Intellectually speaking, I’m in favor of term limits. Fresh perspectives, new energy and the opportunity to expand to new circles of contacts and influence are among the benefits of new leadership. On a national scale, this month marks the end of one presidential administration and the start of another; in our own community, it marks a transition in board leadership for Food Moxie.

Mira Rabin has served on the Food Moxie board for six years, four and a half as board chair. Since I joined the organization in 2013, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the ways that Mira’s leadership, passion and commitment to Food Moxie have catapulted our nonprofit from startup to maturity. I’ve grown both personally and professionally by working with her and honed my own approach to leadership as I’ve watched her govern.

When asked to reflect on her board service, Mira said, “Cycling off the Food Moxie board is a bittersweet event for me. I am excited to take on new challenges, but I will miss being a part of our committed and collegial board. Luckily, our newly elected board members and officers bring great experience and passion, so we are stronger than ever as an organization. I plan to remain involved as a donor and a volunteer, and I will always be proud of how we’ve grown.”

Also completing her board service is Margaret Guthrie. Margaret has been an exemplary volunteer, spending time every week at Stenton Family Manor, where she has cultivated more than an herb garden. The impact of the time she spends with the children in Garden Club can’t be understated, sharing her knowledge, but more importantly, being a reliable and encouraging presence for young people whose lives are riddled with uncertainty.

As sorry as I am to see Mira and Margaret go, I’m very excited by the incoming leadership of Food Moxie. Current board members Vania Freire, Tim Clair and Laura Morris Siena have been elected Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary, respectively. Jeffrey Fuller, who has served as Treasurer for the last two years, has been re-elected to continue in the position.

Vania was one of Food Moxie’s early volunteers, predating my own tenure. With a masters in public health, a leadership role in the local philanthropic community and a commitment to social justice and ending hunger, we’re lucky to have Vania on our board. Vania feels the same way about us: “I can’t think of anything more satisfying than to work with like-minded people while accomplishing something good in the city we live in and love.”

In addition to congratulating our incoming executives, I’d like to also introduce and welcome Natalie Catin-St. Louis, Anne Munch Jensen, Sharat Somashekara and Meredith Wishart, all of whom joined the board in September. Our new board members bring expertise in education (including special needs), agriculture, advocacy and administration. For more about their impressive backgrounds and what they bring to Food Moxie, visit our website at www.foodmoxie.org.