Robert St. John and the board of directors for Extra Table have announced Martha Allen of West Point will serve as the agency’s new executive director.
Allen was selected from a pool of qualified nonprofit and business development executive candidates based on a national search conducted by The PACE Group. She brings a wealth of experience in strategic growth planning, community and media relations, fundraising and developing organizational partnerships for The Growth Alliance of West Point and Region 7 Mental Health-The Pines and Cady Hill Recovery Center in Columbus.
In her new role, Allen will represent the agency, focus on the implementation of Extra Table’s mission, establish and maintain partnerships, and fundraise. Currently, Extra Table has a presence in 32 Mississippi counties, and Allen looks to expand access to programs statewide.
“I am humbled and honored to accept the position of executive director for Extra Table,” Allen said. “It’s going to be a true joy to work with the Extra Table board, staff and partners in the fight against hunger. Extra Table is making such a positive difference in the lives of so many Mississippians.”
“The board of Extra Table is very happy to have Martha as our new executive director,” said David Fortenberry, chairman of the Extra Table Executive Search Committee. “Her passion for our mission is evident and we are ready to see where she leads our organization.”
St. John, Extra Table founder and board chairman, expressed his confidence in Allen.
“We are excited about Martha joining our team,” he said. “She will hit the ground running and is the perfect candidate to build on the amazing success Extra Table has already achieved.”
Allen has a Bachelor of Arts in interior design from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in architecture from Mississippi State University. Allen has served as a board member for Mississippi State University’s Collegiate Recovery Community, Girl Scouts and Make A Wish to name a few. She is active in the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, area children’s charities and in her church. Allen is a past member of Junior Auxiliary and the Rotary Club of West Point.
