as Medicine" clinic initiative in collaboration with Northwell Health Systems. This program grew to also include nutrition clinics with Catholic Health, Sun River Health and Harmony Health which clearly rounded the vision and direction that expanded the organization's reach beyond simply providing food to support over 17 million meals annually. This was also accomplished through the launch of innovative programs such as a nationally recognized Workforce Skills Development Institute, SNAP outreach and enrollments services, a robust advocacy platform, an organic farm, expanded community giving gardens and more. This vision has expanded the organization's reach beyond meal distribution to real programs that address food security and poverty relief with human-centered solutions.

A seasoned executive and governance expert, Randi manages relationships across Island Harvest Food Bank with its four distinct boards and supports a network of more than 300 non-profit agencies and 400 corporate partners. Under her stewardship, Island Harvest has seen consistent 18% year-over-year revenue growth, now operating with a $45 million budget and a dedicated team of 80 staff positions and 15,000 registered volunteers. Her expertise in strategic operational planning and cross-sector collaboration has made Island Harvest a national model for forward-thinking community impact programs.

Prior to her tenure at Island Harvest, Randi held rising and senior leadership roles at many organizations including the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Henry Viscardi Center. She also broadened her expertise in the sector as a managing partner in a prominent fundraising and development consulting firm.

Randi is a recognized voice in New York's policy and academic circles, having assisted in the development of important legislation to support food security. She serves on the NYS Hunger and Food Policy Council, the Farmingdale State College Council, the Nassau Community College Foundation Board and the Women Economic Developers of Long Island. An educator at heart, she served as adjunct faculty at Long Island University and Molloy University for 25 years and continues to mentor both incoming and longtime professionals.

Randi holds an AAS in Marketing from Nassau Community College and in 2013, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from St. Joseph's College.

Randi has received countless awards and recognition including being inducted into the LI CEO Hall of Fame, presented with the Long Island Business News ICON Award, The 60 Most Influential Long Islanders and Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business and more. She was awarded the NYS Senate Liberty Award after emergency response work to 9-11 and was named Person of the Year by the Herald Community Newspapers recognizing her work responding to the Super Storm Sandy Crisis. This recognition reflects her ability to mobilize large-scale community resources, ensure community integration and remain focused on community needs and population health.

A lifelong Long Islander and resident of East Meadow, Randi remains dedicated to building sustainable pathways to health and economic stability for all members of the community.

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