Martha's Table announces Kim R. Ford will become the new President & CEO of the nonprofit known for its leadership in providing educational, health, and family supports for D.C. residents. Ford, who recently worked at the U.S. Department of Education, brings an extensive background in education leadership and community development, coupled with a track record of achieving proven, quantifiable results.

"We could not have asked for a stronger leader than Kim R. Ford to serve as our next CEO," said Ellis Carr, Board Chair of Martha's Table and CEO of Capital Impact Partners. "Her fierce commitment to advancing equity in the District of Columbia will be a guiding compass in our work to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities in D.C."

At the U.S. Department of Education, Ford served as Acting Assistant Secretary in the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, where she led the management of roughly $2 billion in workforce development programs. Prior, Ford worked at the University of the District of Columbia, overseeing programs related to career and technical education and continuing education as Dean of the Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning Division. She also served in President Obama's Administration, where she helped lead the implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, distributing more than $350 billion in recovery funds to spur economic growth.

"I am personally thrilled to have Kim join us as the next leader of Martha's Table," said Dr. Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Martha's Table Board Member and Dean of the School of Education at American University. "Her impressive background in education and focus on lifelong learning will elevate our mission to ensure all children in D.C. have the opportunity for their brightest future."

For nearly 40 years, Martha's Table has worked closely with a wide range of partners and neighbors to achieve a shared vision for strong children, strong families, and strong communities. The organization strives to ensure every child in D.C. — regardless of zip code — has access to the education, health, and family supports necessary to succeed in childhood, college, and a career.

"I am honored to join Martha's Table and be a part of its long history of partnering with D.C. residents," said Ford. "My mother was a lifelong public servant who instilled in me a passion for serving my community. And as a native Washingtonian, nothing is more important to me than seeing children and families in our city thrive."

After six years leading the organization as President & CEO, Patty Stonesifer announced her retirement in November 2018. Stonesifer's tenure saw institutional shifts to expand early childhood education and extend its programming to support residents on both sides of the Anacostia River. The latter spurred the construction of a new headquarters on Elvans Road in Southeast D.C., which Martha's Table moved into in summer 2018.

In seeking the next President & CEO, the Martha's Table Board of Directors partnered with Diversified Search, a leading executive search firm committed to equity and inclusion, to assist in identifying experienced candidates with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, development, and community engagement. More than 200 candidates were considered for the position.