After six years, DMARC CEO Matt Unger will be leaving the organization that works to end food insecurity by meeting the needs of Iowans through its pantries and advocating for state policies.
Unger’s last day with the Des Moines Area Religious Council is June 30, according to a news release. Until then, he will help hand his role to the successor, who has yet to be selected, the release stated.
In the release, Unger described his time at the organization in two words: “Incredibly impactful.”
DMARC’s Matt Unger advocates for Iowa to participate in a federal summer EBT program for Iowa children Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at the Iowa State Capitol.
DMARC’s first lay leader, Unger began his role in 2019, navigating the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, including the continuous growth in the number of people facing hunger. When Unger started in 2019, DMARC served 42,848 unique individuals. By last year, that figure grew to a record 75,519.
Under his tenure, Unger completed the fundraising campaign and project for DMARC’s facility expansion and relocation to 100 Army Post Road in Des Moines, its board of directors said in the release.
“This project brought the warehouse operations, administration, and DMARC’s first-ever on-site food pantry together under one roof – all through the thick of the pandemic,” they said.
Unger shared the news of his departure with the board of directors last summer, according to the release, which did not say what will be his next role.
More: A guide to free meals, food pantries in the Des Moines metro, and how you can help
The search for candidates is ongoing, with the hope of having a new CEO by mid-April, the release said. With Unger still in his role, he will work beside the new leader before officially stepping down June 30.
Upon stepping into the role, Unger said he has kept people “who guide and support our efforts every day” at the forefront. He credits them to DMARC’s ability to assist over 130,000 people in the Des Moines metro over the last few years.
“From the beginning, I have kept in mind that this role was never about me,” Unger said in the release.
“Our job isn’t finished,” he continued. “I know our leadership will continue to put people first and guide our community to a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive — all of our neighbors.”
F. Amanda Tugade covers social justice issues for the Des Moines Register. Email her at ftugade@dmreg.com or follow her on X @writefelissa.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: DMARC CEO Matt Unger leaving organization fighting food insecurity
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