Jolene Race has assumed the position of Executive Director: Columbia County Recovery Kitchen. She formerly served as Director of the Columbia County Solid Waste Department where she oversaw local transfer stations and county wide environmental initiatives and served on the Columbia County Climate Smart Committee.
Announcing Race’s appointment, Carole Clark, one of the founders of CCRK said: “In just three years, CCRK has grown from a small grass roots organization serving 200 meals a week to a major force addressing hunger in this area with over 1500 meals delivered throughout the county. With her extensive knowledge of the county and her managerial and executive background, Jolene will oversee our continuing growth and expansion.”
Race retired from government in December 2023. She soon realized, she says, “this isn’t going to work! But when I heard about this opportunity, I thought it would be a good fit. This position allows me to remain involved in a community where I have lived my entire life and to collaborate with a group that is working to address an issue that is unfortunately too often under the radar.”
In addition to her new position in CCRK, Jolene continues to work on climate issues and education. This year’s projects include a 2024 Columbia County Climate Carnival to be held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds on September 14.