Jessica Vaughan is the new chief executive officer for Second Harvest of the Greater Valley.

The Manteca-based Second Harvest serves as a distribution center to supply food banks throughout the Northern San Joaquin Valley and adjoining foothills to help feed 35,000 people each month who are food insecure.

“It is an honor to step into this role, especially at an organization with which I have such a deep and meaningful history,” Vaughn said.

“For years, I have had a front-row seat to watch and influence the impactful work Second Harvest has accomplished. Our collective efforts in addressing food scarcity have been a beacon of hope in our communities,” she added. “I am excited to build upon this legacy and further our mission of Feeding our Community Through our Partnerships.”

Vaughan originally joined the food bank in 2012.

She has served as the Director of Development and Communications since 2017.

During her tenure with Second Harvest, she established herself as an invaluable resource for peers and management, leading to additional responsibilities and progressively increasing leadership roles through the years.

 In October 2023, she was appointed to Interim CEO following the departure of the previous food bank CEO.

After an extensive search, the Board of Directors unanimously decided that Vaughan was the ideal person to serve the organization.

“We are excited to have Jessica take the helm of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley,” noted Jeff Weinstein, SHGV Board President. “Her commitment to the organization, and her passion for the people in the community that we serve, are evident in her past success.  

Vaughan recently received the David Barnes Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award in 2022.

She obtained her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification in 2021, and she is attending her final classes at CSU Stanislaus to complete her degree in organizational communications.

Vaughan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce, the AFP Yosemite Chapter, and the National Fundraising Services Advisory Committee for Feeding America.

 She is a member of Manteca Rotary, which allows her to serve the community where she works and lives with her  husband Thomas and two daughters.

 In her spare time, Vaughan enjoys storytelling through the lens of her camera — especially in nature.

SHGV collaborates with numerous agency partners to serve an eight-county region addressing the needs of individuals and families in Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Alpine and Amador counties.

For more information visit SHGV at www.localfoodbank.org