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Business & Tech

Local Resident Goes Back to her Roots, But this Time as CEO

Aliso Viejo resident Nicole Suydam worked at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County until 2001, now returns to lead them in 2012.

Nicole Suydam has been appointed chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, a non-profit organization working to eliminate hunger in Orange County.

Suydam is a California native who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Vanguard University. She currently resides in Aliso Viejo with her husband, Michael, and their two children. 

Suydam brings 16 years of successful non-profit management and leadership experience to the organization. In her most recent position as vice president, development for Goodwill of Orange County, Suydam oversaw business and fund development, community relations, board
development and managed the successful $7 million Goodwill Fitness Center capital campaign.

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Suydam returns to Second Harvest Food Bank, where she served as the organization's development manager from 1997 to 2001. Her experience also includes roles as development manager for Women in Community
Service in Alexandria, Va, and deputy finance director for the California Republican Party in Burbank.

In 2011, Suydam was featured in OC METRO's "40 Under 40" list of outstanding young professionals in Orange County.

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Suydam succeeds Joe Schoeningh, who will remain at the Food Bank in a part-time advisory role for the next eight to 12 months. 

"As we make the transition to new executive leadership, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole as CEO," said Mark Wetterau, chairman, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Board of Directors. "Nicole is a proven leader. She will be an invaluable asset to the organization."

"I look forward to working once again with the tremendous staff, volunteers and donors at Second Harvest Food Bank," said Suydam.

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