Natalie Spooner Takes the Helm as CEO of Ottawa Food Bank

Ottawa’s flagship food‑relief organization announced today that Natalie Spooner, the former Olympic gold‑medalist and interim executive, has been appointed its permanent chief executive officer. The board said the decision reflects confidence in her vision and the steady hand she’s shown over the past few months.

When the previous CEO stepped down earlier this year, the board tapped Spooner – then‑known for her hockey achievements and community activism – to steer the ship on an interim basis. In that short stint she rolled out a handful of modest but meaningful changes: a new donor‑recognition program, increased partnership talks with local farms, and a deeper push to expand the mobile pantry routes.

"Natalie's energy is contagious," said board chair Maria Chen. "She listens to volunteers, donors, and the families we serve, and she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. We believe she’s the right person to lead us into the next chapter of growth and impact."

The Ottawa Food Bank feeds roughly 30,000 residents each month, providing fresh produce, non‑perishables, and nutrition education. With rising food‑insecurity rates across the capital region, Spooner’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. She plans to launch a city‑wide campaign aimed at recruiting more corporate partners and expanding the bank’s cooking‑class curriculum – initiatives she hinted at during community town‑halls last spring.

Outside the boardroom, Spooner remains the same down‑to‑earth athlete who grew up playing on backyard rinks in Ontario. She often jokes that the hustle of a food bank isn’t all that different from a hockey shift: “You’ve got to stay on your feet, keep your eyes on the goal, and support the teammates around you.” Volunteers say her presence has already sparked a renewed sense of optimism among staff.

As the new CEO, Spooner will oversee a budget nearing $12 million and a network of more than 400 volunteers. The board is counting on her leadership to boost fundraising targets, strengthen community ties, and, most importantly, ensure that no Ottawa family goes hungry.