After nearly seven years with Food Bank of Alaska, Chief Programs Officer Anthony Reinert is beginning a new chapter as he and his wife, Becky, move out of state.
Anthony joined FBA in October 2019 as SNAP Outreach Manager. Just a few months later, the COVID-19 pandemic changed nearly everything about how people accessed food and public benefits. During that difficult time, Anthony helped lead the SNAP outreach team with steadiness and care, making sure Alaskans could connect with the support available to them.
He also led FBA’s outreach and application assistance for Pandemic EBT, helping more than 12,000 families access this critical benefit during a time of increased need.
Expanding programs statewide
Anthony’s role continued to grow. He was promoted to Director of Programs and later became Chief Programs Officer in 2024. Across each role, he helped expand programs statewide, strengthen partner relationships and support FBA’s work in rural and remote communities..jpeg?width=2608&height=1882&name=Image%20(3).jpeg)
Anthony oversaw the implementation of the Meals to You summer pilot, which dramatically increased the number of meals FBA provided to children during the summer months. He also helped grow the organization’s reach into more rural communities, expanding access in places where distance and transportation can make food distribution especially challenging.
Responding in moments of crisis
Most recently, Anthony served as FBA’s VOAD lead during the Typhoon Halong disaster response, helping coordinate the Food Bank’s role in supporting communities and partners during a time of urgent need.
He also helped launch and grow the Anti-Hunger Network Conference, which now brings together nearly 100 statewide partners each year to learn from one another, share resources and strengthen the network of organizations working to address food insecurity.
Bringing humor to hard work
While Anthony’s work had a serious and lasting impact, those who worked alongside him also knew him for his humor, warmth and ability to bring levity into the everyday.
“One of my first memories of working with Anthony was during my tour of the warehouse,” shared Gillian McPherson, Child Nutrition Manager.
“As we made our way through the building, we stopped to check the warehouse traps. Right before we headed downstairs to start the tour, Anthony pulled out an authentic trapper’s coonskin hat, put it on and said with a grin, ‘We’re going to check the trap line.’ That simple moment perfectly captured who Anthony was. He had a gift for bringing whimsy and laughter to even the most routine tasks. It was one of the many ways Anthony made work more enjoyable and reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously.”
During the early part of the pandemic, when Anthony and Becky had to cancel their original wedding plans, Food Bank staff came together in true FBA fashion. Instead of a traditional venue, they got married in the warehouse, surrounded by coworkers who were honored to celebrate with them. It became one of those unforgettable Food Bank moments: practical, heartfelt, and full of love.
Building up the people around him
Anthony’s impact was felt not only in the programs he led, but also in the people he supported.
“Anthony’s leadership brought out not only our individual strengths, but also our strength as a team, and I don’t know that I would be the employee or person I am today without him,” shared Chelsea Donohue, Manager of Senior Programs.
He also leaves behind a few traditions and signature phrases that will almost certainly outlast his time here. Hot Dog Friday, a grand tradition, will live on. And for anyone who ever came to Anthony with a process problem, a request for a form or a slightly chaotic operational need, chances are they heard the now-classic response: “There’s a Formstack for that.”
Thank you, Anthony
Anthony leaves behind a strong legacy at Food Bank of Alaska. His leadership helped shape programs, support partners and strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to both everyday food insecurity and moments of crisis.
We are grateful for Anthony’s nearly seven years of service, leadership and heart. While we will miss his steady presence, thoughtful leadership and occasional trapper-hat-level commitment to the bit, we are excited for Anthony and Becky as they begin this next chapter.
Thank you, Anthony, for everything you have given to Food Bank of Alaska and to the communities we serve.
