Long Island Cares — also known as The Harry Chapin Food Bank — has named Katherine M. Fritz its new president and CEO.
The Hauppauge-based nonprofit distributes 16 million pounds of food annually to over 300,000 people in both Suffolk and Nassau counties. This includes 75,000 children, countless veterans, and homeless individuals as well.
Fritz previously served as the organization’s vice president for development and communications. The 55-year-old steps in for retiring former president and CEO Paule Pachter, 71, who will remain on standby to assist during the transition.
The new LI Cares head earned a degree in marine biology from Southampton College in 1993. She began her career in the environmental space shortly thereafter, later taught at Molloy College, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree.
Three decades later, stepping into leadership during a rocky time for food banks is no small task. Reportedly, the number of food-insecure Long Islanders has risen 30 percent this year; 300,000 are still in need.
LI Cares believes they have the right person for the job—telling local news media that Fritz helped grow annual donations from $4 million to $11 million.
The organization was founded in 1980 by “Cat’s in the Cradle” singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. The Huntington resident used his platform to fight hunger on the international stage until his untimely death en route to a charity performance at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow the following year.
Fast forward to 2025: LI Cares now operates with a $41 million budget and about 80 employees.
Fritz joined after a nationwide search. She previously worked with the American Red Cross, the Guide Dog Foundation, and America’s VetDogs.
“Together, we can make a difference,” LI Cares’ website reads. “Our vision is ‘A Hunger Free Long Island.’”
For more information on how to get involved, visit licares.org.