Moveable Feast, headquartered in downtown Baltimore, announced the appointment of Christian Metzger as the new executive director for the non-profit organization that delivers nutritious meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life threatening illnesses in Baltimore City, the surrounding counties and the Eastern Shore. In his new role, Metzger will be responsible for leadership and management of the nonprofit in fulfilling its mission and specifically, to oversee staff and volunteers, represent the organization at community events, serve as the official spokesperson and supervise and manage budgets, fundraising activities, programs, services, legislative matters, advocacy issues and related initiatives as well as work with the Board of Directors and partnering organizations.
Metzger replaces Tom Bonderenko, who is retiring, but successfully ran the non-profit for over nine years. "We have been so fortunate to have had Tom Bonderenko's leadership, compassionate personality and dedication to our mission and the clients we serve for the past 9 years. We will truly miss Tom, but we know Christian will have both strength and grace as he makes the transition to our new Executive Director. We trust Christian will continue to honor Moveable Feast's important mission as we move forward,” said Karen Brennan, President of the Board of Directors.
Prior to joining Moveable Feast, Metzger worked for seven years as executive director for the Franciscan Center, one of Baltimore’s oldest human services agencies helping the homeless and economically disadvantaged. While at the Franciscan Center, Metzger made many significant contributions including increasing the budget from $650,000 to 1.9M, introducing innovative programs such as Attire 4 Hire, opening a children’s library at the center, upgrading the food service program and garnering new partnerships beneficial to the organization, among other things. Before working for the Franciscan Center, he worked as executive director for Best Buddies Internationals and prior to that, he started Leadership Through Athletics (LTA) in southwest Baltimore.
“I’m excited to join Moveable Feast and am passionate about their mission and “food is medicine” philosophy. The organization has a stellar reputation and the board, staff, volunteers and supporters are all dedicated and committed to their work and I find that inspiring,” said Christian Metzger, new executive director. He added, “I look forward to working with this talented team to grow and expand Moveable Feast’s services and programs statewide.”
Metzger is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Maryland Chapter, the Chesapeake Planned Giving Council and the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations. In addition, he serves on the board of directors for The Samaritan Women and the career advisory board at the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University. He regularly volunteers with various organizations that contribute to the arts, help animals and serve people with disabilities. In 2015, Metzger received the Comptrollers Medallion from Peter Franchot for his work in the Baltimore community.
Metzger is a graduate of the Salisbury University Perdue School of Business and holds a Bachelor of Science degree with dual concentrations in Marketing and Management. A native of Lancaster, PA, Metzger now lives in Nottingham, MD with his wife and two pets. He and his wife enjoy traveling, cooking, biking, hiking and kayaking as well as attending outdoor music concerts and festivals.
