After 16-months since the launch of AtlFamilyMeal in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, founder and CEO Michael Lennox steps down to return to running his restaurants: Lady Bird Grove & Mess Hall, Golden Eagle, and Muchacho. In his place, Lee Gray takes over as the organization‘s newest executive director.
Lennox, also founder and CEO of Electric Hospitality, founded the nonprofit in March of 2020 to provide food, jobs and resources for those in Metro Atlanta’s hospitality community experiencing food insecurity and joblessness. The nonprofit organization is comprised of community chefs, restaurant owners, suppliers, participating hospitality groups and partners with other nonprofit organizations, such as Second Helpings Atlanta, to expand its reach and capabilities.
Since its beginning, AtlFamilyMeal has prepared and served over 235,000 meals to those in need. AtlFamilyMeal also reimbursed underutilized restaurants in an effort to help them keep the lights on and pay their employees.
Stepping into the executive director position, Gray brings with her nearly 20 years of experience in food service, fundraising, program development, and education. She previously served as the Executive Director for the Hospitality Education Foundation of Georgia (HEFG) and is the founder and CEO of 104 Stories, a non-profit organization management company.
Even though restaurants are opening again and Lennox returns to manage his restaurants, AtlFamilyMeal will continue to innovate and provide support to the hospitality industry in Atlanta under Gray’s leadership. The organization plans to switch from an emergency relief plan to a sustainable long-term organization.
