Karen Belcher on Leadership: Be Inquisitive, Listen to Understand, Show Humility

Posted on July 5, 2021

The Food Bank of Central New York started in 1985 and now serves 11 counties in Central and Northern New York. Karen Belcher joined the Food Bank in 2001 as controller, overseeing the finances. She succeeded Kathleen Stress as executive director in January 2020, just in time for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Until then, Belcher said the Food Bank served 13-14 million meals annually. The pandemic pushed that to more than 20 million a year.

The Food Bank is a non-profit organization. It buys food and also relies on the generosity of grocers, food manufacturers, and growers. The Food Bank rarely distributes food directly to people. Instead, from a 74,000-square-foot warehouse in the town of Van Buren, the Food Bank distributes to 381 programs – dozens of food pantries, soup kitchens, community organizations and the like.

The Food Bank is known for logistical agility and for frugality in stretching resources. It was a finalist in the CenterState CEO awards for 2021 Business of the Year in the nonprofit category. Belcher leads a staff of 63, who negotiate purchases, gather donations, and distribute food. About 15,000 regular donors help to make that possible on a budget of about $12 million.

So do volunteers: “The desire to help out was so huge this past year that we’ve probably increased to over a thousand-plus volunteers trying to help us at any day that they can,” Belcher said. “Our volunteer opportunities get posted and they’re gone within hours.”

When it comes to leadership, Belcher advises that good leaders are inquisitive, listen to understand, show humility, and are kind.

Read the full article on syracuse.com, here.

Other Member News

Oswego YMCA Comedy With A Cause
October 2, 2025

Fulton Farmers' Market Halloween Bash

Join us for a fun-filled day at the last Fulton Farmers Market! 

NBT Bank Welcomes Michael Pujia as Private Banking Relationship Manager
October 2, 2025

NBT Bank Welcomes Michael Pujia as Private Banking Relationship Manager

Based in Syracuse, Pujia brings a strong background of fiduciary management, financial planning and analytical skills to support the company’s high net worth private banking clients.

CenterState CEO Chair Stephen Fournier of KeyBank Featured in Oswego County Business Profile
October 2, 2025

CenterState CEO Chair Stephen Fournier of KeyBank Featured in Oswego County Business Profile

Earlier this year, CenterState CEO announced Fournier’s unanimous election as board chair.

logo
October 2, 2025

Destiny USA Job Fair Looking For Vendors

View the PDF here to learn more about the Destiny USA Job Fair!

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Excellence Logos
October 1, 2025

Specialists' One-Day Surgery Center Recognized Nationally for Higher Quality and Cost-Effective Spine Surgery and Hip & Knee Replacements

This program identifies hospitals and ambulatory care centers (ASCs) that demonstrate expertise in delivering improved patient safety, better health outcomes, and are more cost-effective.

Wicked
October 1, 2025

Wicked to Return to Landmark Theatre Dec. 3–14, 2025

Winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards, WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world.

new partners graphic
October 1, 2025

New Partners-CEO Insights October 2025

Please join us in welcoming new CenterState CEO Partner-level members.   

member news graphic
September 30, 2025

Member Essentials-CEO Insights October 2025

Below is a snapshot of the latest news and top headlines from our members. We want to hear from you!

new investors graphic
September 30, 2025

New Investors-CEO Insights October 2025

CenterState CEO wishes to recognize the members who have recently joined as Investors.