PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro Announces Erin Riney as Executive Director

The board of directors of PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro has named Erin Riney as the non-profit’s new executive director, effective July 5. 

In addition to prior non-profit advocacy work and numerous volunteer roles, her past experience includes over 15 years as a community college educator and student champion. Chief among her many projects include collaborating with students to create Durham Technical Community College’s robust campus food pantry and spearheading the creation of interconnected holistic student supports for student parents and those experiencing housing insecurity and other basic needs challenges. 

Riney also led a statewide alliance of other college pantries, created the college’s civic and community engagement office, and wrote a college success textbook that has been utilized by community colleges across the state to help first-generation students navigate higher education. A resident of Chapel Hill since 2004, she is passionate about developing inclusive, equitable solutions to engage and support our Chapel Hill and Carrboro neighbors. 

“PORCH’s neighbors-helping-neighbors model provides the foundation for food justice work that can transform a community,” says Riney. “At the heart of the organization’s efforts is the sense of community formed between donors, volunteers, PORCH program participants, and community partner organizations – and I look forward to working with them all as we continue to address the problem of hunger and its root causes right here in our backyard.”

“PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro prides itself on 13 years of steady growth and program enhancement,” says Laura Malinchock, board chair. “We have filled gaps, worked with partners to enroll families who need our support, prioritized cultural preferences, and identified fresh food partners – all while navigating economic downturns and a global pandemic. Our board has embarked on a new strategic plan to meet the growing demands of families facing food insecurity. We want to strengthen our infrastructure, our leadership, and our programs to meet this increasing need. Our board is shifting from one that was operationally focused to a governing board with staff to support our mission. The addition of Erin to our team is crucial to our future growth. We look forward to supporting her in this new season of leadership for our beloved organization.”   

PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro fights hunger by mobilizing neighbors, building community, and providing fresh, healthy food to families, local pantries, and schools. Since its founding in 2010, PORCH has provided more than $5 million in hunger relief to Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents. In 2022, PORCH Chapel Hill-Carrboro provided a record amount of hunger relief – $824,900 in fresh food, non-perishable goods, and grocery gift card support. Each month, about 280 volunteers serve more than 550 families – about 2,275 individuals, which includes 1,300 children. Learn more at chapelhill.porchcommunities.org.