Kara Ross has over 25 years of management experience through various leadership positions with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and previously at Pontiac Headquarters, representing General Motors in legal arbitrations.  During Ross’s time at the Food Bank, it has grown from distributing 6 million pounds of food a year to over 51 million pounds of food a year which includes 17 million pounds of fresh produce, including products from Michigan farms.   

The Food Bank annually serves over 330,000 food-insecure individuals in 22 counties of Michigan through a network of church pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and children’s programs. Ross started her Food Bank career as Director of Development, was promoted to Vice President in 2007, and became the CEO in May of 2018. 

Ross has helped develop community partnerships with the annual Holiday Campaign, worked on a $6 million Capital Campaign for the Hunger Solution Center, and serves with the Flint community in response to the water crisis as the Chair for the Resource Recovery Workgroup working on nutritional projects to combat the effects of lead exposure found in children and families.  She has led several operational expansions in warehousing and logistics projects that have involved infrastructure, transportation, warehouse equipment, and technology upgrades.

Ross earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and advertising from Central Michigan University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration. She is also a member and past board member of the Downtown Flint Kiwanis Club, a board member of the Food Bank Council of Michigan, the Chair for the Advisory Board for the PGA First Tee of Eastern Michigan, and a Board Member of the IMA Recreational Association.  Ross is married to her husband Scott and together they have two daughters, Abbey-Lyn and Rachel.