Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, will retire in the second quarter of 2026, according to a Thursday (Aug. 7) news release. He joined the food bank in 2016.
The board of directors has started the search for the next president and CEO.
Since joining the food bank nearly a decade ago, Eikenberry has led the 501(c)(3) nonprofit through growth, expanded community partnerships and a commitment to address hunger in the region.
“Serving the Northwest Arkansas community has been the honor of my career,” Eikenberry said. “Never has a job made me feel more complete than leading the food bank these past 10 years. Together, we have built something meaningful. While our work is not finished, I am confident in the future of this organization.”
He helped lead the organization through the opening of the 84,000-square-foot Claude and Betty Harris Center for Hunger Relief in 2024. The food bank successfully completed a $26 million capital campaign to build the new center in Lowell. Because of the community support, the center was completed without a mortgage. Also during his tenure, the food bank expanded programs and distribution capacity.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I want to express our deepest appreciation to Kent for his outstanding leadership,” said Jason Howard, chair of the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank Board.
The release shows Eikenberry provided “sufficient notice to allow for a thoughtful and seamless leadership transition.” The board will ensure the food bank continues to carry out its mission to increase access to nutritious food across Northwest Arkansas.
In 2024 the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank distributed over 14.9 million pounds of food and provided over 12.4 million meals. The food was provided to those in need through the help of more than 110 agency partners.